Good Day, golfers. This week’s question comes from Judy in Lake Forest Park.
After watching the British Open, she wants to know how the players decide what shot to play when they are close to the green. If you had a chance to watch the British Open you would have seen the players using a wide variety clubs and hitting a wide variety of shots.
There are several factors that play into shot selection. On courses like the one they used for the British Open, there is not a lot of thick rough around the greens. The ground tends to be firm and mowed very tightly. On the PGA Tour, there tends to be plenty of thick rough surrounding the greens.
When there is very little rough around the greens, there are several shots that are available. You can putt, chip or pitch the ball. You can use a 7 iron, 9 iron, or pitching wedge. You can even use a fairway wood or hybrid.
The one shot that is very difficult is the flop shot. If the ground is firm and you have a tight lie, it is very difficult to get the sand wedge under the ball. Conversely, when there is thick rough around the green, you are limited to what shot you can play. Basically, you use your sand wedge and hit a shot much similar to a bunker shot.
The lie determines everything. With a good lie, you can hit any shot you would like. A bad lie limits the selection of shots.
Next look at the conditions between you and the green. If there is thick rough, this will limit the shots available to a pitch or flop shot. If there is very little thick grass between you and the green, you can putt, chip, or pitch the ball. When it comes to club selection, this is more a function of practice.
On the course use the club that you practice with most. Never try something new on the course. Once you have selected the shot and club, commit to it and focus on where you want the ball to land.
Please e-mail your questions to tyroneh@ballingerlakegolf.com. Also, we have just recently been selected to take over management at Gleneagle Golf Club in Arlington. Come in and say hi.
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