Hitting Long

Hitting long is a problem which few golfers suffer - quite the reverse in fact. Many course designers set out specifically trap long hitters with bunkers, trees and other hazards, especially near greens. The problem stems from either errors in technique or judgment. Of course, anyone can make a mistake and therefore it is only of concern if you consistently overshoot your targets.

Technique
If you find that you are overshooting and still maintaining control and accuracy then you do not have a technique problem. Your are either consistently using the wrong club or are misjudging distance. If your shots are long and often wayward, then this suggests that you are putting leverage into the club rather than relying on the uncoiling motion of the body to provide power. Releasing the potential energy of the backswing is everything you need to provide power and drive the ball. Concentrate on this technique and if you perfect it then your reward will be distance AND control.

Topping is a common cause of overshooting. If the ball bounces over the ground then you may lose distance. If it travels low like a bullet, you will gain distance. Of course, thinning offers you no opportunity to utilize the loft of the club and the spin characteristics of the ball required to shoot in a controlled and accurate manner. Other sections describe thinning in detail. It is usually caused by the ball being too far forward in the stance.

Judgement
Under competitive conditions, the body is naturally pumped up with adrenaline. This of course gives extra strength leading to greater distance. This brings your mental approach to golf into play. Always endeavour to remain calm and focussed. If you are excited or 'pumped up' then you can compensate by underclubbing by 1. This should bring you back to your normal standard. You want also want to under-club when shooting downwind. However, note that the increased loft can put the ball higher into the wind where it can easily be carried.

If you find that the ball lands as intended but rolls too far, then you may be using the wrong ball. It's all a question of generating backspin which reduces roll. Three price balata balls give maximum spin but they cost more and are less durable. Most golfers use a two piece ball. However the bigger names in golf balls are coming out with new designs which claim to offer the best of both worlds. At the end of the day, ball selection is a personal choice and should be based on experimentation on the range.

If you find that you cannot judge distance properly then a yardage chart can help to make more accurate estimates. There are also a number of electronic range finders available. Other devices fit onto your trolley can record how far it's traveled. These are based on the principle that if you know how you have traveled and know how you have to travel, then estimating the remaining distance is a simple matter of subtraction.