“Risk-Reward” is a term that gets thrown around so much in the game of golf today that it’s almost lost its meaning. Most players only think of it when they’re facing a difficult shot but in reality, there’s risk and reward on any shot you hit and both should be thoroughly evaluated before every swing.
Use some of the tips below to better manage these situations and make the right choice when you’re faced with a difficult decision.
Identify the Trouble and Choose Your Club Accordingly – It doesn’t matter how good of a swing you put on a shot, if you choose the wrong club, your ball is going to end up in the wrong place. The first thing you need to do when you step up to your shot is identify the trouble. If there’s water in front of the green, don’t choose a club that might not get there. Too many times, golfers pull a club out of their bag that they need to hit perfect in order to reach their target distance. Don’t do this.
On the same token, if you’ve got trouble behind the green, don’t take a club that you might hit long. Always weigh the odds. Even if you miss your aiming point, you’ll still be able to get up and down. Never assume you’re going to make a perfect swing and always practice good course management.
Consider the Situation – Sometimes, trying to hit that “one out of one hundred” shot can be fun but you know what’s more fun, shooting a good score. If you’re out playing a leisurely round by yourself and you’re feeling gutsy, go ahead, take a risk. But if you’re playing in competition or you’ve got something on the line, you might want to reconsider.
Another important thing to take into account during risk-reward situations is how you’re playing that day. If your chipping and putting have been spot-on all day, maybe you can afford to take the risky option. If you can’t make a four-footer to save your life, it might not be the greatest idea.
Be Realistic and Don’t get Caught Up in the Moment – Everyone wants to be known as the guy that pulled off that impossible shot but sometimes you have to forget about that and make the safe play. It’s never good to take an overly risky shot early in a round. In general, you want to save those shots for when you’re back is up against the wall and you have no other choice.
The other important question to ask yourself is “Do I have this shot in my bag?”. If the answer is no, don’t even think about attempting it. If you’ve never hit a 275-yard drive in your life, why would you try to do it now. Be realistic with yourself and always know your limits.
When You’re Not Sure, Play it Safe – If you’re ever on the fence about hitting a shot, play it safe. It’s important to be completely committed to any shot you hit and if you’re not confident, chances are you’re not going to be able to pull it off. Sure, birdie would be a great score to have but you should never be upset with playing it safe and making your par.