In the previous article we discussed hitting the ball short and how to solve the problem. Today, we are going to look at the opposite, which is over hitting the ball and seeing the reasons why this might be happening and ways to prevent it from happening in the future.
Over hitting the ball, also known as overclubbing, happens when the ball travels further than the intended target. This could be off the tee, when the ball goes beyond the end of the fairway or on approach to the green, when the ball lands over the back of the putting surface.
When this happens, you are said to have ‘overclubbed’ the shot and that means you have chosen a club which is too long for the shot. This is an error of judgement and the good news is you can fix it easily.
Firstly, assess the level of the green when playing an approach shot. If the green is located some distance below where you are hitting the ball, this can lead to a problem with overclubbing and hitting the ball too long. When faced with a difference in altitude, namely the green is situated well below where you are playing the shot, you will need to choose a shorter club or make a swing adjustment.
Changing to a shorter club is the easier of the two methods and will allow you to make a full swing. However, it is not always easy to decide how many clubs you should move down and this comes with experience of playing this type of shot.
Always take a few seconds to consider the direction and strength of the wind. Even if the wind is not very strong at the level you are standing, it may be much stronger 20 feet upwards and the movement of the trees will help when judging the strength and direction of the wind.
If you have a strong wind coming from behind you, this can push the ball further in the air than anticipated. Think about the strength of the wind and the possible extra distance this will add to the ball. You will need to use your judgement to decide which club to use when you have a tailwind but if it is strong, you will definitely need to club down.
The lie of the ball will play a factor in how far the ball will travel and can often lead to over hitting the intended target. When playing from the rough, most beginners believe the ball is only going to travel fewer yards than anticipated but that is not always the case. Sometimes playing from the rough can prevent any spin from generating on the ball and lead to a shot which travels further than expected.
Look at the grain of the grass and if it is towards the target, this could be a time when you may need to club down and think about aiming a little ahead of the target. Finally, don’t forget the ball will travel further in hot weather so if you usually play in cooler conditions, you will need to adjust when playing in a hotter climate.
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