Often times golf shots are missed before they've ever been hit.  A golfer will look at the target and automatically determine the shot they're going to play without assessing the lie.

For example, if a scenario calls for a pitch or lob shot and you don't have enough cushion under the ball you have to make a decision.  I would always counsel my students to let the lie determine, first and foremost, the shot you're going to play.  By following this direction you can commit to a shot 100%.

The video below gives you a visual and verbal illustration on determining the shot based on the lie.

Cheers,

Tim