Your short game holds the secret to guaranteeing lower scores. I want to share some thoughts when it comes to practicing and improving this area of your game.
To simplify, I specifically want to discuss chipping, pitching and sand shots. I suppose putting could be included but I will save that for another day. To define the two most played shots around the green, the chip shot is a shot played with maximum roll while the pitch has more air time and less roll. Every golfer should strive to practice and play these two types of shots. The sand shot is played somewhat differently as the club head passes underneath the ball while sliding through the sand. It is what we call “an explosion shot” because the ball is literally pushed out of the sand by the sand itself.
A good rule of thumb would be to follow the formula of putting when you can, chip when you can’t putt and pitch only when you have to. Most good players and tour pros follow this strategy because it has proven to yield favorable results. Too many times golfers try to do more then they should by hitting a high shot. Anytime you put the ball up in the air around the green, greater skill and much more practice is required while not assuring better results. Keeping the ball low to the ground and rolling it to the target is a much safer and smarter approach.
There are several factors which need to be properly assessed before any choice or decision should be made. The way the ball is sitting in the grass may be the single most important factor when determining the way to play the shot. How much green you have to work with is a close second.
Club choice is another factor when it comes to controlling the trajectory or height you intend for the shot. One idea, when playing the low shot, would be to use a less lofted club, like a nine or seven iron, and choose a land point that safely carries onto the front edge of the green. The set up for the chip or pitch is slightly different however. I recommend placing more weight on the leg that is closest to the target for either shot. This, more or less, assures a slightly downward strike, allowing for the club to contact the ball first.
Ball placement for the two shots should be altered. Setting up with feet close together (approximately six inches apart) is appropriate for either shot. The big difference is where the ball is placed. Addressing the ball across the rear or back foot help to keep the shot low while addressing the ball up or toward the front foot help get the ball higher in the air. Placing the ball further forward, widening the stance and opening the face would help it fly even higher and is what I recommend while facing a sand shot. At all costs, do not try to lift the ball in the air by shifting your weight to the back foot. This tendency causes a multitude of problems that will be avoided by keeping the weight forward and pivoting toward the target.
You can receive a complimentary short game lesson from me with any purchase of a Nike Wedge at Boundary Oak Golf Course during the month of May. Also, look for my Get Golf Ready Class for woman beginning in May. Just log onto www.boundaryoak.com and click Get Golf Ready. You can also contact me at ddelongolf@aol.com or 925 997-3683.