When to Use What Golf Club?

Determine the actual distance (in yards) from your lie to the hole. Distance markers and the flag color are there to assist you with this. Be aware that distance markers are to the center of the green, not to the hole. If the flagstick appears to be at the front of the green (or up), subtract 10 yards from the distance-marker yardage. If the flag is behind the center of the green, add 10 yards.

Visualize the trajectory needed for the ball to take a clear path to the hole and stay put when it lands near the hole. The clubs are designed with loft (angle that the clubface is at when it strikes the ball). More loft (steeper angle) makes the ball trajectory higher. Less loft makes the trajectory lower. As club numbers descend, loft decreases and the ball flies lower. As club numbers ascend, loft increases and the ball flies higher. A ball struck with a low trajectory runs farther after landing than a ball struck with a high trajectory that tends to run little when it lands.

Determine any obstacles that are in the direction and trajectory of your desired ball flight. If there are obstacles low, or on the ground (bunkers, water, sprinkler heads, vegetation, etc.), you will need to loft the ball over them with a higher-lofted club. If there are obstacles high (tree branches, power cables, etc.) you will need to slip the ball under them with a lower-lofted club. You may need to compromise distance to avoid an obstacle, but this is better than going for the distance and colliding with the obstacle.

Determine the elevation change between your lie and the hole. If you are hitting uphill, add 10 yards to the yardage-marker distance to compensate for lost trajectory and run. If downhill, subtract 10 yards for added trajectory and run. For steep inclines, add or subtract more yards (more or less club) accordingly.

Determine how the wind is behaving (direction and strength). If it is blowing into your face as you face the hole, add 10 yards to the yardage-marker distance to compensate for the wind resistance. If it is at your back, subtract 10 yards to allow for the wind's help. For strong winds, add or subtract more yards accordingly.

From driving-range practice and previous play, you should know your approximate ball distance with each club. If not, and you are an adult male beginner, assume you will hit the ball about 150 yards with a 5-iron. Add 10 yards each as the club numbers descend (170 yards with a 3-iron) and deduct 10 yards each as the club numbers ascend (130 yards with a 7-iron).

Determine the correct club for the actual distance based on your game. Adjust the yardage (club selection) for trajectory, obstacles, elevation and wind.