You'll often hear experienced golfers talk about "laying up" on certain holes. But what exactly does that mean?

Definition:

A lay up shot is when you intentionally hit the ball a shorter distance than you normally could, in order to set yourself up better for your next shot.

Purpose:

The main reason you'd want to lay up is to avoid danger. Things like water hazards, deep bunkers, or dense tree lines that could eat your ball if you go for maximum distance.

So say there's a lake 250 yards from the tee box. Instead of trying to fly it all the way over the water, you may lay up to about 200 yards. That gives you a much safer shot into the green.

Specific reasons golfers lay up include:

Lay ups are also great for avoiding tricky awkward lies. If an approach will require a super high, spinning shot through some trees, it may be better to lay up short of them and have an open shot at the pin.

Experienced players will often lay up in tournaments too, to eliminate the big numbers from lost balls. One bogey is better than a double bogey!

In general, lay up distances are 100-150 yards depending on the hole. Close enough for a short iron or wedge, but not so close that you can't control exactly where you land it.

So in summary - lay ups are a smart, strategic play when going long presents too much risk. Sacrifice some length for placement and peace of mind.

When to Use a Layup

• Avoiding a water hazard on a par 5 or long par 4. Laying up short of the water gives you a safer shot at the green.

• Skirting around a sand trap positioned just short of the green. Laying up on the fringe allows an unimpeded shot at the pin.

• When trees or other obstacles make the direct approach too difficult. A layup leaves a simpler shot angle to the green.

• On par 3s when going for the green seems too risky. Laying up short and taking two putts is lower stress than possibly three-putting.

• When the pin placement makes a direct approach very challenging. A layup to a less demanding section of the green complexifies the hole.

• Trying to make par in tournaments or important rounds. Sacrificing an eagle or birdie possibility for a safer par is a smart strategy.

• Physical limitations prevent a long second shot. Laying up short keeps the swing within one's capabilities.

• Approaching shot would require a delicate bunker shot over trouble. Layup leaves a simpler flat lie.

• Green is small/undulating and mistakes are penal. Layup reduces variance in execution.

Execution of a Layup

• For Distance - Think about how far you need to lay up. Under 125 yards and you'll want a wedge or pitching wedge for precision. From 125-175 yards, a 9 iron through 7 iron gives nice control. If you need 200+ yards, a fairway wood or hybrid allows for accuracy while keeping extra distance in your back pocket.

• Target Zones - Typically 100-130 yards from the green is a sweet spot, leaving a full swing with an iron or wedge into the pin. But think about slopes and where misses will end up. Aim for zones that let you run the ball up close if the first putt misses a little.

• Avoiding Trouble - Really scan the hole and know where hazards like bunkers or water are in relation to your target zones. Make sure to lay up past anything that could gobble your ball up. Leave yourself the clearest view of the pin possible.

• Adjust on the Fly - Factors like wind and green speeds may affect your plan. Be ready to choose a club that lets you modify your target if needed, like laying up shorter or further depending on conditions.

• Layup, then look up - Once you've executed the shot, take a second to ensure your ball ended up where you aimed before visualizing the next one. Proper planning and club selection makes layups a very strategic part of the game.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

• Avoidance - Layups let you steer clear of hazards that could cost you strokes if you go long, like water, sand, or trees.

• Easier next shot - By placing your ball short of trouble, you set yourself up with a lower risk pitch or chip towards the pin for your next swing.

• Lower scores - The safer approach of a layup can save par or even lead to birdies if you put yourself in a good position for your upcoming shots.

Disadvantages:

• Lost distance - Obviously you won't reach the green in one if you lay up, so you miss out on potential eagles or long birdies.

• Tough conditions - Slopes, wind or an uneven lie could push your layup ball somewhere risky if your shot isn't placed well. Accuracy is key.

• Overly conservative - Some players prefer aggression to safety. Frequent layups may not suit their mentality or match their capabilities.

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FAQs

1. Why lay up instead of going for the green?

Laying up avoids potential hazards like water or sand between your ball and the hole. It helps minimize big numbers by sacrificing a close shot for a safer one.

2. How far should you lay up?

Most pros recommend laying up around 100-150 yards out, leaving a short wedge or pitching shot to the green. This gives you good control over your approach.

3. Should you lay up with an iron or fairway wood?

Most often an iron is used since they provide more control over distance and direction than a fairway wood for lay up shots.

4. When should you consider laying up off the tee?

If there is out of bounds, thick rough, trees or hazards between your tee shot and the green, laying up with an iron or hybrid may be wiser than trying to drive the green.

5. How do you hit an accurate lay up shot?

Focus on good ball position, a centered weight shift, and maintaining the same swing you would use with a wedge. Aim 30-50 yards left or right of any hazards between you and the flag.

6. Should you lay up to a specific yardage?

It's common to lay up to yardages that leave common wedge shots (50 yards, 100 yards, 125 yards etc). Those shots are usually higher percentage.

7. When is it better to go for it than lay up?

If there are no significant penalties between your ball and the pin, you may want to challenge yourself to reach the green rather than lay up if possible.

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