Every action requires a decision, a statement that is especially true when it comes to golf. There is an infinite amount of skill that goes into golfing, as players must pull in their experience to decide which play to make when.
There are times when taking a risk is never going to be worth it. And then, there are times where taking the risk is the best decision available. Here are some of the times where risk-taking may just pay off.
Time to Putt or Chip?
There will come a time in every golfer’s experience when they have to decide, chip or putt? When the golf ball has landed just slightly outside of the green but is still very much in play. While there are a variety of options here, some feel safer than others.
In this situation, the two strongest options are to putt or chip. Ultimately, the decision should come down to which one you’re more proficient at – though it is also acceptable to consider how the day has gone so far that day.
Fairway Shots
Fairway shots lead to some of the most iconic photographic moments in golf history. They also require a lot of careful decision-making on the part of the golfer. Which fairway-wood is the right choice in this given situation? That’s the million-dollar question.
Here one must decide which wood is the best fit, and while it is tempting to play it safe, that isn’t always the right call. Ask yourself, if you pick the 3-wood, how confident are you that the ball will make it to the green? If the answer is reasonably assured, it’s going to be worth the risk.
Either way, it’s essential to make the best decision based on your skillset and play style. Play to your strengths, which also requires understanding your limitations.
How to Deal with Water Hazards?
Water hazards can be a bit of a game-changer and require more than a little bit of thinking to deal with. Whenever pacing one of these hazards, golfers must make a tough decision: go around, or go over?
Naturally, going around is the safer option. However, it will add time and strokes in the process as well. Going over can reduce all of that, though it comes with a fair amount of risk. It’s essential to know how far you can safely hit the ball and the odds of success before giving this one a try.