It’s a Shotgun, Not a Rifle

Recently I’ve been looking into the DECADE system created by Scott Fawcett. DECADE is an acronym for Distance, Expectation, Correct Target, Analyze, Discipline, and Execute. It is a fascinating course management system used by many top amateurs and touring professionals today. I’ll leave it to you to explore the DECADE system in total, but I think the expectation and correct target aspects are most applicable to average amateur players.

Even the Best Don’t Know

When the best golfers in the world hit a shot, they don’t know exactly where the ball will finish. They have a pretty good idea, but not precisely where it will end up. By pretty good idea, I mean they know their shot dispersion pattern or zone. Over time and with hours of practice, they know, for example, that their seven-iron carries 165 to 170 yards and has 8 to 10 yards left or right variance from the target line. It’s a shotgun-like pattern, not a sniper rifle’s precision. They use this knowledge to manage their game.

For example, imagine our hypothetical pro is facing a 168-yard par three, with the pin tucked in the back left-hand corner of the green. There are three yards from the pin to the left edge of the green, and three more yards, a water hazard lurks. Think of the traditional Sunday placement on the 16th hole at Augusta for a mental picture.

What should our pro’s target for this tee shot be? Right at the flag? No! If the ball ends up at the left edge of their dispersion zone, they’re in the water! Too risky. What if he/she needs a birdie to take the lead? The answer is still no! They might indeed get lucky, aim for the flag, and hit it close. But the odds are not good. The correct target is twenty to twenty-five feet right of the flag. Remember, the left/right dispersion is 8 to 10 yards. With the proper target in mind, if they hit it straight, they have a reasonable birdie putt. If it hits the left edge of the dispersion, they’re somewhere between the flag and the water. Finally, if they hit the right edge of their dispersion zone, they might be off the green, but with lots of green to work with to save par.

so how do i lower my score?

I’ve quoted Hank Haney before, but it bears repeating. “The quickest way to lower your score is to avoid three-putts, avoid two-chips, and avoid penalty strokes.” I’ll add one more thought to lowering scores quickly. The objective is not to make more birdies. Birdies will come. The way to lower your score is to make fewer bogeys, double-bogies, and “others”!

How does all this apply to amateur golfers? First, if the very best golfers in the world don’t know precisely how their shots will turn out, it seems unrealistic for a 15 handicap (pick your index number) to know. That kind of thinking sets expectations much too high. High (unrealistic) expectations cause tension, reduce confidence, and result in frustration. Second, do you think the average golfer has a larger or smaller dispersion zone than a touring pro? Answer: Larger!

Statistics anyone?

This year on the PGA tour, the greens in regulation (GIR) average from 125 to 150 yards is 69.16%. I’m not a math major, but I’m confident that means the pros miss the green over 30% of the time from a short, 125 to 150-yard approach. Do you expect more from yourself? It may be a tough pill to swallow, but you must set your expectations consistent with your current skill level.

Have you heard the saying, “Aim small, miss small.”? I could not disagree more. If you aim at a tiny target and miss, you’re left feeling as if you’ve hit a bad shot. However, that shot may be well within your dispersion zone! Give yourself a break. Aim for a big target you’re confident you can hit, not a tiny target you can only hope to hit! Over time, that “big” target will shrink as your skill level increases. Where should that big target be? Away from trouble. How far away? That depends on your current skill level.

What is your current skill level?

If you want to know your game, chart it out. Carry a small notebook with you and after each shot, make a quick note of the outcome. Don’t take a lot of time. Something like, “7-iron twenty yards left of the target line.” Or, “Wedge, on line but 10 yards short.”, etc. Do this for every shot, every club, and you’ll begin to see patterns develop. There are two huge benefits to doing this. First, as these patterns form, you’ll know what aspects of the game you should practice the most. Second, you’ll know your dispersion area to manage your way around the golf course better.

Set your expectations with your current skill level in mind and aim for targets you’re confident you can hit. I think you’ll find the game much more enjoyable if you approach it in that way. When you stand over a shot, think about firing a shotgun, not a rifle!

Most importantly, have fun out there!

Doug