The Risk/Reward Formula: the data-based answer on when to swing harder

How often do you think about swinging a little (or a lot!) harder to get more yards? For me it only happens 7-14 times a round. If only there was a simple rule of thumb, or maybe even a formula(!), to figure out when it makes sense...

Turns out there is! I did some research on strokes gained data from different yardage and lies to figure out the optimal strategy for every shot. And in this video I break it down in detail so you can use it too!

Hope this is helpful! Please leave me a comment with your thoughts and whether it worked! 

Here are some of my other videos that other folks have liked/found useful: 
How I went from a 10 to 1 handicap:    • A Comprehensive Guide: My Massive Han...  
How to suck less at par 3s:    • Instant strokes gained: The Essential...  
What's NOT in my bag:    • 3 things I TOOK OUT of my bag and dro...  
What's IN my bag:    • This setup took me from 6→1hcp in 12 ...  
How to pick targets like a scratch golfer:    • Pick your targets like a SCRATCH GOLFER  


**If you're into improving your game, I highly recommend this book:**
Tiger's How I Play Golf: https://amzn.to/3KHalyD
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. Teaches you all the stuff you would have to spend years figuring out on the course, has tons of pictures and clear explanations, and stands the test of time (I've had my copy over 20 years).

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:56 The big question
01:16 Proximity from fairway data
02:32 Yardage/proximity combos
05:01 Add in putting data
07:52 Proximity from different lies
08:47 Pro bunker performance
10:40 Add in different lie performance
12:31 The Risk-Reward Formula
14:11 Ex - Mid-range par 4
15:09 Ex - Shorter par 5
16:16 Ex - Short par 4
17:56 Ex - Short par 4 with trouble
19:57 How to adjust the formula
20:59 Summary

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What's in my bag (with links to where to learn more + buy)

*CLUBS*
DRIVER: Callaway Rogue ST ◆◆◆ LS 9° https://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/...
DRIVER SHAFT: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 X-flex https://fujikuragolf.com/woods/ventus
3W: Callaway Mavrik Sub-zero 15° https://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/...
3W SHAFT: Fujikura Pro 2.0 X-flex https://fujikuragolf.com/woods/pro-2

IRONS: Taylormade P7MC 3-PW https://www.taylormadegolf.com/P7MC-I...
GAP WEDGE: Taylormade MG2 50/09 (bent to 49) updated model: https://www.taylormadegolf.com/MILLED...
SAND WEDGE: Taylormade MG2 56/12 TW grind updated model: https://www.taylormadegolf.com/MG3-Ti...
LOB WEDGE: Taylormade MG3 60/11 TW grind https://www.taylormadegolf.com/MG3-Ti...
IRON +: WEDGE SHAFTS: Nippon Modus3 Tour120 X-flex (can order through Taylormade) https://nipponshaft.com/product/steel...

PUTTER: Taylormade Spider FCG single bend 34” https://amzn.to/40eY616

*BACKUP CLUBS*
3 HYBRID: Callaway Apex19 20° https://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/...
4 HYBRID: Callaway Mavrik Pro 23° https://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/...
SHAFTS: (both) KBS Tour Hybrid Prototype 85 S-flex https://kbsgolfshafts.com/product/tou...

*ACCESSORIES*
WOLF HEADCOVER https://amzn.to/3TCd5jH
TIGER HEADCOVER https://amzn.to/3JJdJbG
BALL: Bridgestone Tour B XS (Tiger edition) https://amzn.to/3liYc90
RANGEFINDER: Garmin Z80 -- updated model: https://amzn.to/3Tleg6E
🧲MAGNETIC WRAP FOR RANGEFINDER🧲: Stripebird 2.0 strap https://amzn.to/3JLF8cX
TRACKER FOR RANGEFINDER: Apple Airtag https://amzn.to/3FwOu9X
BAG: Vessel VLX 2.0 https://t.ly/Iu2pZ
ELECTRIC PUSHCART: Alphard Club Booster V2 http://alphardgolfusa.refr.cc/upbeatg...
✨MAGICAL✨ GROOVE CLEANERS: Pocket Club Cleaners https://amzn.to/3JvFkvM

*CLUB FITTING*
I got fitted at Cool Clubs at their Foster City location in the SF Bay Area https://coolclubs.com/

(PS: some of the links listed are affiliate links so I might get a kickback from them, which I will then spend on golf balls that I will lose on the course and thus the circle of life continues)

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WHO AM I:
I'm Manu, a full-time desk-jobber and part-time golfer living in the San Francisco Bay Area. After 23 YEARS of hacking at the ball, I finally got my act together and dropped my handicap from ~15 to ~1 in two years. I make videos to share what I've learned and help you make the journey WAY faster (and with less frustration). Hope this is helpful!

Want to chat about videos or business stuff? Drop me a line: [email protected]