[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "How a Short Hitter Beats a Long Hitter~"

The way a short hitter beats a power hitter is through a precise short game.

Average hitters often ruin their scores when playing against long hitters.

This is because they get greedy for distance and lose their own pace. Never forget that you should always attack according to your own game plan (Forget your opponents; always play against par). Instead, a counterintuitive approach focusing on the short game rather than power hitting is necessary. Average hitters are not always at a disadvantage. For example, a long hitter might hit a 250-yard tee shot on a 400-yard par 4 hole and then successfully reach the green in two shots with an 8-iron to make par.

Although it is difficult for average hitters to get on the green, let's say they record par with a precise approach shot, known colloquially as 'Class 3-1,' which sticks close to the pin. The score is the same, but the long hitter feels regretful. The probability of a missed shot increases on the next hole. This is why focusing on the short game is key to beating long hitters. Veteran Phil Mickelson (USA) emphasized, "The only way to win tournaments is with the short game."

On par 3 holes or short par 4 holes, on the other hand, play as aggressively as possible. If you can even make birdies, long hitters become intimidated and stressed. No matter how far a long hitter drives, if their fairway hit rate is below 30%, they can never beat an average hitter who drives 200 meters with a 70% fairway hit rate. Moreover, long hitters must place the ball in a narrow intermediate point (IP).

In fact, power hitting without accuracy is useless. Sometimes, a high-level psychological strategy is added. Applaud the occasional powerful drives enthusiastically. At the same time, exaggerate your praise by saying the ball actually went 50 yards farther than your own, even if it was only 30 yards farther. This will excite the opponent to try hitting even longer drives. Eventually, an out-of-bounds (OB) or lost ball is inevitable.

A: Good shot! It looked like it went about 300 yards. You outdrive me 50 yards. You're a really long hitter.

B: Thanks. I hit well, right on the sweet spot.

A: Look! It's on the green. It's about 10 feet to the right of the pin. Finally you have a par.

B: Thanks and how about you?

A: I chipped onto the green and parred the hole.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, golf columnist