Driving from the fairway The club golfer historically attempts to copy what they see the Tour stars doing on telly, which more than often results in dropped shots as they are Pros for a reason - they have the ability.

However, there’s no harm in experimenting with your game and attempting some of these more difficult shots. So here are some tips if you’re going to copy the Pros and take your driver from the fairway… It could be argued that given the design of drivers these days, attempting to hit them off the deck is not the best idea, especially if maximum distance is the motivation to try it.

Due to the faces being so deep it is almost impossible to get contact anywhere near the centre of the clubface, even if a divot is taken.

With that said however, it can still be a very useful shot to have in your armoury especially when it is very windy and, contrary to what many believe, it is actually quite safe as long as consideration has been given to the following: 1. The lie is good and the ball is sitting up nicely 2. You have a level stance 3. There is no trouble to carry 4. You don’t struggle with your driver from a tee or with your fairway woods 5. Your fairway wood or hybrid won’t deliver the distance required.

The only other thing to avoid is putting the ball further forward in the stance which historically was always advised when playing this shot.

Doing so will generally result in the ball being hit out the bottom of a closed clubface, which even if allowed for by aiming right will significantly affect the way the ball flies.

Desert Dust Up Once again Rory McIlroy didn’t enjoy the best of luck during last week’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. Penalised two shots for an infringement during the third round McIlroy was eventually beaten by one shot. Hard to believe a two shot penalty for another rules infringement two years ago also cost Rory the title. This year’s infringement occurred when McIlroy took a drop from a spectator walkway but had one foot still standing on that area when he played his next shot which is not permitted. This infringement was brought to Rory’s attention at the end of his round by his playing partner’s caddy Dave Renwick.

“I feel I did the right thing and if I could have stopped him before he hit the shot I would have. But I was fully 40 yards away at the time,” said Renwick.

“We’d just played our third shot and Rory was over the ball. I was looking over and thought: ‘I’m sure his foot is inside the white line’.” It begs the question why didn’t he shout - I am sure Rory or his caddy would have heard. In addition it’s also hard to get away from the fact that Rory’s own caddy should have been aware.

However not everyone has been as accommodating as McIlroy over the incident. European Tour Caddy Brian Smith said he would have gone about the incident differently.  “If I saw him do something wrong, I would have said it immediately, or at least told my player, I wouldn’t say it was right for Dave to say it when he said it. I would have no problem with him saying it at that moment or bringing it to their attention, at least.” Common sense from an Irish caddy. PGA Tour Tip-Phil Mickelson in this week’s Farmers Insurance Open at 9/1 without Tiger Woods.

Get ready for 2014 - Free Fitting at Enniskillen Golf Club Why not avail of our PGA fitting team at Enniskillen Golf Club, we will fit, advise and teach you how to improve your game for the year ahead.

For all the latest offers check www.thegolfcabin.co.uk Liam Mc Cool, PGA Club Professional Enniskillen Golf Club, Castlecoole 028 66325250