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Golf is one of the most difficult sports in the world to play. This is not just because of the technique and the different shots involved, but also because we play the sport in an outside environment where all sorts of conditions affect each and every shot. To be successful, your club selection needs to be carefully considered for every shot that you take on the golf course.

The most obvious conditions that a golfer has to be mindful of are the following:

Wind
This is a very difficult condition to predict but can vastly affect a golf shot. Here are some considerations to make:
- The higher you hit, the more of an effect the wind will have.
- If the wind is gusting, it is more difficult to predict.
- The golf ball is affected more when hitting into the wind than when hitting down wind.
- The colder the wind, the less of an effect it will have. The hotter the wind, the more affect it will have.

To play a golf shot in wind, determine which direction it is coming from - look at all the indicators such as flags and treetops. Adjust your aim accordingly. Then try to make a judgement as to how it will affect the distance you will hit the golf ball. Firstly, work out the actual yardage and the club you would normally take, then add more or less club depending on whether the wind is against or with you. This is difficult as it is not an exact science and comes with experience. The actual problem is not an inability to work out exactly how many yards a certain wind speed will affect the golf ball but accurately predicting the wind speed in the first place.

Hard or soft ground conditions
If the ground is hard - frosty or sun baked - the ball will bounce and roll for much longer, soft and the ball will stop more quickly on landing. It is important to recognise this condition not just as a whole on the golf course but also in certain areas that perhaps dry out or retain water more than others on the same course. Take time out to view where your ball may land and change club accordingly.

Temperature
This refers to the ball and ground temperature rather than air temperature. This is because the ball sits on the ground for more time than it is in the air and so ground temperature affects the golf ball more. The optimum temperature for a golf ball is approximately 27°C where the compression of the elastomeric core of the ball is at its greatest. However, this makes little difference to a golfer as after one shot the ball will quickly lower to ground temperature. To make a difference during a round of golf, take note that on a warmer day the ball will travel further than on a colder day and that even two to three degrees can make the world of difference to your decision making.

Humidity
Humidity is the amount of water vapour in the air. A higher humidity value means that the air is denser and that there will be more drag on the golf ball through the air. A low humidity value is the opposite - the air is less dense, which means less drag. Therefore the golfer should take into account that the ball will travel less far when humidity values are high.

Conditions can drastically affect the golf shots that are played and even a regular player, playing on his or her regular golf course, should check and re-check the above conditions for every shot to maximize the chances of picking the correct golf club to get the golf ball close to the hole.

Is the wind the same? Temperature? Humidity? How about the ground conditions? Every shot is different and you will never encounter the same conditions no matter how many times you play the same hole.

Yesterday is a different day. The conditions change from hour to hour, let alone day to day. Playing the same shot and club every time will lessen the chance of getting the ball close consistently.

If your golf ball travels over 50 yards and in the air, the conditions will affect the shot. Take account of them and use them to your advantage instead of throwing away simple shots.