Golf players should not automatically reach for their wedge when their ball lands just short of the green on a links course, it has been suggested.
According to Jean van de Velde, the key aim when playing a shot from just off the green on a links course is to get the ball down on the ground as quickly as possible.
In an interview with the BBC, he said the classic pitch-and-run shot is the best option as it minimises the impact of the wind.
With this in mind, he said that a wedge is not always the best club to choose and that a longer iron may prove more appropriate.
"If you are 10ft off the green and have 3ft of green to work with, you might choose a lofted wedge to fly it all the way to the short stuff and then let it land softly," Van de Velde told the news provider.
"If you're only a foot off the green but have 10ft to go to the pin, a seven iron might be the best way to get it down and running."
Van de Velde could be heard passing on his wisdom as part of the BBC commentary team at the recent British Open at St Andrews.
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