Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
This week the Royal Golf Club's PGA Teaching Professional, Oliver Brown, gives tips on working on the short game
Has any one told you that putting is the most important part of the game?
I have heard it too many times. I have a different way to look at this part of the game. The above statement is correct if you're hitting greens like the Pros at Abu Dhabi this week. If you want to get lower scores, yes work on your putting but work more on your short game around the greens. If you are missing the greens, which 90 per cent of golfers do more often than not, 'getting up and down' is the most important part of your game.
Mastering the short game is the fastest way to shooting lower scores consistently. The short game is what you need to rely on in order to get out of trouble when you miss the green. The truth is that even the best players in the world do not always hit their drives onto the fairway or their approach shots onto the green. It is their short game that allows them to still get up and down in order to maintain a good score.
The short game is also critical in order to shoot very low scores. Wedge shots from inside 100 yards are important in order to set up short putts for birdie inside 20 feet. There are no shortcuts in learning the short game and consistent practice is a critical component. Here are some tips to help you on certain areas of the short game.
Bunker shots: Learning how to hit bunker shots effectively is very important in order to be able to play better golf. Even the best players in the world know that every now and then they will end up in the bunker and that they must be prepared for it. When setting up for a bunker shot make sure you have an open stance which means your feet should point to the left of the target if you are a right handed player.
Aim for a spot about two inches behind the ball and hit this area with the intention of having a cushion of sand lifting the ball out of the bunker rather than the ball having direct contact with the club. Also, make sure to follow through and accelerate through the impact zone instead of slowing down. This will you reduce your margin for error and will, on average, hit your bunker shots closer. The golden rule is 'Get it out!'
Chipping: Chipping is probably the most important aspect of the short game. When using a 'just off the green chip', use a little open stance and have the ball at the back or slightly behind the middle of your stance. It is also important not to break your wrists through the chip so maintain a straight line between the club and the left hand through the chip.
Flop shots: Flop shots are important because they can help you get the ball close even if you do not have much green to work with since the ball will stop much faster as it will have much more back spin. Use an open stance and place the ball more towards your left foot. Also make sure you are using at least a 60 degree club and open the face to get maximum loft. This kind of shot is a challenge at the best of times, so give yourself enough time to practice and learn this shot.
Good luck with getting up and down!
