Short Game

Because of my historically hysterical bad short game technique, results, and MAJOR frustration, I asked for HELP from my friend and teacher, Phillip Hancock (Gator, PGA Tour player and tour winner).  He was gracious enough to accept the challenge and spend time with me sharing short game fundamentals.  As a result of that help for which I am very thankful, I am climbing out of that abysmal short game hole that had all but swallowed me up.  As part of that process, I started looking for a way to practice what I learned that would also reflect shots and conditions that I have on the course.  

The search resulted in a little chipping/pitching game.   Now I look forward to the pitch and chip and find the opportunity EXILERATING vice going into cardiac arrest at the mere thought of having to execute one of those shots.  Putting yips, heck, I had the chipping/pitching yips.  This game helps me work on technique, technique, technique, and accuracy.  Every shot is a little different just like you find when you play.  You can use any number of balls, 25, 50 or whatever and you can start at any distance.   I suggest not much further out than about 30 or 40 yards to begin with.  You can start from the short grass or the deep grass, uphill, downhill, sidehill, hardpan, bunkers and hit a series of shots.  This makes that practice around the pitching/chipping area fun and challenging.  It’s also hard work.

First, pick a target for the first ball.  Hit your shot.  Where did it end up?   If your result is not within a 6-inch radius, then you missed your shot.  I know 6 inches is a lofty goal, but I prefer 6-inch putts to 1 foot or farther putts.   Now your target for the second shot is the last ball you hit.  Try to get it within the 6” radius.  Let’s say you mishit and you scull the shot across the green.  Rarely happens, right-----riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.  Your third shot is at the last ball you hit.  From here try to walk your shots back to your original target 6 inches at a time.  If you find you are getting a majority of shots within that 6” radius, move to a more difficult lie or try walking your shots around the green.  Always have a SPECIFIC target.  Keep challenging yourself.  The time will fly by and your game will eventually improve.  Suggestion:  Start with proper technique, technique, technique.  Expand your shot arsenal.  Look forward to the challenge of a great recovery shot.

Over a period of a few weeks you will begin to see improvement.    Work on weaknesses NOT your strengths if you want to improve your short game.  The short game swing is not the same as the normal swing.   If you need help with technique, give us a call.