Jump to content
IGNORED

Driver or Lay Up - a Poll

iacas

By iacas,
in Instruction and Playing Tips

 Share
Note: This thread is 1368 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Drive or Lay Up?  

31 members have voted

  1. 1. Do you hit driver or lay up (see the question in the first post)?

    • Hit Driver
      13
    • Lay Up
      18

Recommended Posts

  • Administrator
iacas Hall of Fame Member

iacas

  • Administrator

Originally here, a Twitter poll asks:

  • You are a scratch player that averages 290 yards off the tee.
  • You're playing a 325-yard hole with water in play (if you hit the water, you drop at 80 yards in the rough).
  • With driver, you will hit fairway 40%, rough 35%, and water 25% of the time.
  • If you lay up to 100 yards to take the water out of play, you'll hit the fairway 80% of the time and the rough 20% of the time.

What is the correct play? Vote in the poll above.

Then look at the spoiler for PGA Tour data.

Spoiler

PGA Tour Info

  • Driver: 0.4 * 3.55 + 0.35 * 3.75 + 0.25 * (1 + 3.96) = 3.9725
  • Lay Up: 0.8 * 3.80 + 0.2 * 4.02 = 3.844

In other words, on the PGA Tour, it would make sense to lay up, by about 1/8th of a shot. But is the same true of a scratch golfer?

PGA Tour data is in the spoiler.

Erik J. Barzeski — ⛳ I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • Author, Lowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Darkfrog Super Member

Darkfrog

I voted driver. I thought it would be pretty close though. It would be interesting to see the math for a scratch golfer.

-Peter

  • :titleist: TSR2
  • :callaway: Paradym, 4W
  • :pxg: GEN4 0317X, Hybrid
  • :srixon: ZX 3-iron, ZX5 4-AW
  • :cleveland:  RTX Zipcore 54 & 58
  • L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1
Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1

GolfLug Incredible Member

GolfLug

I hit water with driver 50 percent of time if it's in play in general. 'Only' 25 percent chance would mean I am having a stellar driving day...😁

No way I'm laying up...

  • Like 1

Vishal S.

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

  • Moderator
woodzie264 Super Member

woodzie264

  • Moderator
1 minute ago, GolfLug said:

I hit water with driver 50 percent of time if it's in play in general. 'Only' 25 percent chance would mean I am having a stellar driving day...😁

No way I'm laying up...

Agreed

Driver: :callaway: Rogue ST  /  Woods: :tmade: Stealth 5W / Hybrid: :tmade: Stealth 25* / Irons: :ping: i500’s /  Wedges: :edel: 54*, 58*; Putter: :scotty_cameron: Futura 5  Ball: image.png Vero X1

 

 -Jonny

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Big C Great Member

Big C

(edited)

I voted laying up. Looking at the data of this theoretical golfer, I know that driver is going to cost me 0.25 strokes from the penalty. The question is whether the additional 53.75 yards (65 yards x .75 plus 20 yard x .25) that I would gain offsets that quarter of a stroke?

On it's own, it would be a really close call. The kicker for me is that I am hitting out of the fairway 80% of the time with the layup option vs. 40% of the time with the driver. 

I think lay up is the call.

Edited by Big C
Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1
1

  • Moderator
woodzie264 Super Member

woodzie264

  • Moderator
3 minutes ago, Golfingdad said:

I voted layup thinking about how "black" a water hazard is in regards to shot zones.

Good thinking, but everyone didn’t come out here to watch a Tour Pro laying up 

f82e946c-d9da-43dc-930d-ac4ac64b447f_scr

favicon-96x96.png These people didn't pay 30 bucks to see a tour star lay up on a short par 5.

Tin Cup (1996) - Find video clips by quote. GetYarn.io now.

 

  • Like 3

Driver: :callaway: Rogue ST  /  Woods: :tmade: Stealth 5W / Hybrid: :tmade: Stealth 25* / Irons: :ping: i500’s /  Wedges: :edel: 54*, 58*; Putter: :scotty_cameron: Futura 5  Ball: image.png Vero X1

 

 -Jonny

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

  • Administrator
iacas Hall of Fame Member

iacas

  • Author
  • Administrator
13 minutes ago, Big C said:

I voted laying up. Looking at the data of this theoretical golfer, I know that driver is going to cost me 0.25 strokes from the penalty. The question is whether the additional 53.75 yards (65 yards x .75 plus 20 yard x .25) that I would gain offsets that quarter of a stroke?

As you likely know it doesn't quite work that way. The rough is a substantial "penalty" over the fairway.

Heck, you're in the rough 5% more often from hitting it in the water than you are if you lay up. Never mind the other % of the time you hit it straight into the rough from the tee. 😄

Erik J. Barzeski — ⛳ I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • Author, Lowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

CarlSpackler Incredible Member

CarlSpackler

I’m most likely laying up. I like a nice wedge into the green. If the big D could get me on the green, I might consider it or if there was a decent drop area perhaps.

- Shane

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1
1
1

colin007 Incredible Member

colin007

I'm neither a scratch, nor do I know what I'm talking about, but my driver game is shakier than a newborn deer's legs, so I'm laying up. 

Also, the first two responses I see on the Twitter. SMDH.

 

Screenshot_20210224-174439.png

Colin P.

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1

  • Moderator
billchao Incredible Member

billchao

  • Moderator

I voted to lay up. Looking at the PGA Tour numbers, I feel good about it.

Bill

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” - Confucius

My Swing Thread

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1
1
1

Vinsk Incredible Member

Vinsk

If I’m down a stroke from the leader and going into 18...I’m hitting driver. If I lead I’m laying up.

:ping: G25 Driver Stiff :ping: G20 3W, 5W :ping: S55 4-W (aerotech steel fiber 110g shafts) :ping: Tour Wedges 50*, 54*, 58* :nike: Method Putter Floating clubs: :edel: 54* trapper wedge

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1

StuM Super Member

StuM

I voted to hit the driver.  I figure there is a 75% chance of avoiding the water and if my drive is 290 then I am @ 35 from the hole.  Depending upon how bad the rough is I'll take a 35 yard shot from the rough over a 100 yard shot from the fairway.  True, there is 25% chance of being in the water which would hurt, but I'm not playing for big purses like the tour pros so if I lose a shot I lose a shot.  The only math I did was "325 - 290 = 35" and "35 < 100"

Stuart M.
 

I am a "SCRATCH GOLFER".  I hit ball, Ball hits Tree, I scratch my head. 😜

Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5* +1* / 3 Hybrid: Cleveland HIBORE XLS / 4,5 & 6 Hybrids: Mizuno JP FLI-HI / Irons/Wedges 7-8-9-P-G: Mizuno JPX800 HD / Sand Wedge: Mizuno JPX 800 / Lob Wedge: Cleveland CBX 60* / Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 7S / Balls: Srixon Soft / Beer: Labatt Blue (or anything nice & cold) 

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1
1

  • Administrator
iacas Hall of Fame Member

iacas

  • Author
  • Administrator
36 minutes ago, Vinsk said:

If I’m down a stroke from the leader and going into 18...I’m hitting driver. If I lead I’m laying up.

It's unlikely the 18th hole is a 325-yard par four. 🙂

9 minutes ago, StuM said:

I voted to hit the driver.  I figure there is a 75% chance of avoiding the water and if my drive is 290 then I am @ 35 from the hole.  Depending upon how bad the rough is I'll take a 35 yard shot from the rough over a 100 yard shot from the fairway.  True, there is 25% chance of being in the water which would hurt, but I'm not playing for big purses like the tour pros so if I lose a shot I lose a shot.  The only math I did was "325 - 290 = 35" and "35 < 100"

You should read farther into that book you got last week. 😄

Erik J. Barzeski — ⛳ I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • Author, Lowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Vinsk Incredible Member

Vinsk

24 minutes ago, iacas said:

It's unlikely the 18th hole is a 325-yard par four.

Oh...yeah...I was thinking LPGA. But I guess that could be a par 5 then...🤭

  • Funny 1

:ping: G25 Driver Stiff :ping: G20 3W, 5W :ping: S55 4-W (aerotech steel fiber 110g shafts) :ping: Tour Wedges 50*, 54*, 58* :nike: Method Putter Floating clubs: :edel: 54* trapper wedge

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1

Edsland Well Established Member

Edsland

I would definitely lay up, but it would be fun watching Phil and a bunch others go for it. 

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1

CarlSpackler Incredible Member

CarlSpackler

2 hours ago, CarlSpackler said:

I’m most likely laying up. I like a nice wedge into the green. If the big D could get me on the green, I might consider it or if there was a decent drop area perhaps.

I should have qualified this answer with the assumption that I am sober. After a few drinks, who knows what I would do. 

- Shane

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
1
1
1
1
1
1

Note: This thread is 1368 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up

  • TST Partners

    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FitForGolf
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-20%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack/FitForGolf, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope. 15% off TourStriker (no code).

  • Posts

    • DaHolla
      "5 Minutes Daily" Practice Challenge

      By DaHolla ·

      Day 314 - Putting some things together. Better grip/setup, fuller backswing, better finishing position. Filmed some swings, happy with the progress. 
    • DeadMan
      "5 Minutes Daily" Practice Challenge

      By DeadMan ·

      Day 130: did a stack session. 
    • WillieT
      "5 Minutes Daily" Practice Challenge

      By WillieT ·

      Day 206 (24 Nov 24)  - An easy session with the 54deg wedge and hard foam balls / one simple goal - distance control thru backswing length while not decelerating.  Had a playing partner comment they noticed me decelerating on a couple short wedge shots in last round.  Hit from distances from close to 40yds down to 20. 
    • Clemsonfan
      Best Shot of the Week

      By Clemsonfan ·

      Musgrove Mill hole #15 was converted to a par 3 after Hurricane Helene. Today, I had 145 from the tee which is a perfect 9-iron for me. I aimed just right of the hole and pulled it a few feet. Clanked off the stick down into the hole and ricocheted out of the hole 13’ away. Drained the putt for a birdie after repairing the hole which was damaged . Not sure if it would have counted as a HIO, but I was pretty excited!
    • iacas
      "5 Minutes Daily" Practice Challenge

      By iacas ·

      Day 55 - 2024-11-24 Did five levels of Operation 36 on GSPro (different courses). 🙂 Was -4 from 200 yards (32) intentionally laying up on each hole (i.e. not hitting a 5I or something). Shot… 22, 24, 26 from 25, 50, and 100 yards. I forget my 150-yard score, but obviously it was < 36. Putting was odd… (and I did it with the wedge or a 7I or whatever was in my hand).
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

  I accept
The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...