[Kim Maengnyoung's Golf English Conversation] When to Use "More Club" and "Less Club"

In the fairway bunker, take one club longer.

In golf, choosing the right club is extremely important.

This is because the game unfolds in ever-changing natural conditions, including varying distances, wind, air pressure, and humidity. Golfers must overcome a variety of challenges, such as out-of-bounds (OB) areas, ponds and other penalty zones, bunkers, and rough, all strategically placed by the course designer. To land an iron shot pin high in these complex situations, making the smart iron club selection is crucial.

Using a club longer than the actual distance is called "more club," while the opposite is "less club" or "under club." Typically, you take more club when playing uphill holes, into the wind, to soft greens, when there are obstacles in front, when hitting a fade, from a divot, or for fairway bunker shots (For fairway bunker shots, use one more club than usual). The caddie will also advise, "You need more club."

On downhill holes, with a tailwind, to firm greens, or when there are penalty zones such as water hazards or bunkers behind the green, you should take less club. The same applies when you intend to hit a draw or expect a flyer from the rough. In these cases, "take less club" or "You need less club." When choosing a short iron, it does not necessarily mean you should always select a lower loft (When you choose a short iron, be careful not to underclub yourself).

With a pitching wedge, for example, instead of changing clubs, you can choke down an inch or two on the grip (Choke down an inch or two on the pitching wedge). Amateur golfers often rely entirely on the course's yardage markers or a distance measuring device. However, these are only for reference. The final decision rests with the golfer.

A (golfer): There is a strong headwind now. I’m wondering which club should I take.

B (caddie): For this fairway bunker shot, use two more clubs than usual.

A: I got it. I’ll switch from a 6-iron to a 4-iron.

B: That’s a good idea.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyoung, golf columnist