Tip From the Archives

Par 5

Problem

You are playing a par 5 and cannot afford to take a lot of shots.

Cure

It is not necessary the guy who gets it the closest to the green that wins but the one that can get it in the hole with the least amount to strokes. So play your shots to get it to where you know you can make it in. Instead of trying to kill the ball at any random location that just happens to be the furthest away from the tee box. Find the safest place on the fairway to land the ball. Think in terms of your second shot. Where would be the best place to land the ball to give you an easy second shot? Know before you start playing your round which clubs you are hitting well that day and plan your shots accordingly.

Therapy

Aim for the 100 yard maker instead of trying to get the ball to the edge of the green. Players often find it is much easier to play from the 50 or 100 yard marker than from the edge of the green. So even if the ball is not necessary as close to the green as you would like, plan on finding a place that will be the easiest place for you to hit the ball onto the green. You will find that you can do it in less strokes when you play the shots that make you the most comfortable.

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18 votes

 
Michael Henry | 3 years ago, mid-August

How many players think that way? The PGA professional golfers do. Club players? I jest of course. All club players want to do is emulate Tiger Woods and smash the bejaysus out of the ball! The most effective weapon in the golfer's armoury, is the one least used. The one between their ears.Fact. My whole ethos on golf has changed.Now 120 yards in, I am 'dangerous'.

Rob Bromley | 3 years ago, mid-August

I play just like this on every hole. I hit my 50 degree wedge 150 yards, and I use a 56 for anything inside of that but I have to finesse shots inside of 100 which is a pain for me. My best shots are 150 out so I play to be 150 out on my second/third shots depending on the hole. I prefer a full swing I don't do well with lighter swings.

Some guy | 3 years ago, at the end of August

Rob Bromley plays like this ever hole.

Nick H. | 3 years ago, at the end of August

I try to play it from a little farther out on a par5. Hopefully a 5iron shot (I have no idea what my distances are) Simply because it's easier for me to get it on the green. When I'm close to the green I can't chip worth a darn. And if i have say 20ft of runup fringe before the green to deal with. I just putt real hard.



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