on
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Unlock Better Golf Decision MakingAugust 2, 2022 - The 10 Commandments of Better Golf ScoresJuly 12, 2022
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The Hero Shot
For some, it’s the reason they play golf. For most, it’s the reason they can’t break 100.
Whether it’s a massive carry over water, a cut 3 iron under the trees, or a drawing 3 wood over them, the challenge of these shots can be irresistible, butthese are the shots that destroy scorecards, egos, confidence, and, occasionally, clubs.
This Lesson Is For You If:
You have “blow up” holes
You find yourself compounding your mistakes on the course
You struggle with course management
The 80% Rule
If you can’t pull off the shot 80% of the time in practice, you shouldn’t be hitting it on the course.
Exception: For the high handicap golfer, this might mean that their only option is to sell their clubs. I don’t want that, so adjust the rule to suit your skill level. It might be the 70% Rule for you or it might be the 25% Rule. Do whatever works for your ability.
Option 1: Play It Safe
For most golfers (read: those who don’t practice much), this is the best option. When faced with the temptation to take on a high risk shot, find an alternative that fits within the guidelines of the 80% Rule. This might mean laying up rather than attempting a 200 yard carry. It might mean punching out instead of trying to fit the ball through a 6 inch gap between trees. Yes, taking your medicine stinks, but it beats the hell out of writing an “8” on your scorecard.
Option 2: Practice the Hero Shot
This is the fun option because it not only allows you to hit the hero shot on the course, but it also increases your odds of pulling it off and adds more fun to your practice sessions.
Before your next range session, think about the two hero shot opportunities you encounter most often and figure out a way to practice them. If one of your hero shots is a long carry, find a driving range where you can clearly see a target that’s far enough away and work on carrying shots over it. If your hero shot is squeezing a shot between two trees, stick two alignment rods in the ground to simulate the trees and practice hitting shots between them.
Once you can successfully execute the hero shot 80% of the time, it’s fair game to bring it to the course. Just don’t forget to call your shot before you hit it so your buddies know it was 100% skill.
- Author
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Editor In Chief at Plugged In Golf
Matt has worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking.He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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As an avid golf enthusiast and someone deeply entrenched in the world of golf, my experience spans various roles within the industry, from club fitting to instruction, and even contributing to golf publications. I've seen the evolution of the sport and have dedicated myself to helping golfers of all levels improve their game and find more enjoyment on the course. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article.
The article, penned by Matt Saternus, the Editor In Chief at Plugged In Golf, addresses a critical aspect of golf that resonates with players at all skill levels—the hero shot. Saternus highlights the allure and challenge of these shots, emphasizing their potential to wreak havoc on scorecards, confidence, and occasionally, even golf clubs.
Concepts Discussed:
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The Hero Shot:
- Defined as shots that present a significant challenge, such as a massive carry over water, navigating under trees, or shaping shots around obstacles.
- Acknowledges that for some, the hero shot is the essence of golf, while for others, it becomes a stumbling block preventing them from breaking a score of 100.
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The 80% Rule:
- A crucial guideline suggesting that if a golfer can't successfully execute a particular shot 80% of the time in practice, they should reconsider attempting it during an actual round.
- The article provides an exception for high handicap golfers, recognizing that adjustments to the rule might be necessary based on individual skill levels.
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Options for Dealing with Hero Shots:
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Option 1: Play It Safe:
- Advises golfers to opt for a safer alternative when faced with a high-risk shot that doesn't align with the 80% success rate in practice.
- Encourages conservative play to avoid scorecard disasters.
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Option 2: Practice the Hero Shot:
- Recommends the more adventurous approach of practicing the hero shot to increase the likelihood of success.
- Suggests identifying common hero shot scenarios and incorporating them into practice sessions for improvement.
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Adjusting the 80% Rule:
- Recognizes that the 80% Rule might need adjustment based on individual skill levels.
- Acknowledges that, for some golfers, the rule might be more appropriately set at 70%, 25%, or another threshold that aligns with their abilities.
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Author's Background - Matt Saternus:
- Matt Saternus, the author, is introduced as someone with extensive experience in the golf industry, having worked in various capacities.
- The article underscores his commitment to helping golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into strategic decision-making on the golf course, balancing the allure of hero shots with practical considerations and the importance of honing one's skills through deliberate practice.
