The great Tom Watson offers the golf tip, “think one shot ahead.” This is such a simple tip which could save countless strokes off a golfer’s game. Not only that, there are no swing adjustments, lessons, or new equipment to buy. Instant stroke saver! Let’s look at a couple of situations.
Tee
You’re on the tee of a tricky par-4 hole. The approach to the hole is guarded by many bunkers short right of the green, and the flag is tucked behind them. The best approach to this green would be one which takes as much of those bunkers out of play as possible. The best angle to do that is from the left side of the fairway. Thinking one shot ahead, knowing that the best approach is from the left side of the fairway, the proper club to hit off the tee or the proper shot to hit is one which places that ball in the position above. Whether that’s driver, a long iron, or other club, that’s the ticket.
Trouble
A bad shot has resulted in a position behind some trees. There’s no shot at getting to the green. Where is the best position to hit the NEXT shot? One must analyze the situation and make that call. Usually the best place to hit from is one which is not IN trouble; one which provides a clear shot at the target or green. Knowing that going toward the green may result in a next shot which is still in trouble, it may be the best shot to go backward, or sideways away from the trouble to a shot which is clear.
Putt
We have a simple 100 yard approach to a difficult green. The green has a very severe slope from back to front and the pin is just past middle. From 100 yards we are thinking of the best place for the NEXT shot. There is no way we want to be long or above the hole on this tough green. The best next shot is a putt from below the hole. We must calculate the proper club to hit the green, but be below the hole. With the pin just past center, there are about 10 yards between the pin and the front edge. Therefore a 90-95 yard approach is the best for this situation, leaving the next shot 5-10 yards below the hole where the putt can be aggressive and more safe.
Conclusion
Think about where the best position is for the NEXT shot, and hit the current shot to that position.
