A decent short game means having good technique, an eye for distance, and most important, a creative imagination. Check out these professional short game tips that anyone can use to improve their golf game…
When Chipping, Pay Attention to Posture
You rarely hear about posture when it comes to chip shots. However, as most PGA professionals will agree with, posture is important to the short game because it allows you to hit consistently, which of course is vital to improving your touch, technique, and feel – on and around the greens.
Start by lowering yourself to the ball while creating a comfortable angle in the lower back. Lean forward from the waist as you would when taking a full shot. Your feet should be 8 to 10 inches apart as you align yourself square to your intended target.
Make Several Adjustments in Stance, Grip and Ball Position
Due to the variety of lies and distances that you will experience around the greens, many shots will require full adjustments in terms of the ball position, grip, and stance. Good players know because of these different plays, that it’s important to familiarize yourself with address position changes by taking a handful of practice swings before playing each shot.
Get Good at the Short Game First
Many of the world’s finest golf professionals spent endless practice hours on putting and various short game shots before attempting the full swing. Jose Maria Olazabal comes to mind. Even Bobby Jones spent more time pitching and chipping the ball than practicing the full swing with his driver.
Turn Chip Shots Into Sinkers by Changing Your Attitude
When you’re just off the green and looking to make a chip shot, a shot that stops close to the hole, try to visualize sinking the ball instead. Really focus on that mental picture and allow your mind to focus enough that it believes its going in the hole. Some of them will drop, because you willed it in the hole and your body followed the command.
Master One Specific Club at a Time
When facing a shot just off the edge of the green, professional golfers are looking to hole the shot. If you would like to start making these exciting shots then learn to master one specific club at a time. Become intimate with it and practice these shots until you feel you could literally get the ball close to the hole blindfolded.
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