When was the last time you hit the golf ball way over the green on an approach shot? You probably don’t remember because for most amateur golfers over shooting the green is rarely a problem.

Let me ask you another question. When was the last time your approach shot fell short of the green? You probably do remember because it was the last time you played golf. This is why golf course architects put the majority of hazards (bunker, water, ravines) in front of the green not behind it.

Why am I asking you these questions? Well I’m trying to show you all the strokes you are adding to your score simply because you are using the wrong club. Yep that’s right. Most golfers are using the wrong club for approach shots. It doesn’t matter if you are 180 yards out or 100 yards out you are probably over estimating the distance of your golf clubs. Most handicap golfers don’t hit the ball as far as they think they do.

This is one of the simplest problems in golf to fix. The secret solution: use one club higher on your approach shots. Yeah we’ve all hit that career best 180 yard 7 iron with 30 mph wind at our backs and a downhill roll. But let be honest this was a once in a life shot. If your instinct tells you to grab your seven iron grab your six instead. Pretty simple stuff I’m sure you will agree. The beauty is that you can literally start slashing your golf scores over night using this simple trick (you don’t even have to change the way you swing).

There are a lot of golfers out there who have good golf swings, hit the ball solid most of the time yet get frustrated with their high scores wondering why. They usually end up thinking that they need to hit the ball harder to make it on the green (ruining the rhythm of their swing). Why work harder when you can work smarter. There is no shame in using a longer club (especially when you are the only guy making it on the green without a chip shot).

There is no point in overestimating the distance of your golf shot. Yet we all have a tendency to do this. We all remember those perfect shots we have made and boy did that feel good. The problem is we can’t do this on every shot. The truth is you may hit the ball 180 once in a blue moon, but your average is around 150. So why not just use a six iron with a nice controlled and relaxed swing?

Play your golf clubs to their average distance not their max and you scores will start dropping big time.

For Better Golf,
Doc O’Leary
Head Golf Nut, OHP Golf