A decent short game means having good technique, an eye for distance, and most important, creative imagination. Check out these short game tips that anyone can use to improve their golf game…
#1. 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 leaning forward from the waist as you would when taking a full shot. A good rule of thumb is just short of 45°. Next, lower yourself to the ball by flexing your knees down to where your clubs leading edge is barely touching the blades of the grass and maintain that spine angle and knee flex throughout the complete chip or swing.
#2. 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 is important to familiarize yourself with address position changes by taking a handful of practice swings before playing each shot. One way to learn these changes is to practice them on your practice days. I provide you a complete set of step-by-step charts to practice in my newest book; “38 Tips to Breaking 80: A Step-By-Step Guide to Get you there.
#3. 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.
#4. Turn Chip Shots into Sinkers by Changing Your Attitude
You can improve your chip shots dramatically by simply changing your attitude. When you are just off the green and looking to make your next chip shot, try to visualize sinking the ball in. Really focus on that mental picture and allow your focus to execute a successful shot.
#5. 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.
#6. Putt from the Fringe with a Long Iron
A great tip that is worth trying out is to putt with your long iron anytime the ball is just off the green. While most golfers use the putter, the long iron offers reduced loft on the club face making it easier (and safer) to make the putt into the hole. Just remember to leave the flag stick in the cup; your odds are greatly improved for making it in the hole.
Enjoy your day and share my tips with your friends…
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