This week’s tip comes from Scott Allen, head professional at George Wright Golf Course in Hyde Park. Allen is focusing on proper club selection. He writes:
“Choosing the appropriate club for each shot is the hardest thing to do for the average golfer. The first thing you have to consider when selecting your club is your ability level. Let’s say you are a beginning golfer and you are on the first tee at George Wright. Leave the driver in the bag! People live in those houses on the right side of the hole. Take out your 3-wood, which has more loft and a shorter shaft. These two factors will help you reduce that slice.
“My favorite saying when I’m playing is ‘hit it and find it.’ That means that sometimes you might have to hit a club that won’t go as far, but will go straighter.
“The more accomplished golfer also needs to pay attention to what club they are using when they walk up to the tee. Just because the hole is a par-4 or par-5 doesn’t mean you have to pull driver out for maximum distance. Putting yourself in position to hit the green in regulation sometimes means hitting the ball to a certain distance on a hole. For example, when the tees are up front on hole No. 7 at George Wright [a 400-yard par-4], you need a club that when hit properly will stop at the top of the hill. The last thing that you want is a downhill lie from 175 yards away. Putting yourself in a position to succeed rings true in golf, as well as life.’’