The 3 Smartest Shots in Golf You Should Be Making

We’ve all seen the cringe-worthy moments on the golf course: those epic fails like trying to make a hero shot from the trees, duffing a chip from just off the green, or endlessly attempting to fly a wedge over a water hazard to a tucked pin. But hey, let’s switch things up for a second and shine a light on the smart shots that everyone should be making instead.

Smart shots might not make it onto the highlight reel, but they’re the unsung heroes of your scorecard. These shots save you strokes, manage your game’s momentum, and prevent nasty surprises like a snowman showing up on your scorecard. So, grab your favorite club, and let’s dive into the three smartest shots you can play!

The Putt from Off the Green

First up: the classic putt from off the green. Most amateurs instinctively reach for that trusty wedge when they find themselves just off the green. Sure, that chip shot can feel fun and a little heroic, but the smart play here is to stick with your putter.

According to data from Shot Scope, putting from the fringe or tight grass typically leads to way better results than chipping. Why? The putter simplifies things by eliminating variables like turf interaction and spin control. So, if you want to up your game, grab that putter!

Use This Shot When:

• Your ball is sitting pretty on short grass.
• There are no obstacles standing between you and the hole.
• You want to avoid the drama of chunking, blading, or rolling it way too far.

Also, consider adding this shot to your practice routine. When I first experimented with it, it didn’t feel that “smart,” but over time, you’ll learn how beautifully the ball rolls off the fringe and how it affects your putts.

The Punch-Out Back to the Fairway

Let’s talk about one of the most strategic moves in golf: the punch-out back to the fairway. We’ve all found ourselves tangled up in the trees after a wayward tee shot. You’re left with two choices: attempt the risky shot through the trees or play it safe and get back to the fairway.

Smart players opt for the punch-out. This isn’t just a getaway; it’s a calculated move. If you practice the punch-out with the right club, you can still advance the ball while crafting a plan for your next shot.

Watching tour players, you’ll notice how they execute this shot to land in a comfortable yardage spot. Take some time at the range to practice different clubs like a 7-, 6-, or 5-iron and watch how the ball’s flight and behavior changes.

The Aggressive Drive on a Short Par-4

This one might sound like it’s high-risk, but stats show it’s actually a smart play. Shot Scope research indicates that being closer to the green—even if you land in the rough—usually produces better outcomes than laying up on those short par-4s.

The thing is, if you can avoid hazards and out-of-bounds areas, you stand a much better chance of turning short par-4s into birdie opportunities. I get it; laying up to your “favorite number” is tempting, but more often than not, that strategy ends up costing you strokes.

The closer you are to the green, the more likely you are to hit it in regulation. So, if you’re feeling confident and can safely clear those hazards, it’s time to blast that aggressive drive!

Mastering Strategy

Now that we’ve introduced these three smart shots, let’s talk a bit about the overall strategy you should adopt when playing. The smartest golfers are those who play with their heads, not just their swings. Understanding the course, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and having a plan all go a long way in making these “smart” shots the best decisions you can make.

Creating a game plan based on how you typically score can help you identify when to pull these shots into your round. Embrace a smart approach by calculating risks versus rewards, and you’ll find your scores will naturally improve.

Practice Makes Perfect

Ultimately, to make these smart shots a natural part of your game, you need to practice. It’s essential to dedicate some time on the range to work on your putts from off the green, punch-outs from the trees, and aggressive drives on shorter par-4s. The more comfortable you are with these shots, the less you’ll second-guess yourself on the course.

Consider setting up drills focused on each of these shots. Work on your putting from various distances, practice your punch-outs in different situations, and challenge yourself to get more aggressive on those short par-4s during your rounds.

The Smart Game Approach

One of the beauties of golf is that there is no single right way to play it. But adopting a mindset that prioritizes smart shots over spectacular risk-taking will lead to more enjoyable rounds. When you shift your focus from highlights to strategies, you’ll gain valuable experience that accumulates over time.

Pay attention to how these smarter choices impact your game. Not only will you see lower scores, but you’ll also build a solid foundation of confidence that will transform your day on the course.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—three of the smartest shots and the wisdom behind them. Next time you’re on the course, give these shots a shot! While they might not be the most epic swings of the day, the impact they make on that scorecard will be undeniable.

As you incorporate these smart shots into your game, you’ll likely find a newfound appreciation for how strategy can play as big of a role as pure skill. Embrace the smart game approach, and watch your golf performance soar!