The outcome of any golf shot is a result of unique skill execution and equipment choice. In our previous column we focused short game shot selection, and this time we will look more deeply at the choices of clubs that go with each shot, since nowhere is the knowledge of the varied uses of your equipment more important than in the short game.

To review, chip shots (shots which roll along the ground longer than they are in the air) are typically played with relatively flat faced clubs like 6, 7, or 8 irons, as well as hybrid clubs. Pitch shots (shots with more air time than ground time) are played with the lofted clubs (lob wedge, sand wedge, or pitching wedge). The different swing modifications a player can make with each club in their hands are almost unlimited.

These modifications have a direct effect on the outcome of the shot. For instance, no matter what club you are using, the loft of the shot is altered by the angle of the shaft at impact. If the shaft is leaning backwards from the ball position at impact the trajectory will be higher and the ball should stop quickly. But if the shaft angle is leaning forward at impact, the ball will have a lower flight trajectory and more roll after landing.

The length of the club may also be altered by the player gripping the club lower on the shaft and closer to the head of the club. This has the effect of shortening the shaft and thereby reducing the club head speed, giving the player greater control over the equipment and shot execution.

The path of the swing may also be altered to change the amount of side spin, which will affect the amount of roll. If the path is from inside out and level to the ground the ball will have hook type spin (less side spin) causing more roll. If the path of the swing is outside across the ball with a steeper descending angle the ball will have a higher rate of spin and stop in less distance.

In summary, when our ball is lying near the green we not only have the choices of what type of shot to hit and which club to use, but also the choice of modifying our stroke to create the ideal shot. These equipment and execution decisions are among the vast mental and physical challenges that bring excitement to the game of golf.

In order to master these challenges, you need direction and practice. Again, consulting your PGA Professional about short game and on-course playing lessons, and dedicating yourself to a structured practice routine is the best way to hone your short game skills. If you haven't already, you can locate a PGA Professional-staffed golf facility near you by logging on to www.PlayGolfAmerica.com and using the zip code search.

Until next time, here's to better golf!

Rick Martino is Director of Instruction for The PGA of America. He teaches at the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and is ranked among the Top 50 instructors by Golf Digest Magazine. The author of the PGA Manual of Golf (Warner Books/$34.95), Martino can be reached at (800) 800-GOLF or by email at pgalearningcenter@pgahq.com.