124: Why Laying Up is a Losing Strategy

Laying up is a LOSING strategy - despite being sage advice.  Simply put, when you hit it closer to the green you give yourself shorter putts & shoot lower scores. As mentioned in this Golf.com article, "There’s no range — for any skill level — where laying up to a favorite number, club or any other “favorite” makes mathematical sense if your other option is to send your next shot farther up the fairway (even if it ends up in light rough). The rub is that most golfers, especially weekend players, overestimate the potential success of hitting a 4-iron to a “preferred” layup yardage and underestimate the odds of hitting a 3-wood into a safe position nearer the hole. Send it when you can is your best strategy when you can lay up to any distance you want." You aren’t better at 80 vs. 40 yards (or whatever you think is your perfect distance). Sure, you might change strategies on some shots based on hazards or bunkers but don’t lay up voluntarily for a perfect club or distance. You will shoot lower scores when you have shorter approach shots. Save the layups for basketball and start attacking par 5s to score like a pro.  WICKED SMART GOLF RECOMMENDATIONS  Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching  10X your confidence on the greens with the Look and Shoot Method.  Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro.  Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro.  Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer.  Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.