Lesson 2 - How to avoid the big miss

Eliminate Penalties. Eliminate Recovery Shots. Eliminate Doubles.

The “big miss” is the shot that ruins your hole — the one that goes OB, into water, into trees, or into deep rough. High handicappers don’t need more good shots. They need fewer disastrous ones.

1. Start Every Shot with this Question

“Where is the one place I cannot miss?”

Then aim away from it — even if it feels wrong.

2. Choose Clubs That Stay in Play

If a club regularly:

• Goes OB

• Finds water

• Sends you into trees

• Leaves you punching out

…it’s not the right club for that hole.

3. Stop Trying to Thread the Needle

If the fairway is tight:

• Aim at the widest part

• Club down

• Play for position, not distance

A shorter shot in play beats a long shot lost.

4. Avoid Short‑Siding at All Costs

Short‑siding creates:

• Impossible chips

• High scores

• Stress

Always miss to the wide, open side of the green.

5. Play “Safe‑Side Golf”

If trouble is left:

• Aim right

• Use a club that won’t reach the danger

If trouble is right:

• Aim left

• Choose a club that reduces slice risk

This is how you delete the big miss from your game.