Many golfers are baffled by why they can't hit the ball close to the flag on elevated or sunken greens. Even though their striking and direction may be good, the result can be disappointing because of poor club selection.

Understand the flight of the ball when hit up or downhill, and how the ball behaves when it pitches - these are the keys to playing different green levels.

Uphill Struggle

When playing to a raised green a ball pitches on the putting surface before it can fly to its full normal distance. To combat the effect of the slope you must play more club than the yardage suggests.

Too often you see players struggling to reach the green when firing uphill. They choose too little club and fall short of the target - the ball frequently rolls back down the slope.

The more elevated the green is, the more club you must hit. But however steep the slope you should never need to to go up more than two clubs in calm conditions.

You must also take flight path into account. The balls comes in on a lower path than normal, and it runs on landing - more so as the green is likely to be well drained and firm.

Try to hit the shot slightly higher than usual to help you stop on the putting surface. Aim to pitch the ball on the green but short of the hole.

Downhill Deadeye

When played downhill to a green the ball is in the air longer than usual so it flies further. Play less club than the yardage suggests - hitting your usual club could mean the ball pitching in trouble over the back of the green. But beware of playing too little club as the ball may land on the downslope and shoot through the green and into trouble.

You can afford to be bold and pitch the ball right up to the flag. The shot stops quickly as sunken greens are usually softer than normal and the ball drops from a steep angle.

The most your clubbing should vary is by two on a still day. In a head or cross wind, take more club and play a three-quarter shot to keep the ball low - this gives your greater control.

Short and running

If you are faced with a downhill shot which is also downwind you may find that you can't pitch the ball on the green without it bounding through the back, leaving you with a tricky return shot.

Provided there is no trouble between you and the green, and the ground is firm, it's best to play a shot that lands short and bounces on. But make sure you reach the green - or your next shot could be equally tricky.

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