The difference between playing conservatively and playing for the big risk and reward shot can dramatically effect the overall score of your weekly medal. Phil Akers, a senior teaching professional at the Belfry plays the 10th hole on the course to highlight the dramatic contrasts between both styles of play.
The hole plays over 270 yards to the pin from the white tees, a fairly big carry to the green for most amateur golfers, however it is short enough to entice many golfers into thinking about pulling out the big stick. Phil does this with his first ball and hits a wonderful drive getting to the front edge of the green. Although his decision to hit driver was very bold and aggressive, his great execution gets him a huge reward on a difficult hole.
With his second shot he plays very conservative hitting a mid iron down the right side of the fairway leaving him a nice 120 yard second shot. He hits a good second shot into the green leaving him in prime postion for birdie, all of which was done without breaking too much of a sweat.
Phil's example of both playing styles highlights the contrasting styles these methods have and there are certainly positives and negatives to either one of them. It ultimately comes down to the golfer, and the feeling they have when they are stood over a golf shot in a dilemna. Both options are effective, but it is the execution that is the important part of the shot.
