Go-To Shots Trim Scores And Golf Handicaps
PGA pros depend on “Go To” shots to survive in tournaments. Go to shots are shots golfers hit well under pressure. They use them they’re when they’re in trouble, when they need a clutch shot, or when their games go awry. They’re useful whether you’re playing stroke or match play, or just trying to win a skin from someone. Some players call Go To shots “money shots.” Mastering a few Go To shots takes your game up a notch. They build confidence, boost competitiveness, and cut strokes from your scores and golf handicap.
But you have to be careful with Go To shots. They have a downside. Golfers can become too enamored of them. They practice them all the time to the exclusion of other shots. They build their games around them. And they use them too much during a round. In other words, they use them when they should be practicing or using other shots. Thus, they don’t develop other shots. Otherwise, Go To shots are great weapons to add to one’s arsenal. Below are some golf tips on Go To shots often taught in group golf instruction sessions and individual golf lessons.
Three-Wood Stinger
The goal with a 3-wood stinger is to keep the ball low while generating distance. It’s often used when a golfer’s in trouble, like when buried in a clump of trees. Set up as you normally would for a 3-wood: Flex your knees, stay centered, and position your hands over the ball. Also, choke down using a light grip. Now, limit your weight shift to the rear foot during the backswing. Use mostly shoulder turn for the shot, turning harder to make up for the lack of weight shift. This move de-lofts the club and produces a lower, more penetrating ballflight.
Opposite-handed Swing
It’s a great shot when stymied by a bush, a tree, or another obstacle, blocking you from assuming your normal set up. The goal with the opposite-handed swing is getting back on the fairway. Use it rather than take an unplayable lie and relief. Most players opt for a pitching wedge for the shot. Set-up as you would for an opposite-handed shot. But invert the club, so the toe is pointing downward. Make an abbreviated swing. Expect the ball to move sharply right, hopefully back toward the fairway. Even if the ball moves only a few yards, it’s an improvement.
Severe-Down Hill Chip
With this shot, it’s critical you read the green correctly. Why—because the ball is going to roll more than normal. Thus, you must factor in break and speed to get the ball close to the hole. Keeping the hands low and opening the clubface keys this shot. Chose a club with plenty of loft. Play the ball back in your stance. And adjust your weight and shoulders to the slope of the hill. On tight pins, don’t be afraid to land the ball in the fringe, since the ball will have some roll to it.
Fairway Bunker
When you need distance, don’t hesitate to use a fairway wood in a bunker. Secure your feet by digging into the sand, position the ball slightly back of center, and place your weight over your forward foot. Choke down about an inch and aim left of target, if you’re right-handed. Expect your swing to be a little more upright than usual. Swing freely and make ball-first contact. The flight path will steer right for a right-hander, so account for the low fade.
Aggressive Putting
This isn’t so much as a Go To shot as just good common sense. Sometimes, you must be aggressive with your putting, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. To increase your aggressiveness, become an expert green reader. Evaluate how much slope there is behind the hole. If the green slopes away, play it safe. But if there’s an uphill slope or the green flattens out, consider a run at the hole. Also, become proficient at reading grain. If your downhill putt is with the grain, it’s going to be extra slippery. Remember, the ball can’t go in if it doesn’t reach the hole.
Go To shots are godsends. If you don’t fall too much in love with Go To shots, they enhance your game, boost your confidence, and dramatically improve your scores and golf handicap. When it comes to learning them, golf lessons and golf tips provide some help. But mastering them is requires practice. Hopefully, the golf tips provided above will help.
About the Author
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros. He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. Free weekly newsletter available with the latest golf tips, lessons and instructions.