I found this interesting graphic over at the Golf Digest site. It's part of an article by Jack Nicklaus on how to decide whether you should gamble on a recovery shot or just chip out sideways. The main part of the info is in the graphic, which I have copied below. However, as you can see, the graphic is too small to read all that well, and there is no easy way to make it larger in the article.
The good news is that Golf Digest actually embedded a much larger version of the graphic in the article -- they just didn't make it easy to get to. Well, I have. Just click on the graphic below and you'll get a new window with the full-size easy-to-read version.
Note that Jack's guiding principle is that your chosen recovery shot should leave you in a better place than you are now. This is a simple guideline but it can be hard to do, and that's why Jack gives you the guidance in this graphic.
If you can gain a complete shot with your proposed restoration shot -- this is, in case your rating could be a complete shot higher than you would make with a chip out -- the recuperation shot is really worth a try. You have to make certain you can pull this shot off 90% of the time. Ask your self if you can make this shot nine out of 10 times. If you can't, chip out.
Can you gain half of a shot? You possibly marvel how you determine that out. Here's the idea: If your shot does not work out, will you still be in an easier spot in your next shot? Will it depart you close up enough to have an clean up and down? If your worst case result is still higher than what you've got now, then the shot may be really worth a attempt.
Finally, if the recovery shot is hard and a horrific end result will depart you in the equal hassle or worse, DON'T TRY IT. Just chip out and take your medicinal drug.
Remember Jack's rule: Your chosen recovery shot should leave you in a better place than you are now. Keep that in mind and you'll post lower scores.
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