SPORTS > COLUMNISTS

A lot of times when I go out to play I feel sorry for my playing partners. No, not because they have to play with me. Often times they hit good shots, but don't get rewarded for them because of club selection.

First of all, check your ego at the first tee. It amazes me that many players will choose the club that they must absolutely hit dead-solid perfect for it to have any chance of reaching the pin. We know how often we hit it dead-solid perfect -- not often -- so use the club that when you hit it reasonably solid you can get it to the flag.

Second, check for variables such as uphill or downhill lie, wind with or against you, and pin location.

A 130-yard shot can play three to four clubs differently depending on the condition. As an example, a 130-yard downhill, downwind shot with the pin in the front of the green may only play 100 yards. A 130-yard shot with an uphill lie, into the wind and a back pin location could play 170.

Take that extra time to figure out the pluses and minuses when it comes to yardage.

How much yardage depends on how uphill or downhill your shot is, how much wind there is and how many yards in front or behind the center of the green the flag is.

All of this is part of course management. The person who manages their game best usually shoots lower scores, even if they don't hit it dead-solid perfect every time.

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Don DeLorenzo To schedule a lesson with PGA-certified instructor Don DeLorenzo, call GIlroy GC at 848-0490.

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