Basic Golfing Tips for Beginners: 3
The term ‘the long game’ is used to refer to the drives (shots off the tee) and fairway shots, which means every shot with the exception of the ones you make to actually get onto the green.
Since each golf hole has a different difficulty level, different par and distinctive hazards, telling you to use your driver on every tee would blatantly be quite wrong.
But don’t worry about it. This is something that you will have to learn with experience as you learn the various types shot you need to make, which will vary according to the club, the placement of the ball and your own personal style of swing.
Generally speaking, the lower the club number, the longer and lower your ball will fly over the ground. A 4-iron shot will travel a long and low trajectory and will most likely roll on the ground, whereas a 9-iron shot will have much more loft and go less distance both in the air and on the ground.
The professionals on TV make it look so easy, don’t they? They hit the ball long and straight time after time after time and never miss-hit the ball causing it trickle six or seven feet or completely miss the ball altogether.
A very important part of the game is driving and if you spend many hours at the driving range you will see a big improvement in your distance shots. You should keep using the same club in the experiment to see what works for you if you move the ball forward or backward in your stance. And take a lesson or two from a pro, if possible to learn the proper swing from the beginning.
You need to get to grips with ‘the long game’ as it will ensure that you get to the green in fewer strokes, which will keep your score level and frustration level down. Bear in mind that it takes a long time to learn to be consistent and also always remember: you’re supposed to be having a good time!