Most pro golfers have a go-to club they lean on under pressure or when it’s important they stay out of trouble off the tee. Often, it’s not the driver. Tiger Woods won the 2006 Open Championship at Hoylake without hitting a single driver over the final 54 holes. His chosen club was a 2-iron, which was ideally suited for the dry, firm and windy conditions.
When a tee shot is really important, you might be tempted to hit driver. But do you really know which long club performs best for you under pressure?
Here’s how to find out: head to the practice range and establish a “fairway” by locating two flags (or markers) about 25 paces apart. Pull out your driver and hit 10 tee shots to this imaginary fairway. Tally how many balls finished in the landing zone, then repeat theprocess with your other longer clubs (fairway woods, hybrids, long irons, etc.). Which club delivered the highest percentage of fairways hit? If one proved substantially better, then that should become your go-to club when you need it most.
If time permits before your next round, repeat this exercise, but hit only five balls with each club. See if there’s a clear winner.
Always go with the club that gives you the highest chance for success, even if it means sacrificing some distance. You’ll have a much easier time hitting the green from the fairway than in long grass. Who knows, you might find that your driver is best, which would give you more confidence to let it rip under the gun.
Alana Swain teaches at the PGA Tour Performance Center at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
