In our golf bags we have a maximum of 14 clubs. Each club has its own purpose. The problem that can occur with each of the clubs in the bag, is the wrong club can be used for the shot at hand. When the wrong club is used, it can cause you to play a shot that does not match what you want to do. You should always ask yourself: Is this club going to help me play the shot that I have pictured in my mind?
Normally, you might not realize that you have used the wrong club until after you have played your shot. It is important when practicing that you use different clubs to play the same one shot. When you do this, you will find which club is the best to play the shot that you desire.
You should ask yourself questions such as:
- “Should I use a driver here?”
- “Which wedge should I use for this chip/pitch shot?”
- “How high or low do I need to hit this club?”
- “Should I use this club out of this rough?”I can tell you which club you should be using in each situation and why, if we had a playing lesson, but until then, you need look at what club you are using and why you are using it. A common mistake that I see with many golfers is that players seem to only use one club for chipping, one club to get out of the rough, one club to get out of the bunker, one club to get onto the fairway.
I hear people only use a lob wedge to chip with. This is a poor option. I hear people use fairway woods and rescues to get out of the rough. This is an option that will really cost you shots.
Try using different clubs to chip with. Use your sand wedge, pitching wedge and even your nine iron. You must learn that there is a time and a place to use each club. I am happy to show you where and when you should use each club and how to use them effectively.
Here is a tip that will always save you shots out of the rough. Do not use a rescue or fairway wood out of the second cut of rough!! Use a club that has plenty of loft, which will help you get out of the rough and put you back into position to attack the hole. I have mentioned this before, but try use a club like a 7 iron or 8 iron to progress the ball out of the rough. If the rough is heavy or wet, use a wedge to get the ball out.
Do not try to power the ball out of the rough; you will only hurt yourself and your scorecard. Play smart and you will always score well.