For the desired ball-turf impact, think ‘shallow’ on your downswing. Which isn’t the same as sweeping the ball off the turf. You still want to produce a slightly downward hit through impact. To encourage this, set up with the ball about halfway between the middle of your stance and your left heel. In other words, more forward than you might first think. Once you are happy at address – again, let comfort dictate the distance between your feet – focus on swinging within yourself. You hardly ever want to be trying to hit the ball more than 75% of what you would consider your maximum distance. Let’s say you can hit your lob wedge 80 yards flat out. You should rarely use that club for a pitch of more than 60 yards. A little practice will soon give you a feel for how far you can hit the ball with a variety of backswing lengths.

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