Most Underrated Part of Golf?

[GaijinGolfer]

IMO iron play is the most underrated part of golf.

[Shripe]

Most underrated part of golf? Taking time to practice for 20 minutes here and there.

Not to sound like an infomercial, but since my back yard is quite small, I actually use the Floppy practice balls to work on not only the chips/pitches, but also any shot up to full swings. Granted I'm hitting off a mat, which, as another thread has already dealt with (mats vs grass) has much to be desired (I don't really want to fix up this spot on my lawn every day), but it still helps me train my muscle memory on certain swings as I'm still quite a beginner.

[chilly]

Iron play. Everyone talks about the state of their game off the tee, or their short game, but you don't really hear that many people talk about how they're hitting mid irons. The way I see it, unless you've put yourself in really bad shape off the tee...great ballstriking with irons can eliminate the need for great driving or a great short game. Also, consider that par threes rely heavily on iron play.

[Deryck Griffith]

Without a doubt, Mental Game. I know many players who could be WAY better if they weren't head cases.

[bwdial]

Without a doubt, Mental Game. I know many players who could be WAY better if they weren't head cases.

True.

For the unconfident player, every hazard (even if they could comfortably carry them with half the clubs in their bag) is "in play". The confident player doesn't even notice fairway bunkers 150 yards off the tee, or the small pond that fronts the tee box.

[tws1098]

True.

Very good point, if I am having a good start to the round (or am just in a good mood) hazards are not in my mind once I choose my club.

[chriskzoo]

As important as short game and ball striking are I believe that course management is the most under rated, over looked and rarely used item that has the potential to make the biggest difference. But of course that is just my opinion.

Without a doubt. When I finally started to "manage" my game I dropped from a pretty consistent 14 handicap to an 8 and don't strike the ball that much better IMO. When I come up to a short par 4 (< 350 yards) which is not wide open, I'm hitting hybrid off the tee, giving myself ~140 yards to the green and making par almost every time and having some good looks at birdie. "Old me" would have just hit driver and then cursed myself out if I sprayed it into a bad spot.

Also on appraches I'm much more cognizant of giving myself a good leave if I don't hit the ideal shot. I'll take a chip across the green rather than trying to get up and down from the bunker I just short sided myself on. I forget the exact quote, but Ben Hogan said something to the effect that he only hits about 3 shots per round that go exactly where he wants them and it's making sure every other shot doesn't put him in a bad spot that lets him score.