The expression the 'long game' refers to your drives (shots off the tee) and fairway shots; everything short of the shots you make to get onto the green.

Since each golf hole has a different difficulty level, different par and distinctive hazards, telling you to use your driver on every tee would blatantly be quite wrong.

But don't worry about it. This is something that you will have to learn with experience as you learn the various types shot you need to make, which will vary according to the club, the placement of the ball and your own personal style of swing.

Generally speaking, the lower the club number, the longer and lower your ball will fly over the ground. A 4-iron shot will travel a long and low trajectory and will most likely roll on the ground, whereas a 9-iron shot will have much more loft and go less distance both in the air and on the ground.

The professionals on television make it look so easy, don't they? They consistently hit the ball long and straight and never miss-hit the ball making it dribble ten feet or completely miss the ball altogether, but you do not have to do that either, if you practice, practice, practice.

A very important part of the game is driving and if you spend many hours at the driving range you will see a big improvement in your distance shots. You should keep using the same club in the experiment to see what works for you if you move the ball forward or backward in your stance. And take a lesson or two from a pro, if possible to learn the proper swing from the beginning.

Mastering the long game will help you get to the green in fewer strokes, keeping your score and frustration levels down. Remember that it takes a long time to learn consistency and also remember that you're supposed to be having fun! So go and enjoy yourself.