Force your preferred shape or play what the hole dictates?

[SoundandFury]

I worked for a long time to fix my misses to the right off the tee. Now I played a high draw that I've gotten pretty damn consistent with. The downside however is that I'm not very accurate with fades, and when I do find the fairway I lose 20 or more yards. Thus, unless absolutely impossible (trees all the way up the right side of the tee box) I play my draw, even on holes that set up for a cut (I aim over the hill and cut the corner). What is everyones thoughts on this? It generally works, but if I miss with a big block, it usually puts the ball OB. Would you continue to play your strength, or play the shot shape that's appropriate for the hole?

[rustyredcab]

Play my best shot not the best shot for someone who may have all the shots. My desired shot shape is straight or a slight draw.

[mvmac]

I worked for a long time to fix my misses to the right off the tee. Now I played a high draw that I've gotten pretty damn consistent with.

First off, awesome

What is everyones thoughts on this? It generally works, but if I miss with a big block, it usually puts the ball OB. Would you continue to play your strength, or play the shot shape that's appropriate for the hole?

Depends on the hole but I would generally say to play your stock shot most of the time.  Maybe try practicing some fade drives on the range, it can actually be somewhat easy when the balls on the tee.  Play the ball a ball or two in front of the left shoulder and aim the body straight or slightly left.  Remember aim the face where you want the ball to start.

[04v8s4]

I struggle with this too. I happen to have the same standard ball flight...and struggle with hitting a controlled fade. You must be a decent player if you are hitting consistent draws! So my advice would be twofold. First, work on fading the ball on the range. What I do is hit a standard draw then try to hit a fade...alternate back and forth...don't just pound out 50 fades in a row. This will help you on the course....where you don't hit fades regularly. Part of hitting a good fade is starting the ball left. This will take some alignment and visualization changes....as you are used to starting the ball right. This is my biggest issue...I always start my cut shots too far right!!!! Secondly, practice hitting cuts on the course. Use your casual weekend matches at first...build up your confidence. A fade is a tough shot to control without loosing distance right (too much side spin) and without straight pulling it left! Best of luck....

[lumpuckeroo]

I only have one shot, in three degrees, fade, power fade, slice, I play it regardless of the hole.

[David in FL]

I'm going to play my stock shot most of the time.  Fade with the driver and draw with irons and hybrids.

In order to choose to play something else, the reward has to exceed the potential risk of a miss.  As an example, if I try to draw my driver, I bring a 2 way miss into play.  Either a block that doesn't turn over, or an over-cooked hook.  In order to risk the play I need to know that by drawing the ball, I'm likely to gain at least a half stroke vs my normal stock shot.  I also need to know that if I make either of the likely misses, the result isn't likely to be so bad as to cost me a stroke vs my stock shot.