Shot Shaper or Point and Shoot?

[Swood1994]

Not sure if any of you have seen reels and videos of Macbouchergolf on Instagram and YouTube but He's know for slinging huge 50-60 yard hooks or slices into a pretty stock pin from the center of the fairway and he finds it easier and more fun to play that way versus hitting straight shots. It raises the question how many of you like to work the ball in all different directions? Or do you go into every shot with the only goal is to point and shoot so to say or do you play one flight path every shot?

Last year I worked really hard to learn to be able to consistently and predictably work the ball right to left (draw) as an avid fade biased player and once I got it down I started playing my best golf in a while. I also found myself having more fun starting to hit different shots in different situations. Knock down flighted wedges. Low rising punched 6-iron cuts. high draw 8-iron, etc. 

How does everyone else feel? What's your favorite shot in your arsenal?

[Tijoli]

As a sports fan and occasional participant, I am always amazed at the ability to direct a ball.  Whether it’s softball, baseball, golf or even bowling, the ability to send the ball where you want it as opposed to just making contact leaves me in awe.  As a relatively new golfer (started in 2020) I have yet to learn the nuances of ball direction. I play golf more than I have played any other sport and as a active addict, I am loving the progress made so far.  I am a straight shooter and fairly consistent across all my clubs; however, once I reach my stroke goal, I would like to learn how to do this.  It would add another layer of challenge and fun and hopefully lower my score even more.

Edited April 6, 2023 by Tijoli

[revkev]

I either hit it straight or a slight draw on every shot - I don't have the time to perfect differing ball flights - I know how to hit a fade and will do it if absolutely necessary to get out of trouble.  I also know how to flight it up or down but again I think the best strategy for anyone is to go with what works best.  I will successfully fit a draw into the fat part of the green from 150 far more frequently than I could pull off fading it back towards that pin tucked to the right.

 

In the end each player needs to know his or her dispersion pattern and go with the shot that gives them the greatest probability of success.

 

On the range is a different matter - I can hit fades there all day.  

[Swood1994]

1 minute ago, revkev said:

I either hit it straight or a slight draw on every shot - I don't have the time to perfect differing ball flights - I know how to hit a fade and will do it if absolutely necessary to get out of trouble.  I also know how to flight it up or down but again I think the best strategy for anyone is to go with what works best.  I will successfully fit a draw into the fat part of the green from 150 far more frequently than I could pull off fading it back towards that pin tucked to the right.

 

In the end each player needs to know his or her dispersion pattern and go with the shot that gives them the greatest probability of success.

 

On the range is a different matter - I can hit fades there all day.  

Can definitely agree with that. For most people consistency will net lower scores. I was just curious what more people liked to do. 

I definitely favor a fade over a draw, but I found myself having more fun on the course playing it both ways versus always relying on one stock shot. Now if I try to hit the draw a particular day and its over turning or blocking out right I'll revert back to the trusty fade if needed because although I have fun working the ball. I never have fun shooting 85+ at my home course(s) when my normal is 75-78. I'm way to competitive with my myself.

[russtopherb]

If I can get the ball to go somewhere close to where I was aiming, I'm thrilled. Don't care how it gets there or the shape it takes 

[cnosil]

My golf rounds are typically played with stock shots with the only change being altered trajectory.  Obviously the position, like behind a tree might dictate being able to curve the ball a different direction, provided it isn’t a hero type shot that could get you into more trouble.   
 

This is an ongoing topic in course management discussions and the Tiger 9 window drill.  The following Instagram talks about how Max Homa idolized Tiger and worked on the drill, but became a better golfer when he settled on mastering a single shot shape.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqopxdrNAAB/?hl=en

Bubba who is known for his big curving ball, DJ, and others only play a single shot shape with driver.  
 

sure shaping the ball is fun and great to drill so you can manage face and path, but when playing single shape and good targets is what I am trying to do.

[GolfSpy TCB]

I prefer some shape on my ball.  I think it is easier to play for and execute a shot shape, than it is to try to hit it straight.  Now, that isn't to say that I work it both ways as stock.  It is one of the most challenging things in golf to control shot shape in both directions.  So I have a "shape of the day" honestly... some days that is a butter fade, some days it is more of a hard draw... I go with it.  If I am blocked out, or NEED to fabricate a specific shot shape... I attempt it... sometimes successful, sometimes not as successful lol.  But I also use my stock shape and work it toward the hole.  similar to putting on the "pro" side of the break.  If you miss on the low side... the ball is always working AWAY from the hole.  But if you miss on the "pro" side - your shot shape is closing the distance to the hole.  So if I'm playing a stock fade a particular day... I am aiming left of the flag and letting it drift toward the hole.  If I happen to hit it straight, well... I have a little longer putt... it is rare to double cross when I am not "trying" to hit it one way or another.  Not sure if that all makes sense, but it is my approach.  

So I guess you can say I point and shoot... just that my "point" accounts for my shot shape du jour.

[Swood1994]

7 hours ago, cnosil said:

My golf rounds are typically played with stock shots with the only change being altered trajectory.  Obviously the position, like behind a tree might dictate being able to curve the ball a different direction, provided it isn’t a hero type shot that could get you into more trouble.   
 

This is an ongoing topic in course management discussions and the Tiger 9 window drill.  The following Instagram talks about how Max Homa idolized Tiger and worked on the drill, but became a better golfer when he settled on mastering a single shot shape.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqopxdrNAAB/?hl=en

Bubba who is known for his big curving ball, DJ, and others only play a single shot shape with driver.  
 

sure shaping the ball is fun and great to drill so you can manage face and path, but when playing single shape and good targets is what I am trying to do.

Growing up I always thought the best golfer’s hit draws. Looking at todays tour it seems more of the top golfers are reliant on the fade and it obviously works for them (Rahm, DJ, Homa, and the list goes on). I do feel the fade is an easier and more predictable shot for most, including myself. 
 

I always say to punch out and not go for the hero shot my inner self is always egging me on saying “you won’t!” And I can’t let that guy win an argument so I end up going for it. Maybe I need a little more help than just with course management

[Javs]

I really like to shape my shots. I love hitting both fades and draws. I also like flighting the ball differently. Especially on the shorter wedge shots. I like to hit low spinning shots. A lot depends on the wind and where there is trouble. I like to move the ball away from trouble and have a margin of error. Lastly, it also depends on what my game has on the day. If I am having trouble shaping it left or right on a day, then I will dance with the girl I brought to the dance. I learned not to fight it when the swing is not as easy. Use what you have and avoid big numbers. My two cents.

[Kenny B]

I play the ball to go straight.  If it doesn't, I mishit hit.  I mishit a lot of shots.

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

I play a stock shot. If I am noticing a real bad miss and it happens a lot, I will try to hit the opposite kind of shot just to recalibrate

[richk9holes]

I'm an oddity I will often try to live by both these philosophies at the same time. Wind will make my decision, or a lie that runs left to right, or the side of the green I'm targeting (if I am at all.)

There's many times, maybe the majority I point and shoot. 1/3 maybe more depending on the course layout I may be changing my shape.

[Caddie1966]

My go to shot is a three to five yard draw.  I play that shot unless I am blocked on the right and can’t play the draw or into a strong wind 10+ mph.  In those cases, I play a straight shot.  I can fade it but have to aim so far left I convince myself I am aiming too far left and end up hitting the straight ball.

[BostonSal]

On 4/4/2023 at 2:38 PM, Swood1994 said:

Not sure if any of you have seen reels and videos of Macbouchergolf on Instagram and YouTube but He's know for slinging huge 50-60 yard hooks or slices into a pretty stock pin from the center of the fairway and he finds it easier and more fun to play that way versus hitting straight shots. It raises the question how many of you like to work the ball in all different directions? Or do you go into every shot with the only goal is to point and shoot so to say or do you play one flight path every shot?

Last year I worked really hard to learn to be able to consistently and predictably work the ball right to left (draw) as an avid fade biased player and once I got it down I started playing my best golf in a while. I also found myself having more fun starting to hit different shots in different situations. Knock down flighted wedges. Low rising punched 6-iron cuts. high draw 8-iron, etc. 

How does everyone else feel? What's your favorite shot in your arsenal?

My natural shot is a fairly tight draw, but it's basically point and shoot for me.

I can curve the ball at will, but only big bananas in either direction, not controlled fades and draws.

Occasionally, there's use for a big hook or slice.  Ball placement will be far from precise, but at least one can get around something. 

 

[ChuckZ]

For the most part I hit my balls rather straight.  But, when the occasion arises, I can bend the ball to the left (draw) or right off the tee.  I have the most success with my irons when drawing the ball.  If I need to draw a shot off the tee I will normally use my three wood.  If I need to cut it, I will use my driver.  Know when and were is the key.  I prefer to hit my clubs straight, but when I need that slight draw or maybe a big hook or that sweet butter cut, I know which club to use.  Cut it with an iron?  Forget it.  Still working on it.  

[LebanonOz]

19 hours ago, Golfspy_TCB said:

So I guess you can say I point and shoot... just that my "point" accounts for my shot shape du jour.

Exactly this.  I play whatever I've got going on that day.

[Mr. Mushball]

I'd like to be able to either point and shoot or be able to curve the ball.  Lessons have been helping and I've got more consistent contact.  Building up a normal draw shot, but tends to be a bit heavy, about 10 yards past  target to the left.  I think that will tighten up as I get more used to better mechanics and learn to control my club face better.  Or even get an idea of where it is, TBH.

[Golf Therapy]

I worked very hard with an instructor to change my stock swing from a wicked slice to the preferred slight draw. Now I can do both when the situation calls for it, like if there is a tree or something in the way. Most of the time I play the shot shape my swing gives me consistently on any given day, which is to say attempt to draw it but play the baby fade if that’s what is consistent. It has made golf much more fun knowing I always can try some wild shots when out playing with buddies and have sometimes even executed to perfection. I say play whatever shot shape you are comfortable with and makes the game fun!

[JerryB]

I tend to just aim for the middle of the green and hope for the best.  The moment I start accounting for a shape is the moment that shape disappears.

[Shankster]

An old favorite topic.  I used to think I was good enough to be able to carve a low draw or a high fade into holes… I may have been at one point.  But my practice time has went from nearly every day to absolutely nothing.  I plan to set up for a fade every time going forward until I can get my practice time back.  I am the most comfortable hitting the left to right.  
 

we play this game for enjoyment right?  So, if you enjoy carving 50 yard hooks, do it.  If you like to hit the straight ball and you enjoy it do it.  As long as you enjoy your playing style that is what it is all about.  The day you aren’t having fun on the golf course is a bad day.

[TR1PTIK]

On 4/6/2023 at 9:20 AM, cnosil said:

My golf rounds are typically played with stock shots with the only change being altered trajectory.  Obviously the position, like behind a tree might dictate being able to curve the ball a different direction, provided it isn’t a hero type shot that could get you into more trouble.   

Same here. My best golf is typically played hitting a power fade with driver, and a tight draw with the irons (my stock shots). Very rarely do I intentionally shape shots, but can (sometimes) when I need to. The only "unnecessary" shape I have hit is a flighted draw into par 3s into wind when the pin is tucked left. It's extremely rare and heavily dependent on how much green there is to work with and only applies when there's very little penalty for missing the shot.

[sglj3]

As I get more serious about the game and preparing for lots of playing in retirement I have been working on shaping. I am not like Mac I don't feel the need to have wild shaping if the circumstance doesn't call for it. That said when stuck behind a tree or something the ability to sling a good draw/hook is a great feeling especially as a natural fader of the ball. I want to get better at the shaping so that when it calls for it am confident it will go where I want. Last summer I was playing on a course I never have before and it was a dogleg left with a 90* turn at about 185, my playing partner said the best shot would be a draw around the corner and it was totally open on the other side. So instead of trying to cover the edge with a straight shot I setup and executed a perfect draw and was a 60* wedge shot from the green in the middle of the fairway - such a feeling!!

[Tom the Golf Nut]

I'm a straight shooter. In general all my shots go straight and obviously it took a long time to get there. So if I'm hitting everything straight my next shot is straight so there is no need to work the ball. Working the ball is always harder to control when it is not your typical shot shape. It doesn't mean I can't but I prefer not to. Even if there is a tucked pin location and a draw will get you closer, I will just hit to the center of the green and be in position for a 2 putt or possibly a long birdie putt opportunity. Like they say the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

[HeathS16]

I do not "work" the ball unless I am forced.  It doesn't mean I can't do it but I definitely prefer to point and shoot. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

I naturally play a bit of a draw so can I answer a hybrid? Point and shoot but in a draw shot shape? 

[sirchunksalot]

Is hit and hope an option?

In all honesty, I'm more of a point and shoot player. I haven't quite honed the skill of being able to manipulate the club in a way that produces a desired shape. 

I will say the only time I can make the ball do something consistently is the punch out, I've had lots of practice at that one. 

[cnosil]

8 hours ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

 Like they say the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

It may be said,  it it isn’t correct . 
https://www.scienceabc.com/pure-sciences/is-a-straight-line-always-the-shortest-distance-between-two-points.html

[Tom the Golf Nut]

27 minutes ago, cnosil said:

It may be said,  it it isn’t correct . 
https://www.scienceabc.com/pure-sciences/is-a-straight-line-always-the-shortest-distance-between-two-points.html

Don't get to scientific on me now. Its to early in the morning.

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

I am a natural fade off the tee and draw with the irons currently. I am a flag hunter for sure so I would say point and shoot.

However the past two years is there is a chance to pkay a specific ball flight and I have a bail out spot if I miss (usually do) I will try some shaping but I play to my strengths typically  and intentional shaping is not one of them lol

[Lee Stanek]

12 minutes ago, Lacassem said:

I am a natural fade off the tee and draw with the irons currently. I am a flag hunter for sure so I would say point and shoot.

However the past two years is there is a chance to pkay a specific ball flight and I have a bail out spot if I miss (usually do) I will try some shaping but I play to my strengths typically  and intentional shaping is not one of them lol

Totally agree.  Not a great shot shaper here.  That is one of my goals is to work on doing that (on purpose).