Delo’s Divots: More often than not, when I go out and play I am
amazed at the club selection of my playing partners. Now, I don’t
know if they want to impress me with their club selection
— being close to what I am hitting, or what — but it always
seems to lead to a poor shot.
More often than not, when I go out and play I am amazed at the club selection of my playing partners. Now, I don’t know if they want to impress me with their club selection — being close to what I am hitting, or what — but it always seems to lead to a poor shot.
Most players will take the approach that, they choose the club that will get to the hole . . . maybe.
First, ask yourself (and be honest), how far do I truly “fly” each club, on average? You need to use that average in-the-air yardage because you can’t rely on a ball bouncing or rolling up to the hole. Also, you can’t bet that you are going to hit it perfect every time. You will miss-hit it most of the time.
After determining the average yardage that you “fly” each club, then you can make an informed decision on the club to select for the shot. Remember, if you hit you a 5-iron and “fly” it 150 yards on average, and you are 160 yards out, hit your 4-iron or hybrid. Just because once in a while you can hit the 4-iron 160 yards, the odds are you won’t do it.
Use the club that if you hit it “average” — not great or not bad — it will end up on the green. Good players will always choose more club and a smooth swing rather than less club and having to nail it to get to the hole.
