Golf. A game of stamina and wits? Or a game for people with funny clothes? No matter how
you feel about golf, it really is great fun to play. Here are some tips to get you started.
Club Selection
The first thing you must do is choose the correct club for the shot. The clubs are numbered from
No.1 to No.9. The lower the club number, the further the ball should go when hit. Here is a table that lists the
average distances for male players under normal conditions. You must practice to determine YOUR actual distances.
| Club Used |
Average Distance |
| 1 Wood |
220 Yards |
| 3 Wood |
200 " |
| 4 Wood |
190 " |
| 5 Wood |
185 " |
| 2 Iron |
180 " |
| 3 Iron |
170 " |
| 4 Iron |
160 " |
| 5 Iron |
150 " |
| 6 Iron |
140 " |
| 7 Iron |
130 " |
| 8 Iron |
120 " |
| 9 Iron |
110 " |
| Pitching Wedge |
100 " |
| Sand Wedge |
80 " |
Grip and Stance
Everyone has some advice on how to grip the clubs and the proper stance when addressing the ball.
But quite frankly, just do what feels comfortable, unless you want to join the PGA tour. However, it is important
to remain consistent. Once you find a comfortable feel, remember what you are doing. The way you hit the ball depends
on the mechanics of your swing. By being consistent in your set-up, you will have more consistent shots.
Skulling
Skulling is when you hit a fast running shot with the leading edge of an iron. In the South they
are called worm burners.
1. The first thing to correct this problem is to stand closer to the ball. You need to have the
iron get under the ball, lifting it from the grass. Keep your head still and eye on the ball. It's good to make
a divot.
2. Swing smoothly, concentrate on not looking up until after you hit the ball.
3. During the backswing, shift your weight to your back leg. Do not stiffen or lock the back
knee.
4. During the downswing, shift your weight to your front leg.
Skying
Skying is when the ball is hit very high into the air. Not a good thing if you want some distance
to your shots.
1. Do not tee the ball any further than your front foot instep. This way the impact is made just
after the bottom of the swing arc and the start of the upswing.
2. Do not lift the clubhead sharply on the backswing. Keep the club low to the ground during
the first couple of feet of the backswing.
Slicing
Slicing is a shot the veers from left to right. It is used by professionals to play doglegs in
that direction, but most novice golfers who slice the ball just end up losing them in the woods.
1. Use a square or slightly closed stance.
2. Start the backswing low and slow.
3. Keep the right elbow close to the body.
4. Keep the right elbow close to the body. Yeah, we repeated this because it's IMPORTANT.
5. Keep a firm grip on the club's handle. Firm, not painful.
6. On the downswing, do not reach for the ball. Swing from the inside out.
Hooking
Hooking is the opposite of slicing. This is where the ball travels from right to left.
1. Grip the club with both hands more to the left than usual.
2. Do not roll the wrists too much.
3. At the top of the backswing, make sure the right wrist is under the club's handle.
4. On the downswing, do not let the right hand dominate.
