Have you ever hit what felt like a great iron shot…
Only to watch it land short of the green?
Again.
And again.
And again.
It’s one of the most common frustrations in golf.
You make solid contact.
The ball flies straight.
The swing feels good.
Yet somehow, you’re still chipping instead of putting.
The surprising truth?
The problem usually isn’t your swing.
It’s your club selection.
The Distance Myth Most Golfers Believe
Ask a golfer how far they hit their 7-iron and you’ll often hear something like:
“About 160 yards.”
But here’s the question:
How often do they actually hit it 160 yards?
Most golfers base their club selection on their best shot.
The one they absolutely flushed.
The one that happened on a perfect day.
The one they remember.
The problem is that your best shot isn’t your average shot.
And golf is played with averages.
If your typical 7-iron travels 145 yards, choosing it for a 160-yard shot is setting yourself up for failure before you even swing.
Stop Playing Your Perfect Distance
Many golfers unknowingly choose clubs based on what they can do.
Better golfers choose clubs based on what they usually do.
There’s a huge difference.
A smart golfer asks:
👉 “What’s my normal carry distance?”
Not:
👉 “What’s the longest I’ve ever hit this club?”
Understanding your true yardages can instantly improve your approach shots.
Cold Swings Aren’t Range Swings
Another reason golfers come up short is because they expect course swings to match driving range swings.
On the range:
✔ You’re loose
✔ You’ve hit multiple shots
✔ You’re comfortable
On the course:
✔ First swing of the day
✔ Different lie
✔ Pressure
✔ Adrenaline
Most golfers simply don’t swing the same way during a round.
That’s why choosing an extra club is often the smarter play.
Wind Matters More Than You Think
Many golfers account for distance.
Few account properly for conditions.
A slight breeze into your face can significantly reduce carry distance.
And the higher the shot, the greater the effect.
Instead of asking:
“How far is the flag?”
Start asking:
“How is the wind affecting this shot?”
Making small adjustments can save multiple strokes over a round.
Don’t Forget Elevation
Golf courses aren’t always flat.
An uphill approach requires more club.
A downhill shot often requires less.
Yet many golfers only focus on the yardage number.
The smartest players consider:
✔ Distance
✔ Wind
✔ Elevation
✔ Temperature
✔ Lie
The yardage marker is only part of the story.
Why Taking More Club Works?
Most amateurs miss short.
Very few miss long.
That’s why one of the simplest scoring tips in golf is:
When in doubt, take more club.
The middle of the green is usually a better target than coming up short in a bunker, rough, or water hazard.
More club often means more confidence.
And more confidence often means a better swing.
Play for the Back of the Green
Here’s a strategy many coaches teach:
Instead of aiming for the front edge or the flag, choose a club that comfortably reaches the middle or back portion of the green.
Why?
Because most golfers underestimate how far they need to carry the ball.
A shot that finishes safely on the green is always better than one that comes up short.
If you’re constantly missing greens short, stop blaming your swing.
Take a closer look at your club selection.
Know your real distances.
Account for wind and elevation.
And don’t be afraid to take one more club.
Because golf isn’t about hitting your best shot.
It’s about choosing the club that gives you the best chance to succeed.
Want to make smarter decisions on the course? Download the Golf Connection app, now available on Google Play and the App Store, and take your course strategy to the next level, round after round.
