Stupid Golf Question
What does lay up mean?
Everyone is talking about going for it and you see water, sand, and regret
Plain answer first
The plain answer
A lay up is a planned shorter shot that avoids a hazard or bad position and leaves you with a safer next shot.
The NPG answer
It is golf strategy for people who enjoy finishing the hole with the same ball.
When it matters
It matters when a long shot brings water, bunkers, out of bounds, or other expensive nonsense into play.
What to do next
Pick the safest landing area you can actually reach, then play to that spot instead of swinging at a fantasy.
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