The second shot | Golf Monthly

First off, nothing wrong with 220yds off the tee. That is 20yds further than me, 19 h/c. I play a similar course to you by all accounts, we have no par 4 shorter than 400yds, so I faced a similar scenario this year, 2nd at the club.

I have two options. For the 400yd holes where I might roll on with a perfect strike and a kind bounce I take a hybrid. I spent a lot of time, and lessons, practicing this shot. I average 170 with this club but I hit it straight and I have learnt straight is worth a bit. If I am short I am only just short but importantly I am straight (not every time but the % are getting better). You may hit your hybrid further but you need to work out the distance you can hit it, or a long iron if it is easier, consistently. Not the 1 in 10 shot but 7 in 10 (we are still amateurs and h/hcp so lets be realistic)

I've tried 5 woods, low lofted hybrids, 5 irons etc and given up on them as being too inconsistent. Better to consistently hit a club 170yds, for me, then duff the ball 50yds and hit it well 1 in 4.

For the par 4's that are 440 or near to I will lay up to a decent distance that suits. For me that is 100yds, my PW. That means I am not trying to over hit my hybrid, pointless as I will still be 40-50yds short anyway. It gets some strange looks at times from PP who are new to me but it begins to make sense to them once I explain. You need to work out what is your comfort distance.

In effect, don't beat yourself up trying to hit your second shot like Rory, it isn't worth it.