What is Your “Go To Shot”?

Your golf ball is not in the best position. Making par is critical at this point in your round. What shot will you choose to hit that insures your best possible chance to make Par? In this situation, most golfers have a “Go To Shot” they feel most comfortable playing. What is the shot you go to most often?  It probably resembles a chip shot. But I’ve seen plenty of golfers use other types of shots to navigate out of nasty situations.

Five Steps to Hitting Your Go To Shot

Regardless of what your “Go To Shot” maybe, it all boils down to proper planning and giving yourself the best chance.  Your best chance provides a feeling of full commitment to the shot you planned. Follow this easy checklist the next time you’re in a stressful situation on the course insuring you have the best chance to succeed:
• Choose a Club Correct for the Situation – The biggest mistake all golfers make is choosing the wrong club, regardless of the situation. Be sure to choose the correct loft first, then the length of club, which best fits the situation you face.
• Find a Target where You want the Ball to Land – Find an absolute specific place where you want your shot to land. Imagine a towel or another flat object laying on the ground in the place where you want the ball to land.
• Insure Your Best Set-Up Position – All great shots start with a great set-up position. Insure you are in a well-balanced position to make an efficient swing. Take into consideration any abnormal conditions or obstacles. This is the only chance you have to make adjustments and place yourself in a good set-up position.
• Rehearse the Shot Looking at Your Intended Target/Landing Place – Doing so provides your eyes and brain an opportunity to feel comfortable hitting the shot. If you feel uncomfortable rehearsing, make what changes necessary.
• Create Now Commit (a phrase I coined several years ago) – To this point you have “Created” the ideal shot and the right conditions to get out of trouble. But are you fully “Committed” to hit the shot? DO NOT hit a shot, under any conditions, unless you feel confident and fully committed you’ve made all the right decisions and you’re ready to hit the best shot possible.

Your “Pressure Beater”

Don’t be surprised if all 5 of these simple steps allow you to hit a better shot when you need to.  Most importantly when you’re under the most pressure during your round. Slow down. Remember what steps provide you the best opportunity to succeed.  In turn, you following those steps in a relaxed way reduces the chances of compounding a mistake, by making another.

Want to Learn How to Hit Your “Go To Shot”?

You can learn this shot at the Practice Facility or On the Golf Course when you reserve your Coaching Session with John Hughes.  Contact John at 407-852-8547 or email John at John@JohnHughesGolf.com to schedule your Coaching Session today!