Golf Course Strategy 

Golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course - the distance between your ears. - Bobby Jones

An example of thinking outside the box I will always remember.

Once a class of students were asked to partcicipate in making a aeroplane out of paper to test who could fly it the furthest. Little johnny was not interested and at the end of the line , all his class mates had flown their planes and the the mark for him to beat was set, so in an instant he scrunched his sheet of paper into a ball and threw way past everyone else. 

Thinking Outside The Box When Facing Difficult golf Shots

One of the key ingredients to becoming a better golf player and producing targeted shots on the golf course is to develop the skill to hit a variety of shots, from different angles, and from a multitude of disaster areas.

Unexpected circumstances are bound to happen in golf and being able to adapt to these circumstances to make a recovery is the hallmark of a good golf player.

For example, let's say your approach shot is 125 yards from the green but there is a low hanging tree branch that is beckoning to deflect your shot, of which you would normally utilize the 7-iron. What would you do in this situation?

A skilled golfer would choose to hit the ball the same distance but with far less height. This way the ball will pass underneath the tree branch.

So Instead of using a 7-iron, it would be best to take a 5-iron, while gripping down  about 2 inches, and moving the ball to the right approximately 1 inch.

The Result

Gripping lower on the 5-iron club will reduce the distance the ball will travel. And by playing the ball back within your stance, a lower shot will be generated so that the ball will undoubtedly pass underneath the tree branch. The shot will travel very close to the 125 yards needed. In addition, the ball can take a lower travel path, thus inducing more roll.

Many Paths Lead To The Same End

Let's be clear on one thing - the above example is just one way to skin a cat, so to speak. Many players in the same situation may use another route and utilized a different club to get the ball moving in the same manner. Being adaptable on the course comes by knowing your clubs, and knowing them well.

Take some time to practice sticky situations and work your way out of them. Try hitting with a 4-iron and use a ¾ swing to get your ball out of a troubled spot. Make the shot with your 3-wood shorter and lower. Use the 8-iron to hit the ball at the same distance you would with the pitching wedge.

All of these test swings will come in handy on the course at any given time. By developing the skill of adapting to your game, your arsenal will be equipped with the tools needed to make a shot out of an unfortunate situation.