“Smart golf” is the topic I’d like to address in this week’s column.
Could you tell me what it is and why it isn’t helping you?
My discussion with a golfer with a medium handicap this week is the inspiration for all of this. “Something along the lines of…” he stated when we were discussing his round.
I tried to play smart out there, but every time I “took my medicine” I ended up screwing up that shot too! What’s the point of “smart golf” if I’m gonna hit it in the hazard anyways?
This is a common objection, but I am paraphrasing.
Speak about it.
Can you tell me what “smart golf” is?
What I mean by “smart golf” is the kind of golf that we should be playing more frequently but rarely do because “it’s boring.”
Here are some examples of “smart golf”:
- Hitting a 3-wood off the tee instead of a driver when hitting a driver would be better
- Instead of trying to “thread the needle” between two trees, they went back out to the field.
- When the pin is in a tough spot, aim for the middle of the green.
We all know we should try to play “smarter”, but ironically, the only golfers I’ve ever seen truly play “smart golf” are the pros.
Why is that?
What is The 7/10 Rule in Golf?
If you can’t hit the shot successfully 7 out of 10 times, don’t hit it.
Maybe you’re not sure you can hit any shot 7 out of 10 times, though.
What if it still seems like the “smart play” could go wrong?
Now let me paint you a picture:
- Par 5 18th at Pebble Beach
- You’ve got 218 to the front edge of the green
Well I know I should lay up with an 8-iron, but what if I hook that into the water? I might as well just go for it with my 3 hybrid!
I followed this reasoning.
You followed this line of thinking.
Each of us has fallen prey to this reasoning.
That does not prove it is accurate. Most players would advise laying up with an 8, 9, or 7 iron then striking a wedge into the green as the proper option here.
At Pebble, the greens are small, and the 18th hole is very difficult. Most golfers who try to hit the goal from 218 yards away will either land in the water on the left or out of bounds on the right.
Commit to every shot (even the easy ones)
It looks like you’ve chosen to “take your medicine” and lay up with an 8-iron. Good job!
Now, don’t forget that you have to give every shot your all.
The “smart shot” that isn’t so “fun” is often played with too much confidence.
We tell ourselves…
It won’t look bad if I mess this up if I don’t work hard at it.
Take the same amount of time and care with an 8-iron layup as you would with a 3-wood over a big water danger.
Playing “smart” might get you in trouble again, but don’t give up.
Follow the rules out there.
It is said that if you do something over and over again, your scores will go down because of the law of averages…
My Final Thought
As a sport, “smart golf” is not popular.
If you’re able to maintain self-control while playing golf, though, your scores will reflect that.
Hi, I’m Sarah Thompson, a passionate player and writer from the United States. I’ve been immersed in the world of golf for over 15 years, playing in amateur events and refining my skills on the green. At 40, I mix my love for the sport with my writing, creating pieces that aim to help golfers of all levels improve their game and find joy in every swing.
