Irons for approach shots in Golden Tee
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Now that you’re off the tee, let’s take a look at your strategy when determining your approach shot into the green. As with all shots (except putts) in Golden Tee, we’ll have to consider distance, wind, green slope, and elevation to determine the best angle and shot type towards the flag!
First I size up the distance. Take a look at the club that Golden Tee recommends by default. I usually change clubs from what the game recommends based on the wind. If there’s no wind, you can usually pick the club whose estimated distance will land you closest to the pin. For head and tail winds, adjust your club length as necessary (see “Playing the Wind”).
Next determine if you want backspin or roll on the ball (see “Backspin/Roll” for approach shots).
Notice whether you’re hitting into an elevated green or one well below your feet, because you may have to add/subtract a club based on the elevation (probably adjust by 1 club for every 10 yards difference in elevation). An important tip here is that the big woods or low irons sometimes don’t have enough loft to carry an elevated green! Try to pick a club that will carry high enough to reach the front of that elevated green. Your 1-iron or 3-wood might have the distance just fine, but it may never get high enough to reach the plateau.
Another big factor can be the slope of the green. Visualize how the wind will affect the ball in the air, and how the slope of the green will affect the ball once it gets there. Try to play the wind so that once the ball gets to the green, it rolls along with the slope towards the flag. For example, if there’s a strong wind blowing to the right, but the green slopes hard left, I’ll shoot the ball out left of the flag and let the wind take it right of the flag. Then, when the ball hits the green on the right side, the slope will bring the ball back left towards the hole.
Degree of slope is important to notice. If there’s not much slope, you can play a safer shot to the middle of the green, because your putt will still be fairly easy. If there’s a ton of slope, it’s important to get the ball as close to the pin as you can, because it’s very easy to miss long putts with a lot of slope!
One situation in Golden Tee that calls for special attention is a shot where you have wind and side slope in the same direction. These are very difficult shots, especially if one or both are severe. If you simply shoot the trackball off against the direction of the wind, the wind will carry the ball back straight, and then the slope will continue to carry the ball in that direction, often times leaving you off the green. The best option, which is also difficult and requires practice, is to shoot an A2 or C2 shot, where the ball fights the wind so that it ends up on the top side of the green slope. In extreme cases, you may even need an A1 or C3 shot to fight the wind at a steeper angle. In addition, backspin won’t help your shot very much if the wind and slope are really pushing the ball sideways (the backspin will control the distance a bit, but the ball will continue on sideways as it spins backwards).
Finally, based on all these factors, determine your shot type (see “Using the Track Ball”). On most of my iron approach shots, I don’t pull back the trackball – I just shoot the trackball forward with the speed and direction where I want the ball to go. But, depending on the wind and slope as mentioned above, you may need a two-step directional shot.
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Golden Tee Fan is
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a Golden Tee addict from Chicago, IL, thirsty for tips and tricks!
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Golden Tee Fan
I historically use a backswing on all shots except short wedges. I carry a +16 handicap and thought I was good but am learning I’m not on a greater scale so want to get better and I see many pros hardly ever take backswings on approach shots where they don’t need a C or A curve. Can you expand on why this is and when not to use a backswing? ( GT link is down)
Couple different reasons, but mainly because you eliminate a big variable in accuracy. By not pulling back, you can push forward exactly where you want the ball to go. Another reason is distance control; the ball goes farther when you pull it back, so you can hit the same shot same speed without pulling back and it won’t go as far; this is advantageous if you are in between clubs. Thanks for the question!