You’ve ended up near the green and now it’s time to get “up and down.” Do you have the right strategy? Often I see people hit shots that are too high or low for the situation. Trajectory is crucial to scoring. Let’s shave some strokes off your round by understanding when to hit a particular “type” of shot.
When to hit it low? If you don’t have anything to go up and/or over, and the grass isn’t too high, a “chip” shot is best and the degree of difficulty is low. If your ball is off the green by a few yards, you’re better off getting the ball on the ground sooner and allowing it to roll to the target. This can be done with a variety of clubs from a sand wedge to a 7 iron. It all depends on the amount of green you have to work with and whether or not you’re going up hill or down. A few tips that will help you hit this shot solid are: 1) your grip should be similar to putting and on the weak side with your hands lower on the
handle toward the shaft with light grip pressure. 2) the ball position should be centered but when you slightly open your stance to the
target, it will appear to be back. 3) your weight should be favoring your forward leg. 4) the handle of club should be leaning forward.
5) finally (and most important) make sure the handle is leading through impact.
When to hit it high? If you have a bunker to carry, your ball is down in a low spot off the green, this is when a “flop” shot can be used but the degree of difficulty for this shot is high. Avoid using this shot if you’re on a thin lie. You should use a sand wedge (56 degree or higher) for this shot. There are two edges to your wedge: the “leading” edge that digs and the “skidding” edge that slides. We will use the
skidding edge/bounce of the club for this shot. Although this a little more difficult, once you learn how to hit it, you will produce some beautiful shots. A few tips that will help you hit this shot solid are: 1) the ball position should be slightly forward of center with an open stance. Open the club face a few degrees 2) your weight should be favoring your forward leg, but not as much as a chip. 3) the handle of club should be even with the ball or slightly back. 4) grip down on the club toward the shaft with light grip pressure. 5) finally, when you take practice swings, you will feel the club hinging up in your backswing and sliding (feathering) through the grass as you come through to a high finish. You shouldn’t take a divot. The key to your success with this shot is not to decelerate—keep turning. Naturally, you should match the length of swing with the amount of green you’re working with. This technique is also helpful in the sand.
You’ve all heard it before: if you want to drop your handicap, make it a priority to work on this part of your game. If you’re not having
success when you practice these shots, STOP and check your
fundamentals—grip, ball position, weight forward, etc. If you can’t work it out on your own, seek help. There are many great options available to you.
Tina Bradley Mayers is the
head teaching professional at Buck Mayers Golf
Academy located at The Golf Club at Circle C
in Austin, Texas. She can be reached by calling
512.413.0574 or email buckntina@austin.rr.com
|
