One of the common notions of beginner golfers is that any club would give you the same result. FALSE. Not all golf clubs are made the same. Each golf club is designed for a specific shot need and delivers different results. Golfers know how crucial a club one use could affect a performance and score. The sheer variety of golf clubs can easily confuse and overwhelm a player from choosing which is which for when. So how do you choose the correct club for a shot?
What to consider when picking a golf club for a shot?
Distance
How much distance do you want to attain? Choose a club that will give you the distance that you need. It sounds so simple. What makes this part complex is that each club’s performance will depend on your average yardage capacity.
Knowing your average distance when hitting a ball is something you need to work on to significantly improve your game and yardage. You need to play and practice hitting the balls with each club to see how far you can send them. Take note of the average distance for each club.
Club Range
Some clubs are made for long shots. You can have a full bag of clubs but not knowing how each blends with your own swing capacity will only bring you inconsistent results. The average distance you can achieve still depends on how you hit the ball. Two players using the type of club may get different results and yardage. Therefore, it is important to get to know your average distance with each club. It helps to effectively estimate your yardage and choose the correct club for a shot to bring you closer to your target. It also depends on the make and type of your club - wedges to drivers made of iron, hybrid and wood also offer different distances.
How to measure your average yardage per club?
Start practicing with your shortest club to your longest club. Club size and length of shaft can affect your swing performance. You might need a club with a longer shaft if you are tall or might notice that you do better on an iron, wood or hybrid kind. Practice aiming at the target nearest to you.
Record the solid shots you made. Record how far it lands in front or behind of the nearest target. Your goal is to know how far the ball traveled on air. This does not include the rolling after the landing. For instance, your club made the ball fly 5 yards past the 100-yard mark - your average solid shot for your club will be 105 yards.
Continue to the next target using another club and do the same average measurement. You might need to fly a few more balls to keep a solid shot and record the average distance.
It takes time, practice and experience to figure out your yardage capacity. You might even refer to your personal records a lot at first. Overtime, you will know it by heart and this will significantly help you find the right club for what shot and when.
