PGA Professional Kevin Sprecher and I play a Par 5 together and discuss good course management to optimize par opportunities.
A good method of determining club selection for a shot is to ask yourself, “What club do I want to hit on my next shot?”
The Scenario:
I hit a good drive on this challenging Par 5. A bogey is a good score; par is awesome. I have bunkers running down the right side of the fairway with water occupying the entire left side.
If I hit my 3 wood perfectly, I can get to 65 yards for an easy wedge for a possible birdie. However, if I miss even a little, I am in the water or one of the bunkers.
If I select my hybrid, I can get to 115 and then use a 9 iron into the green, still providing a birdie opportunity!
What would you do?
Shot No. 2: Kevin and I determined that I should take the high percentage shot—Option 2—using my hybrid and land it 115ish yards from the green. This option takes the trouble out of the equation. And that’s what I do. As Kevin and I determined, I am using my hybrid. I can get to 115 yards and then use a 9 iron into the green, still providing a birdie opportunity!
Shot No. 3: My second shot with a hybrid was a success. I am now 112 from the pin. I have some decisions to make. Do I go for the pin and have a chance at a birdie putt or do I go for the fat part of the green?
What would you do?
I have decided to go with a higher percentage shot; go for the fat part of the green – Option 2. I made this choice because the risk of Option 1 was not worth the reward. The pin is tucked on the far left corner of the green surrounded by water and large greenside bunkers. There is also a right-to-left wind. If I miss-hit even a little, I am in trouble and a double or triple for sure—no thanks.
My approach shot was perfect. I landed in a low-risk area of the green. I am left with a downhill putt for par. Challenging, but possible. Kevin and I play it out in the putting section so be sure! Plus, I learn key points from Kevin when on the green!