1. Don’t complicate your play by trying to use an angled curve shot when it’s not necessary. Often there is a straight-line course, even on an extreme dog-leg goal.
2. Remember to take note of wind. Playing your goal shot into the wind is easier but you need to be aware that the side netting of the goal will tend to billow inwards; this can lead to the ball bouncing straight out again; play a soft shot into the goal.
3. When you do angle a shot you will lose some length so go to a longer club to allow for this. Remember the greater degree of angle, the greater the degree of curve, the flatter the trajectory and the more run-on.
4. The torpedo is a valuable shot but don’t overplay it. This shot requires specific conditions for it to work effectively. Obviously it’s great into the wind but the ground to be covered still needs to be hazard-free and relatively flat or downhill.
5. Before teeing off, check the facing position of the goal, this should dictate where you’ll need to put both your drive and your approach to the yard. Note that the goal zone is the premium position to target around the yard (apart from in the goal, of course).


