Delo’s Divots: We all know that is an old baseball saying.
However, it can be adapted to golf as well.
”
Hit it where they ain’t
”
can pertain to trees and branches when you are in trouble. I am
always amazed when I play a round of golf and see players stuck
behind a tree, only to take a club out of their bag that is correct
for the yardage but not for the situation.
“Hit where they ain’t.”
We all know that is an old baseball saying. However, it can be adapted to golf as well.
“Hit it where they ain’t” can pertain to trees and branches when you are in trouble. I am always amazed when I play a round of golf and see players stuck behind a tree, only to take a club out of their bag that is correct for the yardage but not for the situation.
Look for the opening — whether it is high or low, left or right. But let’s also use some sense; don’t try to hit a 5-iron right through the middle of the tree just because that’s what you hit from 150 yards.
If you are going under the tree, look at the topography. This may influence your choice of direction. If you can get the ground to move the ball one way or another, it will help the success of the shot.
Many of you are familiar with the No. 3 hole at Gilroy Golf Course. I was faced with a shot from the left rough behind a tree. I could go to the right or left of the tree, but if I went to the right, the hill would kick it farther right and miss the green by 20 yards. If I went to the left of the tree, the hill would kick it to the right back toward the green.
By choosing the left option, I watched the ball bounce several times, roll toward the green with the help of the hill and settle three feet from the hole.
Outsmart the game when you can, because we know it always seems to get the best of us.
