By Ken Martin, Director of Golf Instruction
Short game shots around the green require imagination and touch. We all know what we want for an end result (ball in the hole) but the question that must always be asked first is; how will it get there? Regardless of the shot shape, low running shot or high stopping shot, success hinges on landing your ball the appropriate distance short of the hole so it will roll the remaining distance to the hole.
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Clear and precise feedback in practice leads the way to consistency when playing. The next few times you practice your chip or pitch shots, pay attention to where you are landing the ball with the following tip. First, visit your course's 19th hole and 'borrow' a few drink coasters as pictured.
Place the coasters on the practice green at different distances from the edge of the green (about 2 to 3 paces away from each other) and practice landing the ball on the coasters.
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Initially, practice with a 7 or 8 iron and then change to a Gap or Sandwedge. Simply practice landing the ball on the coasters and observe how far the ball rolls after it lands. Following is a typical practice session:
Start with 9 golf balls at a distance of 2 paces from the edge of the green. Using an 8 iron, hit 3 balls to the first coaster, then 3 to the second coaster and finally 3 to the third coaster; simply stay aware of where the ball is landing and how far it rolls. Then switch to a Gap Wedge and follow the same routine, 3 balls to the first coaster, then 3 to the second coaster and finally 3 to the third coaster.
Now step another 2 paces farther from the edge of the green and repeat the practice cycle above. Continue in this manner until you have completed 5 sets of 9 balls with 2 clubs of widely varied loft (i.e. the 8 and GW in this example). Your last set will be from a distance of 10 paces from the edge of the green.
Consistent practice in this manner will sharpen your acuity relative to distance control around the green. This will really help your score when you play as you will have gained a clear sense of how to stop the ball by the hole (or in it!) by choosing the appropriate landing area for the chip or pitch shot you've chosen.
Happy Coasting!
Ken
Ken Martin was certified in February 1995 and is a PGA member. Ken teaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ken's personal motto on the golf course is: "Experience and Enjoy".
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