Lesson 1 - How to plan the miss before the shot

Every Approach Needs a Defined “Good Miss”

Strong amateurs don’t hit more perfect shots — they hit more useful shots. The difference is that they plan their miss before they swing. This transforms uncertainty into control.

1. Identify the “Good Miss Zone” (GMZ)

Before choosing a club or target, ask:

• “Where is the safest place for this ball to finish if I don’t flush it?”

• “Where can I miss and still have an easy up‑and‑down?”

Your GMZ should:

• Be on the wide side of the green

• Avoid bunkers and short‑side trouble

• Leave an uphill chip or putt

• Keep the entire green accessible

2. Define the “No‑Go Zone”

This is the area that guarantees bogey or worse:

• Short‑side bunkers

• Water guarding the front

• Drop‑offs

• Tight run‑offs

• Back‑to‑front slopes

Your target must shift away from this zone — even if the pin is there.

3. Choose a Target That Protects Your Miss Pattern

If your miss is a slight pull:

• Aim slightly right of your intended landing zone

If your miss is a soft fade:

• Aim slightly left

Your target should absorb your miss, not punish it.

4. Use Shot Shape to Protect the Safe Side

If trouble is left:

• Hit a fade If trouble is right:

• Hit a draw

Shape is not for style — it’s for safety.

5. Commit to the Miss Plan

Once you choose your GMZ:

• Visualise the miss

• Accept it

• Swing with full commitment

A committed swing to a safe target beats a tentative swing to a risky one.