Which shot would you prefer?

If you played 5 times from B and 5 times from position A, what would your average number of shots be to hole out on A vs B?   

The shot from position B, although the same distance to the flag, is measurably harder. The amount of green you have to work with is just 3 yards vs. 18 yards.

This is known as a “short-side” miss. You’re in position 5, and the distance between the edge of the green (4) and the hole (3) is the shortest distance. Missing and finishing position 1 would be much better, because you have more of the green to work with.

The very best golfers of each generation are almost always those that have a game management approach that rarely, if ever, leaves them short-sided. Everyone thinks of Tiger Woods as an aggressive player or Nick Faldo as having robotic approach shots. But both played to avoid the short-side miss at almost all costs.

They knew that, even with their short game, they were likely to lose a shot from position B. So, their target would NOT be the flag with this approach.

You probably don’t have their short game, so planning to avoid these short-sided shots will not only save you a lot of shots, it will also save you frustration and horror.  

When looking at the green on approach, always identify where you don’t want to miss. And then adjust your aim, ignore the flag, and aim somewhere that means even your bad shot won’t find the bad miss.

Three reasons to have a playing lesson: Firstly, it includes game management. How to avoid frustration, and experience more good moments. Secondly, we get to observe your technique under pressure in all sorts of conditions, playing all sorts of shots. We get to give so much more advice. Finally, it is a lot of fun connecting out on the golf course. If you want the best way to learn, leave your details below.