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.
As a rule of thumb, the lower the number of the club, the longer and lower your ball will travel through the air. For example, a 4-iron will make the ball travel on a long and low trajectory and will most likely roll when it hits the ground, whereas a 9-iron will give the ball much more loft and it will go less distance both in the air and over the ground.
The professionals on television make it look so easy, don’t they? They consistently hit the ball long and straight and never miss-hit the ball making it dribble ten feet or completely miss the ball altogether, but you do not have to do that either, if you practice, practice, practice.
One of the most important parts of the game is the drive. If you spend a few hours at the driving range you will see quite a big improvement in your long-distance shots. Use the same club in this experiment to see what affect it has, if you move the ball backward or forward or in your stance. And, if you can, take a lesson or two from a pro, to learn the proper swing from the start.
Mastering the long game will help you get to the green in fewer strokes, keeping your score and frustration levels down. Remember that it takes a long time to learn consistency and also remember that you’re supposed to be having fun!
