Playing with Perspective in Golf
By Brent Morrison
Typically as golfers we have always been told that we should play away from trouble on our lay up shots to have a clear shot into the green. Depending on whether the golfer is right- or left-handed, this may not always be the case, as our mind and eyes will work together toward a conviction of confidence – or doubt – in our ability to execute the shot.
Let’s look at an example: On this hole we have a deep, narrow green with bunkers on the back and right as well as water on the left guarding the green. As the last thing we see is the first thing we remember, right-handed golfers will want to be on the right side of the fairway to keep their backs to the water. Glancing over the left shoulder at the target before swinging, the right-handed golfer will be graced with a visually pleasing and non-threatening view of the green.
But what about the plight of the left-handed golfer in the same position? More water than green will be visible; a situation which typically complicates many golfers’ swing thoughts and erodes confidence. In this case, visually it may be better for the left hander to come in from the left side of the fairway.