How to score from far away - golf - Brief Article

Sure, the putt I made at the 17th hole in the '99 Ryder Cup was big. But my layup at the 486-yard, par-4 12th hole might have been bigger. When you're a long way away, consider all your options.

Your last option might be best

I was 215 yards away, uphill, for my second shot at the 12th hole. To get the ball up the hill and on the green, I knew I'd have to make a perfect swing with my 1-iron. That's asking a lot when the Ryder Cup's on the line. Normally, you can go for the green with your second shot, or you can lay up to about 100 yards, but there's a third option: Choose a club that will get the ball up by the green and then rely on your short game. I hit a 3-iron short of the green, chipped up and made a par. Don't force yourself to hit the perfect shot; allow some room for error. And if you're going to lay up, make sure you're just as comfortable with your third shot as you were with your second. And remember, a smart shot is almost always as good as a great shot, and often it's a whole lot easier.

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