The value of such positioning is that you begin to tailor your shot-making abilities to the course. You mentally take control of the design. This strategy is not restricted to tee shots. Playing approach shots to the fat, or safe, side of greens instead of at the flag may reduce your score dramatically. Designers try to tempt you into hitting risky shots.
Smart players know their limits and avoid trouble.
Because of its configuration, low-handicap players normally will choose a route off the tee that is close to the water, significantly shortening the hole. During the Greater Ozarks Open at the Highland Springs Country Club in Springfield, Missouri, I was paired in the pro-am with professional Bob Lunn and three other amateurs. I drove down the right side of the fairway, taking the water out of play. One of my playing partners, a stocky fellow with a healthy handicap, attempted to follow Lunn s route. He wound up wet.