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Why Distance Control Matters More Than Direction on Approach Shots

Photo by Lo Sarno on Unsplash Statistical analysis of amateur golf performance consistently reveals a counterintuitive finding: distance control errors on approach shots cost recreational golfers more strokes than directional errors, even though most golfers practice and worry about direction far more. The Statistical Pattern Shot-tracking data from systems used across recreational and competitive golf shows that amateur golfers are typically far more likely to miss an approach shot short or long of their intended distance than they are to miss significantly left or right of their intended line. A shot that's 15 yards short or long frequently finds trouble — a bunker, water, or simply a much longer subsequent putt — in a way that a shot 10 yards left or right of the pin, but still on the green, does not. Why This Happens Directional misses are usually caused by face-to-path errors, covered in our ball flight laws article , which tend to be relatively consistent for an individual g...
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Aaron Rai: PGA Championship Winner and Dark Horse at the 2026 US Open

a man playing golf on a beach
Photo by Joseph Sintum on Unsplash

Aaron Rai won the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club and arrives at Shinnecock Hills as one of the most in-form players in professional golf. His Aronimink victory earned him automatic exemption into the 2026 US Open field and a five-year exemption into future US Opens. Here is what to know about the newest major champion heading into the third major of 2026.

The PGA Championship Victory

Rai's win at Aronimink was a performance that demonstrated his ability to manage a demanding course under championship conditions. Aronimink's Donald Ross design rewarded precision iron play and patient course management — qualities that translate directly to US Open conditions. His ability to score well at par 70 layouts with demanding approach shots is directly relevant to what Shinnecock Hills will require.

His Game Profile

Rai is known for exceptional ball-striking accuracy and a calm, methodical approach to tournament golf. He does not overpower courses and he does not force situations that are not there. That discipline — the willingness to accept par and wait for genuine birdie opportunities — is precisely the temperament that the US Open rewards and that historically produces major champions at Shinnecock Hills specifically.

The Challenge at Shinnecock

The US Open at Shinnecock presents a different kind of test than Aronimink. The links-style setting, the wind exposure, and the USGA's championship setup create conditions that require specific course management and shot-making adjustments. Rai's major championship experience is now deeper after Aronimink, and his game profile fits the US Open's demands. He will be underestimated by those who do not follow him closely. That could work in his favour on the leaderboard.

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