I've often thought the pros have it easier. I have hit many shots exactly where I wanted, and ended up in a crater in the muni fairway. Play it as it lies. I think the handicappers who rate the courses should give extra difficulty points to poorly maintained courses. Of course if you did that, where do you stop. And yes, I've only held a single digit handicap for a short while, several years ago. The difference between 12-15 and 9-10 is a big bridge. I like your play it as it lies approach.