Strategy Golf Thinking Scenario - You lack confidence playing out of sand
Consider this: Since the sand is a concern of yours, think about taking an extra club (the 7 iron) and playing for the fat of the green. It you hit it perfect you will hit it long but you will most likely be on the green with a long putt. That improves your chance of getting down in two from there. This will allow you to be more aggressive on other holes where you have a better approach to the green. Taking your 8-iron and going for the "perfect" shot is a big risk and, most likely, you gain nothing. And think about it; even Jack Nicklaus said that was lucky to hit one perfect shot each round. So play smart. A miss hit 7 iron still leaves you a chance of ending up pin high. So playing smart can give you more opportunities for success.
Scenario - You are erratic off the tee
Consider this: With a tight fairway and nothing but trouble on both sides, you should consider hitting a more lofted club such as the 3 or 5 wood which may cost you 20 to 40 yards but most likely will keep you in the middle of the fairway. Even if you come up 40 yards short and have 200 yards in, you hit a long iron or utility club and still have a chance to get on in two. It might not be as ego satisfying but it will improve your score. This is the smart solution and then be more aggressive on the shorter holes. I have known golfers that were very confident with the 7-iron who would play entire rounds with that club and a putter and stay competitive with every round. Too often we think that we need to hit the "intended club" as if it is some sort of rule. But that just makes no sense. Play what you are comfortable with - what you have confidence in - and you will be much better off. Try it next time out...
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Situation: You are 165 yards from the pin with a good lie but a bunker between you and the pin with only 20 feet of landing area beyond the bunker. You know that your 165 club is an 8-iron. What would you do?
Situation: You are teeing off on a 425 yard par 4 with trees down both sides of the fairway. The driver hit pure will get you the distance (you average 265-yards with your driver) to have a short iron in. What should you do?
