I played 9 last night, and was faced with a similar situation - do I lay up, or go for the green (with trouble surrounding it). I had been playing 'smart golf' all day (I was +6 going in). I didn't think I had a club for the yardage (190 yards - I stop with a 19° hybrid, then go to driver), so I aimed at the right side, (pin was on the left) away from all the trouble.

Well. I hit a sprinklerhead on the fly, and my ball went OB. Absolutely cranked it, though.

Re-tee, and get on the green! My pitch mark was on the front edge (1") and the ball had rolled to the back of the green. I had actually tried to lay up, and got lucky.

But for the situation par 3, if you were worried about hitting it straight, I'd lay up, get on, two putt, and take my bogey.

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True Length Technology Fitter - www.truelengthtechnology.com
It's live! - www.ShipShapeClubs.com
PCS Class 'A' Clubfitter

A new highlight: Golfing the home course on Christmas Day.

I say it too often: If it's golf club shaped, you can play with it.

For the record, I'm a club doctor, not a swing doctor.