By Bill Totten

In Part 1 of the ISZ Window System, we introduced a simple idea:

Great players don’t just try to hit a good chip…

They choose a window.

Low. Medium. High.

Now in Part 2, we take the next step—because knowing the windows is only half the equation.

The real skill is knowing when to use each one.

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It’s Not About the Shot—It’s About the Situation

Most golfers stand over the ball thinking:

“What shot should I hit?”

Better players ask a different question:

“What does this situation require?”

Same wedge.
Same motion.

Different window.

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The Four Common Positions Around the Green

Let’s walk through four typical situations you’ll face—and how the window system applies to each.  The graphic below is a good visual for you to reference.

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1. Front Right — Good Angle

This is where many golfers get themselves in trouble—not because it’s difficult, but because they misread the opportunity.

You are not short-sided here.

• You have green to work with
• The bunker is not directly in play if you choose the right landing spot

👉 Best Choice: Medium Window

• Fly the ball closer to the hole, not into the bunker
• Land it on the green and allow for controlled rollout

The mistake here is playing it too safe and leaving it short—or worse, aiming toward the bunker.

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2. Front Left — Good Angle with Slope

Again, this is not a short-sided shot.

In fact, this is a situation where you can be a bit more aggressive—if you understand the green.

• You have more room than it appears
• The slope becomes your ally

👉 Best Choice: High Window

• Carry the ball past the high point (yellow/red area)
• Land it closer to the hole
• Let it settle softly

The key here is trusting that you can fly it farther than your instincts tell you.

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3. Back Right — Downhill (Danger Zone)

This is one of the most misunderstood shots in amateur golf.

The green is:

• Sloping away
• Faster than it looks

👉 Best Choice: Low Window

• Land the ball early
• Let it release like a putt

Trying to hit this high is where big numbers come from.

This is where better players separate themselves—not by hitting a great shot, but by choosing the safest window.

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4. Back Left — Best Case Scenario

This is as good as it gets.

• Maximum green to work with
• Ideal angle
• Slopes working in your favor

👉 Best Choice: Low or Medium Window

• Keep it simple
• Use the ground
• Let the slope feed the ball to the hole

This is where you should expect to get it close.

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The Simple Rule That Ties It All Together

If you remember nothing else, remember this:

The less green you have, the higher the window.
The more green you have, the lower the window.

And even more importantly:

Default low. Earn the right to go high.

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Bill’s Take: This Is Where Scoring Improves

The difference between average and great short games isn’t execution.

It’s decision-making.

When you:

• Choose the right window
• Pick the right landing spot
• And trust the rollout

You remove the guesswork.

And when you remove the guesswork…

You start turning chips into tap-ins instead of two-putts.

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Final Thought

Every shot around the green is telling you something.

Slope.
Angle.
Green to work with.

Your job is to listen—and choose the right window.

Because when you do…

You don’t just hit better chip shots.

You make better decisions.

And that’s where scoring really changes.