How Playing Short will Save You Strokes

It's a pretty simple tip really, but it will help you to lower your scores.

What you should get out of this lesson is that short is usually better regarding approach shots, and I'm going to explain a few reasons why I believe this to be true.

Let's set the scene. We'll use the same example throughout. Let's say that you usually hit your 8 iron around 150 yards, and you are 160 out. Now, most golfers would probably grab their 7 iron here, and think to themselves, "I'll just take a little off this, and I'll be right on the pin".

Problem: Most recreational golfers don't have the ability to add and take off power from their swings.

You should focus first, and foremost, on mastering one swing, including the tempo, speed, and power that it takes to perfect that one swing. Once you start trying to swing a little easier or a little harder, problems start to sneak into your round. You are trying to play for the pin and instead, you end up in the bunker on the right side of the green, and now you've just turned a par hole into a double bogey.

The difference in distance between your 7 and 8 iron should be about 10-15 yards. The Point? Hit your 8 iron every time in the above situation. Don't mess with your swing. Go with what you trust. Hit the 8 iron 150 yards, and let the ball roll onto the green. At that point, anything can happen. You may end up 2 inches, 2 feet, or 20 feet from the pin, but at least you're putting.

Benefit 1: If you mishit the ball a little further than usual, you're still in good shape because you played a little short in the first place. If you hit the ball a little short, you're still okay, because chances are, you're sitting in the middle of the fairway, maybe on the fringe.

Benefit 2: If you go to the right or the left, since you played the shorter club, you're not going to be as far right or left as you would have been with the 7 iron. This could mean that you are still on the green, or it could mean that you are on either side of the fairway. But chances are that you are still in decent shape.

Summary: When you're trying to decide between two clubs, take a second to look at the hazards around the green. If there's a bunker or some water guarding the front of the green, then sure, it may be a good idea to take the larger club. But other than this exception, you are almost always better off, taking less club. You'll stay out of trouble, and that is the key to lowering your overall score.

David Nevogt writes golf instruction material that helps golfers of all levels reach their full potential and lower their scores. David is the author of "The Simple Golf Swing" which guarantees to have you shooting 7 strokes lower in only 1 week from today. You can find more of his golf instruction by going to http://www.golfswingguru.com

---

How Do The Golf Pros Train?

Many of the top touring professionals know that winning on... Read More

How To Unleash The Power Of Your Core

The golf swing relies upon core strength, endurance and proper... Read More

Guide To Buy Used Golf Clubs For Beginner Golfer

If you are just starting out to play golf, you... Read More

Golf Swing Simulators

Are you looking for a way to play golf during... Read More

Golf Swing Mechanics Can Be Improved Very Quickly

If you're like most golfers, you're always trying to duplicate... Read More

Golf Fore Success

Golf has a crazy way of telling who we truly... Read More

Do You Dream Of A Golf Swing With Power

If you are one of those golfers whose idea of... Read More

Purpose Driven Golf

I want you to meditate on a couple points for... Read More

Golf Humor Poetry:- Ode to the Fanatical Golfer (Part One)

He wanted golf to be experienced by all, And hoped... Read More

Getting Your Hands Through the Ball at Impact

Have you ever thought about what your hands and forearms... Read More

Golf Holiday - Plan Your Holiday Golf or Your Ireland Golf Vacation

Try Ireland for a golf holiday full of emerald green... Read More

Top of the Mountain: The Masters, Augusta, GA

If you're a stockbroker, the center of the world is... Read More

Golfer? Back Exercise Can Eliminate Back Pain

'Golfer' back exercise is a key part of any golf-specific... Read More

Too Many Online Golf Tips...which one do I take?

Online golf tips are on the increase. This is hardly... Read More

Exercises to Prevent Common Golf Injuries

To those who don't play, golf seems like a low... Read More

Golf Vacation Schools ? Choose the Perfect Golf School Vacation for Your Game

Golf Schools, like golfers, come in all shapes and sizes.... Read More

Golf Humor Examines Golf Emotions:- Are We Just A Bunch Of Cry Babies?

Let's examine an aspect of the game that I find... Read More

History of Golf- How it all Started

Since before the time Mary Queen of Scots was disciplined... Read More

Why A Modern Golf Training System Is So Effective

Gone are the days when a golf training system mainly... Read More

Senior Golfers Increase Swing Speed

It is widely known that with increased age comes a... Read More

Returning Home: Scottish Golf Breaks

July 2005 sees the return of the world's greatest golf... Read More

The Impact of Golf Specific Exercise

Golf specific exercises are part and parcel of the modern... Read More

The Most Useful Driver Golf Swing Tip

A very important driver golf swing tip to constantly bear... Read More

Easy To Implement Golf Improvement Techniques

Golf improvement techniques abound. This article will cover some golf... Read More

Left Handed Golf Tips

Where do you find left handed golf tips? You find... Read More

Will You Have The Time For Your Golf Training Exercise

Modern living is such that many amateur golfers fear golf... Read More

Today?s Golf Schools Bring In The Elements Of Instruction And Fitness

What comes to mind when you think of golf lessons... Read More

Focus Your Focus - How to Ward Off Distraction During Your Golf Swing

There is a great possibility to lose your mind when... Read More

Preparing Your Body For Golf While You Travel

We all know the temptations of traveling? grabbing a slice... Read More

How Timing The Golf Swing Is So Critical To Consistent Shots

Timing the golf swing is extremely critical. It is not... Read More

A Bad Golfer & Common Mistake You Will Find Every Time

Fascinatingly enough a bad golfer is consistent enough with his/her... Read More

How to Maximize Your Distance by Hitting Triples Instead of Home Runs

This lesson is entitled, "How to Maximize your Distance by... Read More

Picking Your Golf Equipment Picking Your Golf Equipment

Looking for quality golf equipment but not sure you want... Read More