HOW TO GET MORE DISTANCE
Grip pressure is the key to more distance. Golfers who grip the club too tight will have tension in their forearms and shoulders. That tension will inhibit a complet turn and a smooth release. The best golfers and the longest hitters have very light grip pressure. The next time you step up to grip it and rip it, make sure you don't grip it too tight.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CLUB
When in doubt, take more club. Most amateurs make mistakes with club selection more often than swing execution. The next time you find yourself 150 yards from the green, don't choose the club that goes 150 yards on a perfect shot. Pick the club that travels 160 yards on a perfect shot and 150 on an average shot. You'll find that you will hit more greens and put yourself in a better position to score.

CHIPPING
The easiest way to get the ball close to the hole when just off the green is to hit a low running chip shot to the hole. The club used depends on the distance to the green and the distance to the pin. First, pick a spot five feet onto the green on the line you want to land the ball on its way to the hole. Second, pace off the distance to that spot and then the distance from that spot to the hole. The following formulas (give or take) will help you to choose the correct club to hit the chip shot. Choose a wedge if the distance to the landing spot on the green is approximately one-half the total distance to the hole. Choose an eight iron if the distance to the spot on the green is approximately one-third of the total distance to the hole. Choose a six iron if the distance to the spot on the green is approximately one-quarter of the total distance to the hole.

To play the shot, play it back in your slightly open stance with your feet just six inches apart. Keep sixty percent of your weight on your front foot (foot closest to the hole) and hit into a firm front side (left side for right hander's).

Keep in mind that you need to add a little distance to uphill shots and take a little away for downhill shots.

Practice this shot from different distances with different clubs and you're certain to improve your scores.


Rules Clarification
Procedure when your ball is overhanging the hole (rule 16-2)

If any part of your ball is hanging over the lip of the cup, you are given enough time to reach the hole without reasonable delay. You then have ten seconds to determine if your ball is at rest. If your ball falls into the hole before the ten-second period has passed, there is no extra stroke. If your ball falls into the hole after the ten-second period has passed, add one stroke to your score.

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