I've only been playing golf since Covid hit, so 5 years at the most. I'm 52 years of age and right now my handicap is about 11. One of the things I did that really helped my game was to make my shot with at least some consideration as to what the next shot would then look like. Whereas prior, my entire focus was just making good contact and keeping the ball in play. What happened was that I often realized that I would have been better off on the other side of the fairway on a dog-leg (for example), or I would have been better off leaving myself a more comfortable approach range as opposed to leaving myself an 'in between' yardage. Things like that can make a huge difference without making any changes to your physical game. It has often been said that you have to think your way around the course and that is what this video is really about! Great stuff as always!!!
I’ve been waiting for this video for a long time. I am confident this will help my score. I learned watching this that to consistently break 80, I have to be smart. This video showed me what a bonehead I can be and why MSH is a very good player. Thank you so much for this!
This is fantastic content! I've decided that 125yd is my favorite approach distance. I'm starting to subtract 125 at the tee box and plan the hole from there.
I like them all (tips) I played 150 games this season and reduced my handicap as well (10.9 to a 7.6) but learned these tips one by one as my season went from bad to worse...(finally pieced together a plan last 20 and was very good) had many ups and downs and glad I found the channel as I think this is one of your best course management videos to date.... keep rockin MSH and love this video!!!
I learn from you. Thanks. I stopped playing for 20 years and resumed 4 years ago. My posture is curved more now at 67 yrs old. I took 4 yrs to realize my center was swaying back even though my lower body was not swaying away from the target. Now I am hitting it flush and able to progress. Distance is not like 25 years ago but it is easier to stay in the fairway..
Mistah - such a pleasant lesson - great communication. So very wise advise. Really good "job." Maybe, I can carry this to the course...maybe...NO, I will.
Your thought about the 440 yard hole is also spot on. I remember a round I played where I got matched up with an old lady. (Looking back, she was probably about 60, or the age I am now. LOL) She could only hit the ball 150 yards... BUT, it was straight down the middle every time. She would have been 5 feet from the hole on that 440 yard hole and had a legit par!!!
I did that a lot this season. I layed up more and stopped hitting driver on every hole. I also just tried to get back into play if I ended up in trouble. Made a big difference.
440 yd par 4... tough holes for me. Depending on how wide it is, depends on if the driver stays in the bag. Even a good 270 yd drive still leaves me 170 and the odds of hitting that green are greatly reduced. Usually hit two 3 irons and a wedge, maybe be save par, maybe not. Either way, I know one or two of my buddies are getting doubles or a tripple. I try and tell them but they don't want to play "sissy" golf. We call it "smart" gokf but to each tgeir own.
All your tips are good stuff! I personally just need to work on good contact. Still struggle with tops and chunks. Getting better for sure but it's taking a while. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Thank you, MSH. Have you read “Radical Golf” written by Michael Laughlin? Play short and play to your “free throw” distances. You gotta practice with your wedges! Someone once said we don’t play swing, we play golf.
Trees good. Water bad. No trees or water and in fairway...great. Nothing wrong with laying up to lower the risk of trouble. I play with several guys in their mid 70's and low 80's (age). Drives are always less than 200 yards and after 18, they usually have more pars than bogeys. Love this type of video an will be watching this one again. Your latest video is always the bright spot of my day. Thank you for that. Incase you don't post one tomorrow, a very Merry Christmas to you!
When thinking about the 208 yard shot, with 185 to carry the bunkers, you made two very good points, but I will re-word part of it... It is not "Can you carry the bunkers". It is "Can you hit it that far in the air consistently. That is the ego part. Most amateur golfers will say "I hit my 4 wood last round 200 yards in the air, so I can do that every time... NO YOU CAN'T!!!!! That is great course management when you realize that.
Favorite tip...play a shot you can commit to...If you can't hit the 3 wood off the deck currently, don't expect you're suddenly doing it today. Play what you know you can hit. Says me...usually never... Merry Christmas MSH to you and the "pooch".
I stopped the video to figure out what was playing that Daggone music. Took me a few to figure out it was background music 😂😂😂 GREAT common sense video…look forward to trying some of your advice…..One thing I notice is your mush it’s do not seem to be as catastrophic as mine😊 Maybe with this advice mine will be less “dangerous”
I know people (myself) who will play short and trust their short game for no worse than bogey 99% of the time. I club up and swing easy…in my mind I am Freddie Couples when in fact it’s probably a lot more like Freddie Krueger.
MSH, Merry Christmas 🎄 Question, when was the first time you played a 18 hole round and used just one ball? I mean didn’t lose a ball. And what did you shoot?
If I know the course well, on a par 5 I would prefer to be in a green side bunker after my second shot than laying up to 80 yards. I’m a pretty good bunker player and I can get it closer to the pin from the bunker than from 80 yards. There are exceptions. Wet conditions, or really deep bunkers or bunkers that are not well maintained.
Everyone has to play to their strengths. Most players trying to break 90 (who this video was made for) are better off laying short of greenside bunkers. Arccos stats say most amateur golfers of all handicap levels are better from just short of the bunker than in the bunker.
Also, I laid back further just as an illustration. If I were ever to lay up it would be just short of the bunkers. I would hit a 40 yard pitch shot closer than a 30 yard bunker shot.
Having a weakness in your bag is a no no. Finding 14 clubs that you can step up under pressure & deliver with a confident shot for whatever is required is paramount to maximizing one’s scoring potential. Being able to trust them all especially when you’re not feeling it on a particular day. It’s a lot of trial & error & expense to boot.
#1 tip for me, there are times that there is No good reason to aim at the pin. Guys ask me all the time why I use my Sky caddy more than my range finder, my stock answer is I’m not interested in the distance to the pin most times, I need front, center, back of green and hazards 99% of the time.
@@mistahshorthitter peanuts music is played during Charlie Brown cartoons. I liked the video and learned from it. This was just a suggestion. Keep up the good work!
@@sscully67 I found it. It was Waltz music I got from RUclips. I used it for 40 seconds of the 16 minute video. The other music was Jazz and Classical.
I've only been playing golf since Covid hit, so 5 years at the most. I'm 52 years of age and right now my handicap is about 11. One of the things I did that really helped my game was to make my shot with at least some consideration as to what the next shot would then look like. Whereas prior, my entire focus was just making good contact and keeping the ball in play. What happened was that I often realized that I would have been better off on the other side of the fairway on a dog-leg (for example), or I would have been better off leaving myself a more comfortable approach range as opposed to leaving myself an 'in between' yardage. Things like that can make a huge difference without making any changes to your physical game. It has often been said that you have to think your way around the course and that is what this video is really about! Great stuff as always!!!
Thank you so much! Keep up the good work!
I’ve been waiting for this video for a long time. I am confident this will help my score. I learned watching this that to consistently break 80, I have to be smart. This video showed me what a bonehead I can be and why MSH is a very good player. Thank you so much for this!
You can do it, Dave!!
This is fantastic content! I've decided that 125yd is my favorite approach distance. I'm starting to subtract 125 at the tee box and plan the hole from there.
Thank you so much, Brian!
I like them all (tips) I played 150 games this season and reduced my handicap as well (10.9 to a 7.6) but learned these tips one by one as my season went from bad to worse...(finally pieced together a plan last 20 and was very good) had many ups and downs and glad I found the channel as I think this is one of your best course management videos to date.... keep rockin MSH and love this video!!!
@@dr.danamplifiers1753 I appreciate you!! Keep it going!
I learn from you. Thanks. I stopped playing for 20 years and resumed 4 years ago. My posture is curved more now at 67 yrs old. I took 4 yrs to realize my center was swaying back even though my lower body was not swaying away from the target. Now I am hitting it flush and able to progress. Distance is not like 25 years ago but it is easier to stay in the fairway..
@@christopherdelarosa8567 Thank you so much! Keep it going!
MSH, ever since I’ve come across your videos I play smarter and easy, not so good, but getting better! focusing on strategy! Thank you
That is awesome to hear. Glad you're enjoying the videos!
I LOVE the music you choose for your videos!
@@Tbones7 Thank you!
Mistah - such a pleasant lesson - great communication. So very wise advise. Really good "job." Maybe, I can carry this to the course...maybe...NO, I will.
@@dramamanmac You can do it! Thank you for watching!
I know exactly what you mean at 6:30 100% broke 80 several times this way getting up and down Love this video!!!!!
@@dr.danamplifiers1753 Thank you so much!
Making us better golfers by teaching us to play smarter. Thanks MSH. "Hit'em straight"
Thank you, Arnold!!
Great video, great advice ! Now all I have to do is remember it when I need to . Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Your thought about the 440 yard hole is also spot on.
I remember a round I played where I got matched up with an old lady. (Looking back, she was probably about 60, or the age I am now. LOL) She could only hit the ball 150 yards... BUT, it was straight down the middle every time. She would have been 5 feet from the hole on that 440 yard hole and had a legit par!!!
You are so humble…. “We were lucky enough to hit a draw in the fairway”…. I say “that man is good”. Great videos as always
@@jessehupko Thank you, Jesse! Your support means a lot!
All of the tips were brilliant MSH, and thanks for all your help throughout the year. Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas!!
I did that a lot this season. I layed up more and stopped hitting driver on every hole. I also just tried to get back into play if I ended up in trouble. Made a big difference.
Very good!
Thanks for great advice MSH!
@@dtsoutdoors Thank you!
Great video as well as great advice. Keep them coming!!!
Thank you!
Nice job. Best tip: on long par fours, unreachable, bogey won't hurt you. Thanks, and merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Texas!
Merry Christmas!!
All was good tips. Thank you
Thank you for watching!!
Good advice, a lot! Thanks😊
My pleasure!
Living vicariously through your videos. Thank you good sir
@@gcoffey223 Thank you!
440 yd par 4... tough holes for me. Depending on how wide it is, depends on if the driver stays in the bag. Even a good 270 yd drive still leaves me 170 and the odds of hitting that green are greatly reduced. Usually hit two 3 irons and a wedge, maybe be save par, maybe not. Either way, I know one or two of my buddies are getting doubles or a tripple. I try and tell them but they don't want to play "sissy" golf. We call it "smart" gokf but to each tgeir own.
Some people will never learn!
This is a great video, you're really good at explaining course management. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Merry Christmas!
Knowing my clubs and putting practice has helped my game tremendously!
Keep it going!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Mistah!
@@dhovious6247 Merry Christmas!
Great video!
Thank you so much!
Great video msh your awesome ❤
Thank you for your support!
All your tips are good stuff! I personally just need to work on good contact. Still struggle with tops and chunks. Getting better for sure but it's taking a while. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Merry Christmas to you!!
Thank you, MSH. Have you read “Radical Golf” written by Michael Laughlin? Play short and play to your “free throw” distances. You gotta practice with your wedges! Someone once said we don’t play swing, we play golf.
@@HalfintheBagGolfer No, I have not. Thank you for watching!
I'm using these strategies. It's tough when your carry distance is plus or minus 30 yards! 😅
@@ellenroehl6022 Thank you for watching! Good luck!
Trees good. Water bad. No trees or water and in fairway...great. Nothing wrong with laying up to lower the risk of trouble. I play with several guys in their mid 70's and low 80's (age). Drives are always less than 200 yards and after 18, they usually have more pars than bogeys. Love this type of video an will be watching this one again. Your latest video is always the bright spot of my day. Thank you for that. Incase you don't post one tomorrow, a very Merry Christmas to you!
Thank you, Monty!
There is nothing wrong with a bogey.
Totally agree!!!
Totally agree!!
When thinking about the 208 yard shot, with 185 to carry the bunkers, you made two very good points, but I will re-word part of it... It is not "Can you carry the bunkers". It is "Can you hit it that far in the air consistently. That is the ego part.
Most amateur golfers will say "I hit my 4 wood last round 200 yards in the air, so I can do that every time... NO YOU CAN'T!!!!!
That is great course management when you realize that.
That's exactly right. They tend to use their best strikes as their stock yardages. With irons, they might also be using a flier they hit as stock.
Favorite tip...play a shot you can commit to...If you can't hit the 3 wood off the deck currently, don't expect you're suddenly doing it today. Play what you know you can hit. Says me...usually never... Merry Christmas MSH to you and the "pooch".
Thank you, Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Another excellent video!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I hope you have a fantastic 2025.
Thank you for your support!
I stopped the video to figure out what was playing that Daggone music. Took me a few to figure out it was background music 😂😂😂 GREAT common sense video…look forward to trying some of your advice…..One thing I notice is your mush it’s do not seem to be as catastrophic as mine😊 Maybe with this advice mine will be less “dangerous”
@@dougfolk1276 You got it!
Long par 3s are challenging for me as a short hitter!
Thank you for watching!
I know people (myself) who will play short and trust their short game for no worse than bogey 99% of the time. I club up and swing easy…in my mind I am Freddie Couples when in fact it’s probably a lot more like Freddie Krueger.
@@HalfintheBagGolfer Thank you!
MSH, Merry Christmas 🎄
Question, when was the first time you played a 18 hole round and used just one ball? I mean didn’t lose a ball. And what did you shoot?
Merry Christmas! I wish I could remember that! Had to be at least 37 years ago!
If I know the course well, on a par 5 I would prefer to be in a green side bunker after my second shot than laying up to 80 yards. I’m a pretty good bunker player and I can get it closer to the pin from the bunker than from 80 yards. There are exceptions. Wet conditions, or really deep bunkers or bunkers that are not well maintained.
Everyone has to play to their strengths. Most players trying to break 90 (who this video was made for) are better off laying short of greenside bunkers. Arccos stats say most amateur golfers of all handicap levels are better from just short of the bunker than in the bunker.
Also, I laid back further just as an illustration. If I were ever to lay up it would be just short of the bunkers. I would hit a 40 yard pitch shot closer than a 30 yard bunker shot.
Mentally and visually acknowledge the trouble and plan accordingly
You got it!
@ what part Ohio you in
@@jeffreypillar4977 Illinois
@@mistahshorthitter oh man.. way off, don’t know how I got Ohio,, I thought I heard it in a previous video. Have a great night.
Merry Christmas
@@jeffreypillar4977 Thank you for the support!
👍
Having a weakness in your bag is a no no. Finding 14 clubs that you can step up under pressure & deliver with a confident shot for whatever is required is paramount to maximizing one’s scoring potential. Being able to trust them all especially when you’re not feeling it on a particular day. It’s a lot of trial & error & expense to boot.
So a person trying to break 80 should hit 3 wood with a fairway that slopes towards the water and trees right?
Favourite tips: Avoid disaster!
Thank you!
#1 tip for me, there are times that there is No good reason to aim at the pin. Guys ask me all the time why I use my Sky caddy more than my range finder, my stock answer is I’m not interested in the distance to the pin most times, I need front, center, back of green and hazards 99% of the time.
Yes!
Leave the ego at home, play smart to score better with greater confidential.
Thank you, Bradley!
Great strategy lesson, but can we have less of the peanuts music? It distracts from your teaching, in my opinion.
I kind of like it at times
@sscully67 Sorry, I like it and a lot of long-time viewers like it. I also don't know what peanuts music is.
I only use it in half the video to try to make everyone happy. Some like it and others don't. I do my best.
@@mistahshorthitter peanuts music is played during Charlie Brown cartoons. I liked the video and learned from it. This was just a suggestion. Keep up the good work!
@@sscully67 I found it. It was Waltz music I got from RUclips. I used it for 40 seconds of the 16 minute video. The other music was Jazz and Classical.