Is working the ball overrated?

[iacas]

So basically the ball is probably going to move on you whether you like it or not, so you might as well try and control this movement as best as you can? Is that the main principle behind working the ball, other then to get out of bad situations?

Yes. And additionally it's easier to get to certain pins, or tweak distances by hitting shots (a fade might take off 1/4 a club, a tiny draw might add 1/4 or 1/2 a club, etc.).

[jrm1493]

I think its been said before, but with one major won w/GI clubs and another major runner up against the best player ever, obviously GI clubs can be used to good effect. Maybe it has something to do with tour course setup being longer and not as tight as in the past.

[rusek]

I think its been said before, but with one major won w/GI clubs and another major runner up against the best player ever, obviously GI clubs can be used to good effect. Maybe it has something to do with tour course setup being longer and not as tight as in the past.

A good player can still work a GI iron.

[907golfer12]

A good player can still work a GI iron.

Agreed

When I was choosing between G10 and i10 irons I could work them left to right and right to left very easily, it was just a matter of knockdown shots, which the i10's gave me the lower shot, which I need at some courses here.

[x-forged]

A good player can still work a GI iron.

True Dat. Rocco Mediate played X-20's at the US Open.

Back on topic, I think working the ball is somewhat overrated, not always though. I think its good to know how to work the ball for some situations(hook or draw around tree, into the wind, etc...), but I don't think its very essential. Rocco, to refer to again, didn't really work the ball too much. He hit his big ole draw the whole time.

[GOLFSALOT00]

my course has very fast greens so i often hit high fades to stick the ball and ill play a fade on some dogleg holes. i think being able to work the ball is a very important skill to have in order to become a better player and you can get around the obstacles such as trees and rocks