Why the 3rd Shot in Golf is the Most Important Shot in Golf
Last year, I wrote a blog post about the Third Shot in Golf, being the most important shot in golf. It was general in scope but received a lot of attention. Enough attention that I thought it wise to devote an entire 4-part blog post series devoted to the various situations and potential results that the third shot in golf contributes to. And how this one shot directly affects your ability to make it to any level of the game you want. This is a shot we focus heavily upon when conducting on-course coaching when you attend on of the best golf schools in Florida, John Hughes Golf.
The argument can be made that every shot during a round is no more important or significant than any other. While the first and second shots set you up for a potential score, the third shot is where many rounds are decided. The 3rd shot in golf is the one and only shot that can make or break your score on any hole. As well as your entire round.
The third shot in golf is almost always overlooked, undervalued, and under practiced. Your neglect of this shot leads you to most of your frustration. And continues to torment your ability to reach your potential. Whether you’re a weekend golfer or an experienced player, understanding why the third shot in golf, on every hole, bears more weight than all other shots is more valuable than you’ve ever believed.
This post will be a general refresher of the previous post, while providing additional information to champion the cause and effect of your third shot in golf. Subsequent posts will feature numerous situations your third shot in golf faces when playing par 3’s par 4’s and par 5’s. Some of these situations you’ve never thought of.
Let’s jump back in the melee of your 3rd shot in golf from a general perspective. And what it means to become a master of this shot. No matter the hole you’re playing. And no matter the situation you face.
Let’s Get the First 2 Shots Out of the Way
No matter the hole you’re playing and the yardage you’re playing from, golf sets up each of the first 2 shots in this manner.
First Shot
Typically, a tee shot with a club that produces power and length. Unless you’re on a short par 3, which requires more accuracy with a fuller swing. By strokes gained standards, tee shots are arguably the most important shot, as these sots set up how you’ll play the remainder of the hole. But as you’ll see in the posts about par 4’s and par 5’s, if your tee shots are wayward, your 3rd shot becomes that much more critical to execute successfully.
Second Shot
The ultimate challenge of your second shot on any hole is to get the golf ball as close as you can to the hole. If not, in the hole. What determines the outcome of your second shot in golf is your ball striking ability. How far and accurate are you. And if on the green for your second shot, ow well do you control distance and start line to get the ball into the hole.
The Significance of the Third Shot in Golf
The third shot in golf is crucial. Because it’s usually the shot that either keeps you contending for a low score or forces you to scramble. It’s the shot that brings you closest to scoring, and it’s the one that can either save or further damage your scorecard. This is where golfers often struggle. After navigating the challenges of the first 2 shots, the final step toward the hole is often the trickiest.
Statistics Of the Third Shots in Golf
While statistics for third shots in golf are difficult to find in aggregate across all golfers, certain trends can help demonstrate why the third shot is so significant:
- Green in Regulation (GIR) and Scoring: Hitting greens in regulation is crucial for scoring. According to the PGA Tour, players who hit the green in regulation (GIR) generally have a better chance of scoring well. However, the difference between a two-putt or a three-putt is often influenced by the third shot: how you set yourself up for that putt or chip.
- Scrambling: Golfers’ ability to get up and down from around the greens is another critical statistic. According to Golf Digest, the average PGA Tour player has a scrambling percentage of around 60%. That means the third shot, especially from challenging positions, is a key element in saving strokes.
- Sand Saves: Another stat to consider is sand saves, which is an indicator of how successful a player is at getting the ball up and down from a greenside bunker. The higher the sand save percentage, the better a golfer is at handling the crucial third shot from tricky lies.
We’ll be highlighting more statistics about third shots in golf throughout the series of posts. To help support the idea and need to value your third shots in golf more than ever before.
Some Examples of the Third Shot in Golf to Various Holes
Let’s break down a few different scenarios where the third shot becomes the most important part of the hole.
1. Par 4 (Driving to the Fairway and Second Shot to the Green)
Let’s say you’re playing a par 4, where your first shot is a solid tee off, and your second shot puts you in a good position near the green. Now, you’re faced with your third shot. Either a delicate chip shot or a short pitch to a well-protected green.
Example:
Arguably, “Amen Corner” at Augusta National Golf Club features several holes where the 3rd shot has more significance. But with recent renovations to #11 making the 2nd shot to the green that much more difficult, it’s the 3rd shot on this hole that is often seen as the turning point for any player’s round. A misjudged third shot, whether putting, chipping, or pitching could easily lead to a big score.
2. Par 5 (Long Drive, Solid Approach, but Challenging Short Game)
On a par 5, you’ve driven the ball long, and your second shot is placed perfectly, allowing for an easy approach. But, as with many par 5s, the greens are small and are often surrounded by sand traps, water hazards, or tricky slopes that make your third shot vital.
Example:
#18 at Pebble Beach Golf Links is a great example of a third shot in golf influencing the outcome of a round, if not a tournament. How a player handles the pressure of their 3rd shot on this hole ultimately dictates their success. And if the tee shot was errant forcing you to put the ball back in play and placing you further away from the green for your 3rd shot, the chances of you succeeding on this hole are slim to none.
3. Par 3 (Perfect Drive, but Small Green or Tough Pin Position)
On a par 3, your third shot may be the last chance you have to save par or improve your score. While the first and second shots are relatively straightforward (since it’s a short hole), you might face a tough putt on a slick green or a chip from an awkward position around the green.
Example:
Going back to Amen Corner, the iconic 12th hole could find you hitting your third shot from across Rae’s Creek. Or putting downhill to a tricky pin position. All third shots on this hole test your skill and your whit. Failure to execute a great 3rd shot here at hole means not being able to recover and remain in contention.
How to Improve Your Third Shot in Golf
Improving your third shot isn’t about raw power. It’s about making good decisions that are conservatively based upon the skills and resources at your disposal for that one and only 3rd shot at that moment. It is about technique and mechanics and your ability to engrain those techniques so deeply that when faced with a pressurized third shot in golf, you’re up for the challenge and these techniques are not your weakiest skills. It’s about touch and your time spent equipping your brain and body with the feelings needed to make the smallest adaptations to execute the third shot in golf with the finesse needed at that moment.
Because this post if more general in nature, below are a few “general” ways to improve your skills so you can execute 3rd shots with more authority and confidence. Throughout the series, we’ll delve deeper into the various case scenarios 3rd shots present golfers and how to go about being prepared for those situations.
Work on Your Short Game
The third shot in golf often comes down to your chipping, pitching, and putting ability. Whether it’s a delicate chip from just off the green or a delicate pitch shot over a bunker, practicing these areas will pay big dividends. Spend time on the short game areas, including:
- Chipping from different lies: Practice chipping from various grass conditions and angles.
- Pitching over obstacles: Work on hitting high, soft shots that land softly on the green.
- Putting: A large percentage of the third shot outcome depends on how you handle the putt once you’re on the green.
Learn to Control Your Distances
Third shots often require precision, especially when you’re trying to land the ball in a tight area. Focus on controlling your distances with wedges or short irons. Whether it’s a full wedge, a knockdown shot, or a soft touch, practicing distance control will help you avoid overshooting the green or leaving yourself with a tough next shot.
Spend Time Focusing on Course Management
Sometimes, the third shot is about playing smart rather than going for the pin. If you’re faced with a risky chip shot or a difficult bunker recovery, consider playing to a bigger part of the green. The goal is to minimize mistakes, and a safe approach to your third shot often results in fewer bogeys.
Develop and Trust Your Routine for Third Shots
A consistent pre-shot routine helps calm nerves, especially when the pressure’s on. Whether it’s visualizing your shot, taking a deep breath, or establishing a steady setup, having a routine can enhance your focus and execution under pressure.
Conclusion
The third shot in golf, to any hole, is without a doubt the one shot that you’re faced with on each hole that makes or breaks your round. Determines your success. And it can prohibit you from reaching your potential. The 3rd shot in golf determines if your abilities and skills are up for the challenge.
No matter where your third shot in golf occurs on any given hole, mastering the third shot in golf is a key element of becoming a more consistent and lower-handicap golfer. Besides the obvious practice suggestions, remember that sometimes smart course management is the best approach. If you can master the art of the third shot in golf, you’ll see dramatic improvements in your overall game.
To schedule coaching time with John Hughes Golf and learn how you can improve your third shot in golf, contact us at 407-852-8547 or email us at John@JohnHughesGolf.com
