A real Strategy Discussion

[Jeff_Brauer]

I think there is more correlation between these tactics ( ) and the average golfer than others.  The pros may have a 10 degree dispersion pattern vs 15 deg. from B and C players, but the thought process may be similar.


I remember Jim Colbert saying that if he just weakened his grip or stood a bit closer to the ball, he basically took the left side out of play, i.e., all but guaranteeing he would at worst hit it straight, so he would aim at the left edge of the green  or fw if the hazard was right, and at worst, typically have a long downhill putt as his penalty.  If he got a bit more aggressive, he might aim at the left third of the green over changing his grip or stance to increase the degree of fade, but that might be sometimes needed as well.  Of course, wind, and slope of lie also affected the shot, and place in the round (i.e., 71st hole) might change his aggressivness.  He once wondered why anyone would put a gambling hole anywhere before the 15th hole, because who would take a risk until then anyway?  (I've done it, but agree late in round provides the best opportunity to place those holes when possible)


Decades, Broadie, and others say the same, but in some cases, like where OB is within the 7.5 deg. right side dispersion would tell them to just aim at the left rough if necessary.

[Tom_Doak]

PS  Is this really strategy?  I thought it was tactics.

I would be interested in hearing your definition of the difference.....

When I think of strategic design I think of how the golfer is trying to position himself on the course for the next shot . . . not what kind of swing he makes to get there.  Strategy = where, tactics = how.  I've no idea if that's right, but that's how I've always thought about it, because golfers talk about what we do as design strategy, and golfers don't do what we do. 

[Tom_Doak]

 He once wondered why anyone would put a gambling hole anywhere before the 15th hole, because who would take a risk until then anyway?  (I've done it, but agree late in round provides the best opportunity to place those holes when possible)

The Tour pro point of view is the stroke play mentality.  In match play, a half-par hole is compelling at any point in the round.

[Daryl David]

PS  Is this really strategy?  I thought it was tactics.

I would be interested in hearing your definition of the difference.....

When I think of strategic design I think of how the golfer is trying to position himself on the course for the next shot . . . not what kind of swing he makes to get there.  Strategy = where, tactics = how.  I've no idea if that's right, but that's how I've always thought about it, because golfers talk about what we do as design strategy, and golfers don't do what we do. 

Not sure if it applies, but in business, a strategy is the route a business chooses to take to accomplish the organization’s objectives. Tactics are actions you take to make that strategy happens. Apply that to this golf discussion and the objective would be to win the tournament and a strategy could be to finish a round without a penalty stroke. In that context, aiming away from a penalty area is a tactic that supports the that strategy. If I was with McKinsey, I could bill for this post!