Realistic targets...

[irip]

I don't have a 200yd shot either, not many do in reality. If you can repeat 160-170yds then mid teens, along with your decent short game, is very achievable. Get to that place first and then see how you can eek out those extra yards. Don't try to make too big a leap through impatience (we all do incidentally )

One thing that I find helps, I'm not a big hitter either. On a long par 4, have your target as bogey. Come off with a 5, job done. That takes the pressure off and occasionally you will par it. Fixating on par on a long hole will usually lead to frustration.

Over time you may decide to drop your 5 and 6 irons and replace them with hybrid equivalents. Very common now, don't feel uncomfortable or awkward about doing that. Easier to hit and if you play a 4 hybrid well it suggests others won't be an issue for you either.

When I said a 200 yard shot I was thinking off the tee.
If you can do that then even on long par 4s it should be 2 short irons to make the green which sounds like his strength.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

When I said a 200 yard shot I was thinking off the tee.
If you can do that then even on long par 4s it should be 2 short irons to make the green which sounds like his strength.

Very much agree with this . I think we get duped by watching the pros into thinking that any length of par 4 is reachable in 2, par 5's are reachable in 3.

In the case of the OP, until his longer game calms down, hit second shots as you describe. Hit them well, utilise his strong short game. This will eliminate the shockers.

It's how I play longer holes, when my brain is working correctly . On the other days......

 

[irip]

Very much agree with this . I think we get duped by watching the pros into thinking that any length of par 4 is reachable in 2, par 5's are reachable in 3.

In the case of the OP, until his longer game calms down, hit second shots as you describe. Hit them well, utilise his strong short game. This will eliminate the shockers.

It's how I play longer holes, when my brain is working correctly . On the other days......

We all think we can hit a green 180/220 yards away every time.
In truth 2 short irons would leave us better placed most times and help keeping the big numbers off the card.

Now where is my 2 iron?

 

[Voyager EMH]

Realistic Targets.

Focus on the spot on the fairway that you can realistically achieve from the tee.
Second shot - focus on the spot on the fairway that you can comfortably achieve.

These shots should have the same "mind sense" as 100 yard shots to a green.

A common mistake is to see a green that is a long way off, and then the wrong "mind sense" takes over where you try to hit a big perfect shot that goes a long way, because the target you have set yourself (even if you are not fully aware that you have done so) has little chance of success.

 

[bobmac]

What is the problem with your long game, is it poor contact? eg duffs/tops/thins?