Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Should

Making Decisions with Your Head, Not with Your Emotions

Whether a junior player, a collegiate player, or a Tour player, there are times when it makes more sense to play conservatively rather than taking risks that are too large. For players who have length off the tee and/or can hit every club a relatively long way, there are times when the temptation is to go for every Par 5 in two and or go for some short Par 4s with a driver. Taking very aggressive lines in order to cut corners and have short shots into Par 4s is sometimes the play, as is going for the Par 5 with your 3- wood. But sometimes, it’s not the wisest thing. The longer hitters with whom I work sometimes battle an inner “knowing” that they are long hitters, which (for some) creates a feeling inside that they “should” go for these types of shots. They feel if they don’t “take advantage of their length” that they are not playing to their strengths. My recommendation to these players is the same that I will give to you. Make sure that you do a very thorough risk/reward assessment before pulling the trigger on these types of shots. Given an opportunity to make eagle, are you also putting a number higher than par into play? What are the odds of you making a birdie from a good lay-up position versus taking the risk of “going for it” in two on the Par 5?

The point here is this. Because you have a strong weapon in your arsenal does not mean that you have to pull it out on every hole. Be smart in your choices and judicious in the use of these weapons, so that you can use them on holes on which you can take advantage without too much risk. Remember that your length is still helping you if you have the option of hitting a 3-wood or 5-wood off a tee while others are forced to hit driver.

Just because you can go for it, doesn’t mean that you should! Let your head make the decision, not your emotions!