Basic Golfing Tips for Beginners: 3
Monday, April 13th, 2009The term ‘the long game’ refers to your drives (shots off the tee) and fairway shots; that is every shot except the shots you make to actually get onto the green.
Because each hole has a different difficulty level, a different par and different hazards, advising you to use your driver every time on every tee would obviously be wrong.
This is something that you will learn over time as you learn the various shots you need to make according to the club, the placement of the ball and your personal swing.
As a rule of thumb, the lower the number of the club, the longer and lower your ball will travel through the air. For example, a 4-iron will make the ball travel on a long and low trajectory and will most likely roll when it hits the ground, whereas a 9-iron will give the ball much more loft and it will go less distance both in the air and over the ground.
The professionals on TV make it look so easy, don’t they? They hit the ball long and straight time after time after time and never miss-hit the ball causing it trickle six or seven feet or completely miss the ball altogether.
Driving is very important to the game, and many hours spent at the driving range will help improve your distance. Experiment with the same club to see what works for you if you move the ball forward or backward in your stance. Take a lesson, if possible, and learn the proper swing from the beginning.
Mastering the long game will help you get to the green in fewer strokes, keeping your score and frustration levels down. Remember that it takes a long time to learn consistency and also remember that you’re supposed to be having fun!