Golf is a game of decision making. Which club should I hit? What line to choose? How far should I hit each club?
These are frequently asked questions from yourself in each round of golf that you play. When you get the answers correct you achieve positive results, but when you give yourself the incorrect answer, poor results occur which can really affect your scorecard.
The two questions which are commonly answered incorrectly are: “Which club should I hit?” and “How far should I hit each club?”.
Unfortunately, club golfers can have a misconception of how far they actually hit the ball on a consistent basis. Just because you hit that one shot a certain distance once, does not mean you will do it on a regular basis. The key is to know how far you hit each club consistently.
When a player hits the wrong club too hard it generates an excessive amount of spin on the ball, which balloons the ball into the air, causing you to lose distance. In the same instance, if you are fortunate enough to actually hit the ball on the green, the chances are, you are going to spin the ball off the green.
The usual “leave” for a club golfer is to get the wrong distance on the shot, leaving the ball short. The common shot where the ball goes over the green is when the player tries to scoop the ball, which usually makes the player blade the ball across the green. This also occurs when a player tries to swing too fast at the ball.
The best advice I can give a golfer when indecisive in club selection, is take an extra club and swing at three quarter pace. You will find a more positive result when the ball lands on the green and you will consistently get the correct distance.
Thinking of hitting the ball in a fashion where you feel you are punching the ball is a great way of getting strong compression on the ball along with helping you take a divot. Players who hit the ball with no divot taken will find they may hit the ball straight, but there will be very little power and flight in the trajectory. Hitting down into the ball and trying to compress the ball will give you more distance and a better ball flight, including the correct spin, which will help you get the best result for the shot.
People comment that if someone is hitting the ball really hard, how can they get so much distance without excessive spin on the ball. My answer is simply this, they are not hitting it hard, they are using their body more efficiently which gives them the control to create speed the correct way. Having the correct clubs fitted for their swing, is also a major factor. Trying to hit the ball with brute arm speed does not give you the power and control that you need.