Hi Guys:
Some short game scoring advice here.
The key to real scoring lies in being able to hit three shots
well and being able to score from 100 yards and in.
These three shots or skills are a must and I am going to
discuss with you how to improve your mastery of theses
shots and skills.
You need to be able to get a wedge shot close from 100 yards
and in. On the average your wedge shot needs to get you on the
green and putting for par or birdie from at least 15-20 feet or
closer every time. You’ll stick one close too but on the average
you need to be putting with a chance of making your putt or at
least a two putt.
To hit this shot you need to take enough club, swing smooth
around an 80% pace for control and move your arms and
body thru the shot towards the hole.
This is more of an arm swing and is not rushed. You hit down
and thru and stay with the shot turning your body thru the shot
and hole. Make crisp contact and swing out towards the target.
You do not need to try to hit this shot hard but want to focus on
control and technique and completing your swing. Play the
ball a bit more towards the middle of your stance.
Secondly, you got to be able to chip or pitch the ball close.
Move in closer to the ball, play it back, hands forward, and hit
the chip or pitch much like you’re “putting with loft”. Knowing
how to hit this shot correctly, you should be able to get the
ball rolling towards the hole and no more than 3-5 feet away.
Most of these putts you can make from here.
Try keeping the ball under the hole in your approach shots
with the wedge and long pitch shots as well.
Thirdly, you need to be able to roll your long putts close
within 2-3 feet of the cup and you need to be able to not move
over the putt just stroking the ball, not moving your head and
knees and peeking or looking up.
Watch all great putters and you will see that they do not move
their head or lower body especially on the short putts.
When you practice more of your 100 yard game and can get the
ball within 15-20 feet of the hole easily on the average, and you
can get a good chip or pitch and run to the hole. And you can
make an accelerating stroke from long distance and are steady
with the short putts, you are looking at a swing of 4-8 strokes
off your game each time you play a round of golf.
So it is worth it you work on this SCORING area of your game
just as much or more than your long game.
This is the area of GOOD scoring and you need to keep these skills
sharp. Saving strokes and converting is the best morale I know!
Splurge on it!
You’ll find its worth the effort to learn these skills as lower scores
are what’s waiting for you.
You can see more of my putting tips on the short game from my
Ultimate Putting book. www.allaboutgolf/us/books and also at www.lulu.com/ultimateputting.
Knock it in the hole!
Bob Cisco
