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By Robert Scott, Senior Master Professional
(Previously at Pebble Beach, California & Orange County)
Tri-Counties School of Golf
N. Pinellas, E. Hillsborough, S. Pasco
The so-called “SHORT GAME” is THE very most important part of golf to your score card! Below are the best methods.
Pitching: As with ALL the short game, you do NOT want any “muscle force” involved. It is the LENGTH OF THE BACKSWING that determines how far the golf ball travels. Look out at the target and judge how LONG a backswing you think it will take for the ball to reach it. Make a practice swing of that length, and observe how LONG a backswing you took... how many feet back and up – 4, 5, 7, 9 feet... whatever it was. Now, set-up to the ball, and make a ‘stiff-wristed’ swing exactly that number of feet back, then smoothly down through.
Chipping: Judge the ‘lie’. Take whatever loft of club will fly the ball just onto the green to then roll to the cup like a putt. Read the break. And always consider your ‘Leave’. If the ball doesn’t go in, you always want to ‘Leave’ it BELOW the cup. Same pre-shot routine. How long a stroke to get the ball to the hole. Make practice strokes of the length you judge, and watch exactly how far back you’re taking the club...2, 3, 4 feet? Then, place the clubhead behind the ball, hands and body-weight well forward, make the precise length backswing as your practice stroke,
and Brush the Ground with the clubhead like you’d sweep dirt into a dustpan. And keep your EYES DOWN! Do NOT watch the shot!
Putting: ‘Read’ the putt... uphill, down and/or sidehill? Always play a bit more ‘break’ than you see. Then, considering all factors, judge how long a stroke you need so the ball rolls 18” over the hole. Do a practice stroke of that length. Observe the exact number of inches you took the blade back. Putt the putt the same way.
Robert Scott is a prior touring pro with over 28+ years teaching. For more info call (727) 787-5701.
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