go for the hole or the up & down?

When just off the green ( on slopey greens ) I always seem to go for the hole, but it usually stops in such a position as to make the one putt a tricky one across a slope. Is it a better bet to pick a spot from where I would like my 1st putt to be played from ie under the hole maybe 4-5 foot away, and aim te end up there ( or nearer ).

Dave CAC handed Geordie.

Dave. You have just found out that one must always consider the next shot you are likely to be playing after your initial shot.

Confidence in ones abilities to get up and down in this game is essential and makes shot selection a lot easier.

Mmm, tough one. I'm a go for the hole person but I have the confidence John talks about with my chipping and putting. If it misses, chances are it will be in one putt distance.

Always go for the hole on a greenside chip at worst should be a tap in. If its over a dangerous obstacle or a bunker was behind the flag I would think again.

Confidence has been mentioned and I think that is the key, though you've still got to get these delicate shots right or your finding the ball rolling back to you or you skull it through the green. I find I have more control for these 5yd to 20yd chips/pitches if I take it mid to back stance and don't break my wrists (ensure you don't break your wrists after the strike as you may catch the ball on the follow through) and look to land it within 2 feet of where I envisage the ball will hopefully run to the hole. As for going for the hole, everytime. Segio Garcia once said he was looking to put it in from 150 yds.... now that is confidence. 

Nearly always go for the hole, if it goes in your just showing off.

If it just misses the hole then you have a tap in for your first putt.

Aiming to leave the ball inside a certain distance could mean that you end up leaving it shorter (thus leaving an even longer first putt).

Russ

Good point Colin, these type of shots are not exclusively for the more lofted clubs and it does depend on the lie and the contours of the green though from my point of view I find if I concentrate on one club, say the 60% lob wedge to get over green side bunkers and the 9 iron for the rest then confidence will allow for more varied shots such as opening the club face, the lengh of backswing , pace of the swing and the consistent bite you get produces a better result.