Why is it that amateur golfers and pros fail to get the ball on the fairway?
This is a fantastic question. The ball keeps coming up empty because the players are trying to reach their irons as far each time.
They may still not get the green, even if they are flush.
It was Ben Hogan, I believe that it was. “irons are for accuracy”
This quote will be a great reminder to keep in mind before you attempt an approach shot.
What does maximum distance mean?
For irons and all clubs there is a minimum and an average distance we can hit them.
You might think that if your 8 iron hits the green at 155 yards, it is just how far you’ll hit it each time.
This distance is the most common for an 8-iron, so you may only get it as far as this once in a while.
You can see that 155 yards is from the centre of the green. 143 yards are from the front and 167 yards at the back.
Your thinking is that I hit my 8-iron 155 yards. Now grab your iron.
A good swing is made, but you don’t make it to the green. You rationalize this and realize that your mistake.
Your 8-iron distances in reality are maximum of 155 yards and minimum 130 yards respectively, with an average of 140 yards.
It was just a little short of the green, and it hit the average.
If we’re 145 yards away from the middle of the green and 133 yards back, and 157 yard from the front and back respectively, you can still use your 8-iron and hit it anywhere between 130 and 155 yards. It will be around 140 yards. Birdie Putt!
You are still at the front of green, putting in for a par, even if it doesn’t go the minimum of 133 yards.
Your accuracy will suffer if you try to reach it at maximum distance each time. You swing as hard as possible to increase the distance.
You can fix the problem of hitting the ball too close to the green by hitting it short.
You should not hit short of the green if you want to maximize the distance of that club.
My experience is that less than 1 percent of weekend golfers hit the green.
Do not be afraid to grab another club.
Remember to keep track of the distances between your irons and the green when you approach the hole.
These numbers should be used to determine the distances from the center and front of the green.
Do not let your ego stop you from choosing the right club to take to the top.
To ensure that you always have enough clubs, choose the one with the closest average distance from where you wish to hit the ball.
Your accuracy can be improved by playing at the back of the green, or taking more club and chewing down.
It will surprise you how often you don’t go over but still end up very close to the pin.
Your greens in regulation will increase, and you will become a better player.
Don’t forget, par is possible if the green is missed.