Shot everyone should have

Being a mid-level handicapper, I've been working on developing a go-to cut shot to help eliminate the left side of the course. I play most of my golf these days at a course where the left is OB, so the cut shot will hopefully get me into the single digits. I'd rather be hacking out of some rough with a shot than putting a new ball in play.

the touch chip shot from 30-50 yards. Seems to be a distance i am finding myself in a lot lately as I get better and a more consistent distance with my irons. that shot with my 56 has saved me many strokes this summer.

I think controlled wedges from 60 yards and in are key. High or low, check up or roll out. I have been practicing a lot with my 60 as well as my 52 to be able to get the ball close in different conditions. Controlling back swing lengths and finish heights are crucial to getting proper distance control from other than full swing distances.

I can see the controlled pitch, but does that really matter if you are hitting 3 off the tee because of an arrant tee shot scrambling for an bogey?

I would have to go with md7716 and say some sort of fade or draw off the tee that you know will make the fairway or close to it.  For me (the tee), that is one of the most important shots in golf.  It sets your mood for the hole and can really do help you or do some major damage.

EMKelly0106

I can see the controlled pitch, but does that really matter if you are hitting 3 off the tee because of an arrant tee shot scrambling for an bogey?

I would have to go with md7716 and say some sort of fade or draw off the tee that you know will make the fairway or close to it.  For me (the tee), that is one of the most important shots in golf.  It sets your mood for the hole and can really do help you or do some major damage.

I have to agree with you.  Getting off the tee sets up everything else.  I'm as comfortable hitting my driver as any club in the bag. 

EMKelly0106

I can see the controlled pitch, but does that really matter if you are hitting 3 off the tee because of an arrant tee shot scrambling for an bogey?

I would have to go with md7716 and say some sort of fade or draw off the tee that you know will make the fairway or close to it.  For me (the tee), that is one of the most important shots in golf.  It sets your mood for the hole and can really do help you or do some major damage.

Even if you limit your misses to one side of the fairway, there will till be times that you will have to punch out and you leave yourself the awkward in between half wedge shot to save par.

EMKelly0106

I can see the controlled pitch, but does that really matter if you are hitting 3 off the tee because of an arrant tee shot scrambling for an bogey?

I would have to go with md7716 and say some sort of fade or draw off the tee that you know will make the fairway or close to it.  For me (the tee), that is one of the most important shots in golf.  It sets your mood for the hole and can really do help you or do some major damage.

Agreed it is nice to be able to work the ball off the tee. But for those times (and there will be those times) being able to hit a low running shot either hooking or fading is a good thing

fishbone0600

EMKelly0106

I can see the controlled pitch, but does that really matter if you are hitting 3 off the tee because of an arrant tee shot scrambling for an bogey?

I would have to go with md7716 and say some sort of fade or draw off the tee that you know will make the fairway or close to it.  For me (the tee), that is one of the most important shots in golf.  It sets your mood for the hole and can really do help you or do some major damage.

I agree with your thoughts on the driver, but when you rip a drive down the middle to a 360 or 370 yard par 4 and only have 50 yards to the pin, nothing will deflate your game more than leaving yourself a 30 foot putt or worse yet, missing the green altogether.

Even if you limit your misses to one side of the fairway, there will till be times that you will have to punch out and you leave yourself the awkward in between half wedge shot to save par.

I will let Mr. Hogan reply to that one...

"...when you begin with an excellent tee shot, your mental attitude would carry forward on all successive shots."

Someone contended that a two foot putt counted just as much as a tee shot... Mr. Hogan replied, "If you are trying to make a two foot putt for a seven, due to an errant tee shot, who in the hell cares? After all, a missed two foot putt will generally only cost you one shot, whereas a missed tee shot can easily cost you two or more shots."

Albeit, I agree the wedge game is the most important aspect of golf (100 yards and in) I just think that everyone should be able to hit a tee shot that eliminates any OB or hazards and will almost certainly put you in the fairway.

I also agree that you need a tee shot that you can rely on in a pressure packed situation.  For me it's a cut three wood.

Can't argue with Mr. Hogan.  He definitely had all of the shots.  His books on the fundamentals of golf are great reads.

I would have to agree with both EMKelly0106 and  md7716. The tee shot is vital to a good frame of mind and does set up the remainder of the hole.  However,  if you do have a short second shot, a good wedge is invaluable and constant practice is a must. Even Hogan practiced a great deal and look  at many of the pros today that have practice fields on their own properties or belong to a club near home with unlimited access so that they can practice whenever they want.

I feel that my own tee shot really gets me going and does a great deal toward my whole attitude for that hole.

I like to get people to think about a 3/4 swing with almost any club. If you can hit a smooth tempo, 1/2 to 3/4  7 or 8 iron (depending on your length) from 100-125 yards and control the distance and trajectory you can play the game even on a bad day. These little controlled shots really help with balance and tempo.

I practice these from 125 with 7 and 8 irons and then go to a 5 iron and try to hit it about 150. After this moving to a full swing is very easy. If you are having tempo issue, try it.

The 3/4 swing is how I warm up... it really does help me out a lot with tempo.  Sometimes before a tournament, I only hit about 10 full shots and 5 or so would be with my driver.  I don't like to hit a full shot during a round that much because I would rather club up and swing smooth for more control, but there are always those situations when the number is just so perfect.

I think everyone should have the ability to rely on a solid "chip" shot that allows them to get up and down.  Without that ability, most everyone will see really large numbers on their scores.