The Best Ways to Attack Short Par 4s and Lower Your Handicap

The short par 4 is nothing short of a tricky little devil of temptation. On one hand, it’s a chance for you to look like a hero with a birdie opportunity. On the other hand, it can be a trap, luring you into overconfidence or risky decisions that can quickly derail your round.

So what should you do, and how do you do it? All the answers are right here in this ultimate guide on the best ways to attack these holes so that you leave with a solid score—and a healthy ego.

In this exclusive golfer’s guide, we’ll take a look at five pro-approved strategies to attack short par 4s with precision, confidence, and just enough swagger to make your playing partners reconsider their life decisions.

Get ready to make your next short par 4 your own personal playground.

Before you start thinking about going for broke, it’s important to evaluate the hole’s layout. While short par 4s can seem like an easy target, it’s often a trap designed to lure you into hitting driver when a more conservative approach might be the better play.

Assess the layout and decide whether it’s worth going for the green or if a more controlled, risk-averse approach might be smarter. For example, if there’s a bunker or water in front of the green, playing it safe with a hybrid or 5-iron off the tee might give you a better chance at an easy approach shot.

The driver is a powerful weapon, but it’s not always the right choice, especially on a short par 4. Sometimes a fairway wood, hybrid, or even a long iron can be a better option to put you in a good position without overdoing it.

Instead of blasting your driver every time, take stock of your distance and aim for control over raw power. For instance, if the hole is around 300–350 yards, you might not need the driver to reach the green. A controlled 3-wood or hybrid will give you more accuracy while leaving you with a shorter, easier approach shot.

Once you’ve made your way off the tee, the approach shot is where things really matter. You might be in a perfect position with a short wedge or mid-iron into the green, but many golfers let nerves get the better of them when they’re just a short distance from the flag. This is where a bit of finesse comes into play.

Play to your strengths and focus on controlling your distance. Take a second to breathe, look at the flag, and decide whether you want to go for a pin-hunting shot or play it safe to the center of the green. Sometimes leaving a long birdie putt isn’t a bad thing—it’s better than short-siding yourself with a tough chip shot.

Visualization is a tool that professional golfers use to help with consistency, and it’s something you can start using right away. Before you hit your tee shot or approach shot, take a moment to picture the shot you want to make.

Visualize the trajectory of the ball and how it will land. If you're going for the green off the tee, imagine the ball flying just over the bunker and landing softly on the green. If you're playing it safe, picture a solid drive landing safely in the fairway, leaving you with an easy approach shot.

You know what they say—avoid making a big mistake, and you'll probably end up with a decent score. On short par 4s, there’s often less room for error. Whether it's getting too aggressive off the tee or misjudging an approach shot, the key is minimizing risk.

Be aware of hazards like bunkers, water, and OB areas, and plan your shots to avoid them. For instance, if you’re worried about the ball rolling into a bunker, don’t aim for the flag—play it safe and aim for the center of the green. While the pin might look inviting, the risk isn’t always worth it.

Short par 4s can be both fun and frustrating, but with the right approach, they can turn into scoring opportunities instead of trouble spots. Don’t forget — sometimes playing it safe and avoiding the big mistakes is the best strategy to get that score you’re looking for.

Next time you're standing at the tee of a short par 4, take a deep breath, trust your game, and go for it with a strategy in mind. Thanks for stopping by, until next time.

To better golf,

Matt Stephens

Founder & Inventor, GoGolf365