The next time you watch a Golf Professional notice how they are able to pick a golf course apart. They always know the exact distance to their specific target. Their target could be a specific yardage short of the green, a hazard or even a specific location on the green. You never see a really good player guess at yardages or make a poor club selection.

They aggressively attack the golf course with superior ball control skills. Professionals will always carefully plan yardages, club selections and map areas to avoid. Touring professionals and their caddies spend hours preparing their weekly game plan during their practice rounds prior to an event.

Average golfers would greatly benefit by improving their course management skills. Many amateurs often make mistakes with poor club selection. Instead of playing to their strengths, they often bomb driver and leave themselves with uncomfortable approach shots. If you want to score better, it is imperative to understand how far you hit the golf ball and play from a comfortable distance. In addition, recognize the correct carry distance with each club.

Higher handicap players will often choose a club they think they should hit from a specific distance. Just because they see their friends hit an 8 iron from 150 yards they believe they should hit 8 iron from 150 yards. In reality, there is no correct distance a club should hit a ball. There are many variables that cause a golf ball to travel a different distance. A few variables include strength, swing speed, temperature, wind, contact, humidity, etc.

Purchase a GPS unit such as a UPRO or Skycaddie and take the guesswork out of yardages. It is imperative to select the proper club for each shot. You are permitted to have up to fourteen clubs in your bag. Each club will help produce a different distance based on the length and loft. Try to make the same swing and allow the club to hit the ball a different distance. If your 150 yard club is a 6 iron, don’t try to swing harder and hit your 7 or 8 iron 150 yards. Make a smooth swing while maintaining your balance. Practice controlling distances with knockdown shots. Learn the yardage you hit each club and start to pick the golf course apart just like the Pros.

Matt Keller, PGA

FEATURED AUTHOR: Matt Keller is a PGA Golf Professional with over 15 years of experience. Throughout his career he has worked at courses in Pennsylvania, Maryland,Florida and Delaware. Matt has conducted thousands of golf lessons to players of all ages and ability levels. Currently, he is a PGA Professional at Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club located near Bethany Beach, DE