The Expert Guide to Short Game Success
[ WomensGolf.com ] Featuring Excerpt by Susan Vail, PGA Golf Professional
What are the best ways to save shots around the green? We asked 16 expert LPGA and PGA instructors for their best piece of short game advice.
The way to really save shots is by improving and practicing your short game. Every time you get ‘up and down’ (chipping or pitching it close enough to the hole that you can make your first putt), you are on your way to better scoring. Sound good? Let’s go!
Here’s a simple question to help you get up and down and save shots around the greens. Are you going to “LOFT “ it or keep it “LOW”
“KEEP IT LOW” If there’s nothing between you and the flagstick, or the lie is extra-tight keep the shot low…… low shots that “run” to the hole will give you more consistency allowing the ball to react more like a putt. How are you going to do this? Keep a close stance….feet together and position the ball just right of center and think tall!!! Perfect posture is a key piece to your success feeling like your hands sit high and you are closer to the ball than normal. Now just swing the handle……with your hands high, it is hard to hinge, allowing the stroke to feel like your putting stroke. Try this with a few different clubs…..wedge, 7-iron, and even the hybrid and watch your shots get closer by the minute!
“LOFT IT” If there’s an obstacle in your path or the ball sits in deep rough you will want to “Loft it “ and carry it all the way to the hole…here’s how to pitch it high and let your shots be soft when they land on the green. Keep your stance balanced with your feet under your hips and position the ball more forward (remember left equals loft in most short shots!) then add a little more pressure over your front foot. Your perfect posture for this shot will require a little more tilt over the ball which will position your body a little farther away from the ball with lower hands. With your hands a bit lower it will promote hinge creating a downward strike to the ball and a little extra loft at impact. Try it….it’s like magic!
Head on over to http://www.womensgolf.com/short-game-guide today to see the full article.
