PGA Master Professional Dan Grieve explains the strategic process of club selection for the short game. He demonstrates how to evaluate the available 'runway' on the green and choose the appropriate loft to ensure the ball starts rolling as soon as possible for better distance control.
Identify your desired landing spot (the 'gate') before selecting a club.
Follow the 'minimum loft' rule: use the least amount of loft necessary to clear the fringe.
Assess the amount of green between your landing spot and the hole to determine if you need a wedge or a mid-iron.
Prioritize getting the ball on the ground and rolling like a putt to improve consistency.
Adjust your club choice based on the lie; a poor lie may require more loft to 'pop' the ball out.
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