FROM THE TOUR
Insight on happenings on the PGA & LPGA Tours and relating it to recreational golf !
Approach Shot Club Selection : “ 100 yards isn ’ t always 100 yards ”
Proper strategy is selecting the right club for approach shots .
During rounds of golf on the LPGA & PGA Tours , an integral part of hitting approach shots is proper club selection . One thing Tour players understand that most recreational players don ’ t , is there is more than just finding out the yardage to the flagstick needing to be considered . Finding the yardage to the flagstick is just the start of many things to consider when choosing the right club . So , once you have decided the yardage you have to the flagstick , here are a few you also need to consider for before choosing a club :
Wind :
This one tends to be the easiest for golfers to at least feel on the course , but many don ’ t value its importance . As a reference point , a 10-mph wind equals one club , and a 20-mph wind equals two clubs . As you can see by these reference numbers , the wind can have a big effect on how far your ball goes , so choosing the right club into / downwind must be factored in . can ’ t move it out ). But what if you find your ball in the rough . Is the ball sitting on top of the thicker grass ? This type of line tends to make the ball go further when you hit your approach shot than golfers expect . Is the ball buried deep in the rough ? This kind of line generally means distance will be more difficult .
Elevation :
You ’ re in the middle of the fairway looking at the green . Take a good look at the green complex . If the green complex looks like its raised higher off the ground than where you ’ re standing in the fairway , this will add a few yards to your approach shot . If you ’ re hitting downhill , this will take a few yards off .
Temperature :
Yes , if it ’ s too cold or too hot , this will affect how far the balls goes . For example , for a one golfer on a 50-degree day a 9-iron may go 122 yards and on a 90-degree day the 9-iron may go 130 yards .
Lie :
You ’ ve hit your tee shot and now you get to where your shot finished . It ’ s very important to evaluate the lie your ball has . A ball in the fairway typically is a great lie ( as long as it ’ s not in a divot ; not you
6 | July Newsletter