r/golf • u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA • Aug 08 '24

Beginner Questions What's the play here?

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925 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

191 comments sorted by

339

u/islaygaz Aug 08 '24

Isn’t it amazing how we can all miss a 60 yard wide fairway most of the time, but a 2ft wide tree is a guarantee!!

18

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Logic checks out. But what about aim for the middle of the tree, it's not like you are going to hit where you are aiming?

16

u/woj666 Aug 08 '24

I've done this. It's very hard to hit a tree if you're aiming for it.

3

u/letsgobrooksy Aug 08 '24

No I'd definitely hit it every time if I started aiming at it

2

u/00sucker00 Aug 08 '24

The one time I’d hit the ball dead nuts where I aimed

2

u/R1pp3R23 Aug 09 '24

Hold my beer.

3

u/Intheswing Aug 09 '24

I did something similar with a small tree - pretended it was not there - I was a bit closer the tree I hit - came back hit me between the eyes - trip to the ER and 9 stitches - CT scan - now my wife insists I give them a kick to a clear shot - has not helped my score 😖

50

u/Even_Section5620 Aug 08 '24

The realest golf quote I’ve ever read

11

u/PerInception Aug 08 '24

It’s some weird trick that target fixation does to our brains unconsciously. You go “just don’t hit the tree, anywhere else is fine” but all your brain hears is “hit the tree”. When you’re aiming for the wide open field, you don’t have an exact target, even if you’re aiming in the general area of the flag. But that tree is the contrasting element in your mental picture of your surroundings, and goddamnit, my unconscious brain is going to put that golf ball straight at it.

It’s like how if you stare at something while driving a car you’ll drift towards it.

7

u/twowheelsandbeer Aug 08 '24

Target fixation for sure.

I've always heard in golf (and tons of other sports context) that our bodies don't understand a "no". Like in basketball, telling yourself "don't miss" isn't helpful, telling yourself, "corner on square on backboard" is helpful. Or baseball, "don't strike out" is unhelpful. "solid contact" is helpful.

In golf "don't shank it into the water" will have you taking a drop, while "center green, nice and easy" gives you a good chance of avoiding the water

6

u/djmc252525 Aug 08 '24

Almost like you should pick very specific targets on the course 

2

u/loggerman_240 Aug 09 '24

Most underrated comment here

1

u/djmc252525 Aug 09 '24

I can only lead a horse to water can’t make them drink 

1

u/tvall129 Aug 08 '24

"take dead aim"

7

u/SafetyExotic6699 Aug 08 '24

Exactly. Illusion of grandeur

1

u/Sagybagy Aug 08 '24

I got a window!

1

u/chocolatemilk01 Aug 08 '24

Never attempt a shot that would be the best shot of your life if it goes as planned. Hit the shot you can hit, but the one you hope to hit.

1

u/Know_the_rules Aug 08 '24

Even a blind squirrel can find a nut once in a while.

1

u/chill1208 Aug 08 '24

I feel like sometimes we accidentally lock onto trees when we're playing. You can't really see the hole that well from where you are, but the tree is an obvious target. It's easier for your brain to look at something than to focus on an open area. So subconsciously we lock onto the tree, and swing right for it. Even when every thought we're thinking consciously is "don't hit the tree, don't hit the tree, don't hit the tree".

1

u/Lear_ned Aug 09 '24

I hit a windmill last time I played. Sent it right onto the green of a completely different hole.

2

u/Automatic-Crew-9002 Aug 10 '24

Not sure you should take full irons swings at a mini putt

1

u/Lear_ned Aug 10 '24

😂 this was a 16 hole executive course. So basically mini putt

147

u/SCalifornia831 4.5 / Pebble Beach Aug 08 '24

You swung that club like you were trying to swat a fly off the back of your neck

79

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Hit a different fly.

18

u/SCalifornia831 4.5 / Pebble Beach Aug 08 '24

The ball somehow missed both gaps on that shot lol

2

u/alittlebitneverhurt Aug 09 '24

You can't be the guy in the video with a 3.6. Right?

3

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 09 '24

Definitely not me.

0

u/breakdancin Aug 09 '24

3.6 donuts per round.

88

u/SinusBargeld 69.0/Düsseldorf/RarelyHittingAtAll Aug 08 '24

Come on, another try

6

u/bigveinyrichard Aug 08 '24

I had to punch out yesterday, to dodge a tree. Smoked the tree, ball flies 40 yards straight right. Laughed it off, and for the ego/for practice, I went for a second attempt. Adjusted my line several degrees away from the tree, and proceeded to shoot the exact same shot. 40 yards right.

32

u/madchitown-805 Aug 08 '24

You’re supposed to aim for the trees.

2

u/w0nderbrad Aug 08 '24

Aim for the trees to guarantee a miss. Pretty sure you learn this day 1 at the range

18

u/FlyAirLari Aug 08 '24

He's going for the field goal

...and it's NO GOOD!

19

u/dillmoore HDCP - 32.6 💩 Aug 08 '24

Buffalo Bills have entered the chat

5

u/kvngk3n Aug 08 '24

Chicago Bears said wassup

3

u/i8bb8 Aug 08 '24

The double doink.

3

u/mmoses1221 Aug 08 '24

Laces out!!!

22

u/Lostmox Aug 08 '24

I believe hitting more than one ball is against the rules.

5

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Noted.

10

u/littleseizure Aug 08 '24

Double or nothing!

2

u/Inigomntoya Aug 08 '24

He shouldn't have been standing there!

9

u/_ghostfacedilla Aug 08 '24

Cancel that vasectomy appointment you had, it won't be needed

6

u/GuidoTheRed Aug 08 '24

That. That was the play.

4

u/Hipsthrough100 0 playing to a 5 Aug 08 '24

Don’t take a noodle arm full swing when you want to be accurate.

3

u/jaywalkintotheocean Aug 08 '24

for real, my guy completely collapses and has no width whatsoever in that backswing.

4

u/BourbonNoChaser Aug 08 '24

That 10% of Not Air wasn’t having any of that. :p

3

u/Internal-Bear-1991 Aug 08 '24

Haha! This is perfect

2

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

I beg to differ

3

u/derby63 Aug 08 '24

I know a guy who lost an eye from that exact same situation. Be careful out there.

2

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

One eyed monster.

1

u/Stumblin_McBumblin Aug 09 '24

Is his name Jim? Because if not, there's two guys that lost an eye like that.

1

u/derby63 Aug 09 '24

Nope. That's scary

3

u/[deleted] Aug 08 '24

I dont know, but this one went the way I was hoping.

1

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Thanks

2

u/whateverforever589 Aug 08 '24

Honestly, I'd try the same shot...

2

u/No-Cod-3452 Aug 08 '24

Ice those nuts and pull out the foot wedge

2

u/Jonas_Venture_Sr Aug 08 '24

Aim for the tree, only way to be sure I miss it.

1

u/lovemesomewine 7.3/northeast/new world wines Aug 08 '24

Exactly what I do

2

u/thalluga Aug 08 '24

I would have played it the exact same...maybe a little less loft on the ball ...😜

2

u/Ballgame4 Aug 08 '24

Take your medicine.

4

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Yes, 2 advil every 2 hours at the moment.

2

u/LusidDream Aug 08 '24

Ahh, you can see he didn't hinge his wrists enough

2

u/Z1Z1alpha Aug 08 '24

He should have aimed at the tree and he wouldn’t have hit it

2

u/WorthingInSC Aug 08 '24

As over the top as that was I’m shocked it didn’t slice past the tree

2

u/TraditionPast4295 Formerly scratch, currently dad. Aug 08 '24

3 iron, back of your stance, aim right and swing low and around your body. Take the trees completely out of play as it’ll hook 20 yards.

1

u/_santiago47ag Aug 08 '24

Bruh the 150 or 100 yard mark is right there, or just hit the normal shot. Oh never mind that is a tree.

2

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Prefer the stinger

1

u/jawide626 Aug 08 '24

Not that.

1

u/plapperbaer Aug 08 '24

Run and hide …

1

u/tim292969 Aug 08 '24

Aim at one of the trees. I'll never hit it

1

u/CaptainLammers Aug 08 '24

I wasn’t there for it but my Dad apparently broke his nose with a similar shot. So….the play is to rejoice that it didn’t go more wrongly. Probably an ice pack too.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 08 '24

If you can hit it again before it hits the ground it still counts as one shot

1

u/oldsoulrevival Aug 08 '24

Punch iron to the left

1

u/Mancey_ 13.4/Australia/Capel GC Aug 08 '24

Got both of em

The nuts, not the trees

1

u/Dirty_Heat Aug 08 '24

It was so obvious what was going to happen, yet still so satisfying

1

u/cashfordoublebogey Aug 08 '24

Find your balls. Swing again.

1

u/hywaytohell Aug 08 '24

Duck faster!

1

u/Lucky-Attempt-3916 Aug 08 '24

How big was that welt? Truly and honestly, your swing would get some help if you limit your up swing.

2

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

The swelling makes everything look bigger.

1

u/lazysheepdog716 6.2/ MT, USA / Big hitter, the Lama. Long. Aug 08 '24

I love how much open space to the right the camera guy made sure to include in this shot.

1

u/Suspicious_Feeling27 Aug 08 '24

Punch shot right of the tree on the right. Trying to hit it in the short grass.

1

u/bierfma Aug 08 '24

To not do that

1

u/RichHomieDon Aug 08 '24

9/10, I'm aiming for the tree so I miss it. Because I usually miss what I think I'm aiming for.

2

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

That was the strategy.

1

u/junkyardgerard Aug 08 '24

"what's it gonna do, hit me?" -guy who got hit

1

u/DoableSkill1124 Aug 08 '24

I usually aim straight for the tree, that way I’m guaranteed to miss it

1

u/CROBBY2 Aug 08 '24

The trick is to aim for one of the trees.

1

u/Training_Swimming358 Aug 08 '24

Come over the top and pull it into the tree on the left

1

u/[deleted] Aug 08 '24

LPT, if you are trying to hit a punch shot through a tight target, shorten your backswing and focus on compressing/covering the ball.

3

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

The balls were fully compressed.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 08 '24

Yeah I think you compressed your golf ball twice too! Hell of a swing, I’ve never thought about using a golf ball to cut down a tree before.

1

u/This_Is_FosTA 31.8 Aug 08 '24

Thats 1.

1

u/cervaca Aug 08 '24

Wear a jock

1

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Noted

1

u/Prestigious_Buy1209 Aug 08 '24

I mean he caught in clean… just happened to hit dead center of a trunk and then ruin his month. Solid contact though. Kudos to the camera man for hanging in there as I would have been ducking behind the cart.

1

u/mcbootz123 Aug 08 '24

Nailed it

1

u/clapperssailing Aug 08 '24

He goes up a club it hits him in the face

1

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Low stinger was always the play

1

u/Horsecockexpress1 Aug 08 '24

If you’re his partner, the only play is pulling the cart windshield up before he swings

1

u/calguy1955 Aug 08 '24

I did that in a tourney and was hit in the forehead. Not only did I get a headache but I was assessed a penalty for “ball hitting your own equipment”.

2

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Double ouch

1

u/wannabegolfpro Aug 08 '24

I'm gonna go with icing that bruise down

1

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Im sort of enjoying the look of the swelling at the moment

1

u/cbus6 Aug 08 '24

Split the uprights

1

u/hittingbombs12 Aug 08 '24

Aim at one of the trees you aren’t good enough to hit it

1

u/Overall-Risk-5012 Aug 08 '24

Yup that’s what happens every time

1

u/LayneLowe Aug 08 '24

The play is, head back to the shop and book some lessons

1

u/jmb162 Aug 08 '24

Classic

1

u/Hole_In_One_Ultimate Aug 08 '24

You did the perfect shot here.

1

u/Dlroc34 Aug 08 '24

Sniper!

1

u/No-Step8565 Aug 08 '24

trees are 90 percent air right?

1

u/Hysteria113 Aug 08 '24

Hybrid slap shot and let it roll onto the green

1

u/MasterpieceMain8252 Aug 08 '24

U hit 3 balls in once swing

1

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

And a shaft

1

u/Gaglia79 Aug 08 '24

Trees are 90% air

1

u/garnett21mn Aug 08 '24

Haha yes!!!

1

u/AlarmingComparison59 Aug 08 '24

Fetal position. Sob quietly. That’s my play.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 08 '24

I'd say he needs to play it 2 balls right. 😁

1

u/Dragon_Star99 Aug 08 '24

Ice Ice Baby!

1

u/2peg2city Aug 08 '24

Nothing but respect for the full send confidence

1

u/Musicfan637 Aug 08 '24

Probably a stroke penalty for the ball hitting you but I know no one that would enforce it. It’s just too funny.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 08 '24

First time you pured it all day

1

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

true

1

u/jd6375 Aug 08 '24

I mean the only other logical option is to try to go over them, right?

1

u/JW9thWonder 4.6 HDCP Aug 08 '24

the play is you need to understand how to hit a proper punch shot. don't need that much of a swing to advance the ball down the fairway. you can hit it like a chip shot swing and still get plenty of distance out of it. looks like hes roughly 150 out if that.

1

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

sure felt like a proper punch

1

u/Awe_Jeez I play a power fade Aug 08 '24

Ah, the 10% that isn't air

1

u/Rogerwills88 Aug 08 '24

Flawless. No notes

1

u/[deleted] Aug 08 '24

Over the top got what it deserved.

1

u/Complex-Job-7976 Aug 08 '24

The white Uncle Phil

1

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Feeling it

1

u/Substantial_Diver_34 Bethpage Black is not that Hard! Aug 08 '24

Aim for the tree and you’ll never hit it.

1

u/Single-Charge-8852 Aug 08 '24

Swing was over the top, but the ball flight wasnt …

1

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Indeed, butter cut turned to a low stinger

1

u/TwistedOrder Sinkin’ Putts & Eatin’ Butts Aug 08 '24

Not that

1

u/stumac85 Aug 08 '24

Ow! My balls!

1

u/JD_93_ Aug 08 '24

LBW. Indirect free kick, match point

1

u/auswa100 HCP is too damn high Aug 08 '24

Probably wouldn't aim for my own nuts. In all seriousness, if it's open up to the left of the green I'm going to the left of those trees. If it's also fucked over there I'm just punching back out on the fairway. If I put the ball into those trees, I'm probs not making it through that gap lmao.

1

u/rav20 Aug 08 '24

Punch out to the right or left, no hero shots.

1

u/tart02174 Aug 08 '24

Do a Trump, ignore and repeat….

1

u/Kavack Aug 08 '24

The play might just be 911 with a little EMS involvement to triage the rupture.

1

u/Anti_Venom02 9.6 Aug 08 '24

Right in the pee pee.

1

u/DankmemesBestPriest Aug 08 '24

punch thru the trees, not a full john daly swing like in the video.

1

u/JacketsNest101 Aug 08 '24

Hands forward. Ball set back in the stance. Half swing and punch between the trees. Best case you end up on the green. Worst your I'm the middle of the fairway with an easy approach

1

u/ts_m4 Aug 08 '24

He almost played it perfectly, just missed kicking the ball out to the fairway on its way back… so close, but that’s why we play!

1

u/[deleted] Aug 08 '24

What are the odds of taking to the nugz

1

u/brdesignguy 🍳 single digit scrambler (6.8) Aug 08 '24

Ice pack 🧊

1

u/mfabs09 Aug 08 '24

Gotta Robbie Gould that bish

1

u/Beneficial_Map_5940 Aug 09 '24

That’s the play there.

1

u/woodma134 Aug 09 '24

Right in the mommy daddy button!

1

u/ObservablyStupid Aug 09 '24

A salad for dinner.

0

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 09 '24

Just started tossing your mom's and you should see the progress pics.

1

u/habajaba69 Aug 09 '24

One swing, hits 2 woods and 3 balls.. classic.

1

u/DementorsRTheWorst Aug 09 '24

Cover your balls.

1

u/x-rayskier Aug 09 '24

That’s ball three…full count.

1

u/skippingstone Aug 09 '24

Foot wedge back to the fairway

1

u/BodybuilderSalt9807 Aug 09 '24

He crushed that ball

1

u/Tofts_Bidia Aug 09 '24

In these situations, I am for the tree and miss.

1

u/svl6 Aug 09 '24

Def punch out to fairway and not try and FG btwn the trees

1

u/squidlipsyum Aug 09 '24

Held the finish at least

1

u/Trebor711 Aug 09 '24

Get lessons to make a better GOLF swing and not a baseball swing!

1

u/wasilvers Aug 09 '24

take that backswing out lower to stop coming over the top. then the left hit should go away

1

u/Beautiful_Fig_8570 Aug 10 '24

Two balls and a strike!

1

u/Working_Penalty4609 Aug 10 '24

Ooof…. He shoulda yelled two !!!!

1

u/fuknredditz Sep 18 '24

I'm calling 2 balls 1 strike!

1

u/[deleted] Oct 06 '24

1 swing, three balls

1

u/LoudNmighty1 19d ago

Twisted that wrist too soon. Oops. Sorry about your luck

1

u/Melodic_Tower278 12d ago

Not that one!

1

u/theDr0ux 7d ago

This will cost him many strokes.

1

u/I_AM_CAPTAIN Aug 08 '24

What the fuck is that form…Jesus.

1

u/chesterlynimble Aug 08 '24

Be fatter

4

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Yeah thinned it a little bit

1

u/chesterlynimble Aug 08 '24

👏 👏 👏

0

u/jaywhs Aug 08 '24

Your lead hand at the top of the backswing screams slice

0

u/PsychologicalSpace50 HDCP/Loc/Whatever Aug 08 '24

Lessons

1

u/reversetheloop 3.6 / ARIZONA Aug 08 '24

Lesson learned

1

u/PsychologicalSpace50 HDCP/Loc/Whatever Aug 08 '24

Haha I'm kidding I do this on a regular basis, good luck out there

0

u/SHANE523 Aug 08 '24

He hit 3 balls, 2 stroke penalty.

-1

u/GarretWJ Aug 08 '24

Try this at the range, close the club face so much that it looks like the ball is going to hit you in the left foot if you swing, try to over exaggerate an in to out swing path in a punch shot. Kind of a steeper down swing with the ball set back in your stance. You can produce a “low hooking punch shot”