Play it Safe and Cut Your Score

In a recent GOLF CHANNEL BLOG, Rory McIlroy said that he is no longer “Playing it Safe”. He explained this week at Torrey Pines. “I have my own style of play but sometimes I get into situations and I become a little too conservative.” The pros can make decisions, like Rory, in their game but recreational players should NOT be influenced by their comments. The pros play in another world.

When recreational golfers are playing a round of golf, we start to recall that we have seen televised rounds of golf where the risk reward is high and the pros go for it. Shake your head and get back to reality. If your Handicap Index is higher than 10 you really need to “Play it Safe”. Avoid the sand traps, water and bushes.

A classic Rory McIlroy focus on his ball, well after he launches his shot. Focus on hitting the perfect shot to a safe landing area.

Get Smart:
Why do we get so bold when we see the opportunity for an easy par? Yesterday I had a 140 yard shot over a trap to hit a downhill slope on the green and then I bounced into the back end of a sand trap on the far side of the green. I’ve played that hole before and I knew that I had never held that green in the past. Why did I take my second shot (with such a high risk) and end up with a 7 after I hit out of 2 traps on that par 4?  The easy shot was to land on the front of the green in 2 and then 2 or 3 putt for a maximum 5.

This game drives us crazy because the pros put us in a mindset where we think we can make these risky shots. The best solution is to watch LPGA matches where many of the ladies layup on the par 5’s and go for the perfect pitch shot for an easy birdie.

Take a reality check. Before you play your next round of golf, decide to play conservatively. Use your woods and irons off the tee where it makes sense. Go for the easy shots, layup before those long shots over the water and go for the safe shots in the center of the green. Practice with your GOLFSTR+ to improve every shot in your game. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com

GOLF LAW #17: It’s not a gimme if you’re still 4 feet away.

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