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The “I knew it” shot. I have hit this shot and am pretty positive everyone that has played a round has done this as well, possibly in every round played. What is the "I knew it" shot? It's the shot that right after you hit the ball and see a disappointing result, you tell yourself “I knew it.” This can be many types of shots and can easily be avoided before you hit the ball. Have you grabbed a club from your bag, walked to get ready to hit the ball and realize that you are questioning your club selection, yet feel a bit lazy to go back to get the right one? Have you teed up the ball slightly too high or low and didn’t bend down to adjust the tee? Did you pull the driver out of the bag because everyone else did, although the driver has been letting you down all round? Have you skulled a chip across the green and since you were still away, ran over to the ball and hit again because you didn’t want to hold everyone up and hit too quickly? Have you hit a 3 wood out of thick rough just because you are over 200 yards away? Did you feel odd in your backswing, yet continued on your downswing? If you have done any of these and continued your swing with a disappointing result, you may have told yourself “I knew it!”
The good thing is it can be avoided. The bad thing is we oftentimes discount our misgivings and move forward. The only solid advice is to take a breath. Be comfortable with your shot choice. Then and only then execute.
Golf is part strategy part skill. If you find yourself with that sinking feeling try to set yourself up with a backup shot should this shot fail you. Defeatist to be sure, but honestly the best option when you are unsure of the result.
Part of the mental game is making sure you feel good and are ready to hit a shot the best you can. When you feel that something is off, back off for a few seconds then come back to the ball with some more peace of mind that you have selected the right club, tee height, have your breath, and take an extra practice swing. This just might save a few strokes and make it a better round.
If you fail miserably at that at least you have set yourself up for the J.I.C.Y.F.U shot. Good Luck and happy hacking!
A little about Paisano:
By day he helps shape young minds. In his downtime you can find him perusing the GK site as one of our Staff members. Co-founder of the GK Meet-ups Group of Los Angeles. A hacker like the rest of us mere mortals, he offers his two cents and his humor. Wicked good on the golf greens, you will never lose a golf ball on his watch.
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