In my last email I discussed some of my golf driving tips. It’s worth checking it out if you’re struggling from the tee.
Today I want to talk about something that might be a little controversial for some and here’s why…
You’ve no doubt heard the saying, drive for show and putt for dough.
Personally, I think it’s one of the worst sayings in golf.
Why?
Because getting your tee ball in play CONSISTENTLY is perhaps the most important thing you’ll learn to do.
If you can’t, it doesn’t matter how well you putt…
You’ll always struggle. I’ve always found those that putt well, but can’t drive the ball, never really play that well.
The really controversial thing here is what’s next.
Because once you’re able to get your tee shot away (somewhere between the trees), then the SECOND shot becomes the MOST important shot in the game.
And if I can be so bold,
The Second Shot Rules The Game
Let me explain.
When I play with most amateur golfers they tend to stuff up their second shots (a lot). And the reason is I think they just go for too much.
It’s not uncommon for a weekend warrior to attempt a downhill, tough lie, into the wind and over a bunker 245 yard three wood for their second shot.
I see it all the time. In my last round, I was watching a 6 handicapper attempt a long iron from thick rough. He didn’t get the ball out (he only hit it a few metres in front). Then he said,
“My golf swing sucks! I am no good!!”
But it’s not the swing (or lack of talent). It’s the strategy. The attitude is all wrong thinking you can pull off incredible shots when really there’s almost no chance.
And here’s the thing.
An elite golfer, with the equivalent shot, is almost always hitting their 7 iron (or PW). They are laying up and taking it easy. I know I wouldn’t be trying the “hero” shot here.
In other words, they are playing the longest club they know they can get onto the back of the ball – even if it’s a short iron.
They are hitting their second shot back into play – even if that means NOT going for the green in two.
Let me give you two more examples.
I had 245 metres to the flag on a par 5. I had achieved my objective of getting the ball into play from the tee and now this was my chance to shine. Or was it?
I could have easily covered the distance with my 3 wood but there were a few issues.
- It was early in the round
- The lie wasn’t perfect
- I wasn’t really warmed up and “feeling” it
So, I selected my 210m club and swung freely. The ball came up short and for the most part, there was ZERO risk. It was easy golf and there was no damage done.
Onto the back nine, my playing partners became more and more interested in my approach to golf. There were lots of questions and they seemed keen to learn.
On hole 12, one of the guys topped his tee shot along the ground. It was an ugly shot but it wasn’t in any trouble.
As I was standing around waiting for him to play his second, the other guy in the group made this comment,
“He must be disappointed with his tee shot. It only went 100m”
Me: He’s ok. It wasn’t a great shot but he’s in play. The key now is this shot (the 2nd). If he can hit a good one, he’s back in the hole without too much damage.
And much to my surprise, the guy selected a rescue club (and not the 3 wood), made a good swing and the ball finished about 50 metres from the green.
Me: See? He’s now back in the hole despite a terrible tee shot. If he hits a good chip or sinks a putt he’ll make a par. At worst, he should only make a bogey and this is hardly a disaster. If he had hit an awful 2nd shot the hole was over.
Note: While he hit a rescue type club, he could have easily have played a shorter iron with practically the same result. There really was just no need to go for a hero shot and completely ruin the hole.
So, once your tee shot is in play (whether a great tee shot or only an average one) the key to golf is the second shot.
What I’ve found and continually see over and over is…
Golfers Playing Way Too Aggressively With Their 2nd Shots
If they hit a poor shot from the tee, they’ll try too hard to make up the difference with their second.
If they hit a good tee shot, they’ll try too hard to get the next shot close to the green (or pin).
But the key to playing you best is almost always taking your foot off the gas with your second shot.
In other words: Play a bit more conservatively.
And here’s the most profound thing I can tell you here – something that will transform your game…
You can eventually STOP focusing all your energy on the tee shots. You just need to get the ball somewhere between the trees with YOUR tee shot. The tee shot becomes automatic…
So you’ll have more BANDWIDTH to play better second shots. Like making good decisions and playing in a way that maximises your chances of success.
Limit blow up holes.
Avoid the really horrible spots (like the deep pot bunker, water and OOB)
Play your very best when you’re under the pump.
Feel a calmness and confidence that is hard to beat.
Make golf easier
Hitting the simplest shot over and over.
Look, I know this might not sound that exciting, but it’s the reality of peak performance.
If you were to watch a PGA Tour (or LIV) star play a tournament, there would be very few totally amazing “hero” shots.
Day in and day out, they are getting the ball into play and avoiding the horrible spots on the course.
They make a lot of pars. A few birdies. The odd eagle. And they limit the doubles (or worse).
On their best weeks, when the moons align (and they make some putts), they can win the tournament or contend.
But rarely is there any earth shattering change in their skill level – they keep doing the things they can control, the simple things, over and over. And I can assure you, they are way more conservative with their second shot, than most amateurs are.
So, if you’re serious about the scores you shoot – have a good look at HOW you approach the second shots you play…
… chances are you’re making lots of mistakes, playing too hard and stressing your learning system.
The second shots really are key and this can be an easy win for many.
You should also check out this learning resource – it contains the greatest breakthrough I made with golf and showcases the path to golfing enlightenment.
That’s all for now.
Good golfing,
Cameron