Club Selection & Distances

No two golfers hit the ball exactly alike, and external factors such as temperature, altitude and wind will influence distance. Most of us don't hit the ball as far as we fondly imagine, with the result that we tend to take too little club and then hit too hard. Take some time to measure out your average distances, take enough club and play within yourself - you'll be far more consistent!

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• Our Top Tip is to calculate your average hitting distance on the range with a 7 iron, using a gentle easy swing. Once you have this calculation, you plus or minus 10 - 15 yards up or down the club scale, for example if you average 150 yards with a 7 iron you will probably achieve 160 - 165 yards with a 6 iron and 135 - 140 yards with an 8 iron.

• Other factors to determine correct club selection are whether you are hitting uphill or downhill, and the gradient of the slope. As a general rule take an extra club when playing uphill and a club less when playing downhill.

• An uphill lie increases the loft of your club and will encourage the ball to fly higher reducing distance. A downhill lie reduces the loft of your club and will result in a lower ball flight and more distance.