Short Game Secrets: Stop Chunking Your Chips and Pitch Shots
by Dave NastalskiWe've all been there. You smoked a 3 wood, hybrid or long iron up close to the green on that reachable par 5 and you've got a simple chip or pitch on your way to a cozy birdie. Then the inevitable happens. You either lay the sod over it or blade it over the back of the green and make bogey or worse. It doesn't have to be that way! Listen up for the easiest way to hit better chip and pitch shots. You'll be on your way to a sharper short game and a lot lower scores with your golf.
STEP 1:
Grab your favorite wedge and setup with your feet close together. Point your toes out. This aids in the rotary element that is needed for a really great short game.
STEP 2:
With your trail foot, step away from the target about 2 inches. Once your foot hits the ground, begin your backswing. Before the backswing completes... move on to step 3
STEP 3:
With your lead foot, step towards the target about 2 inches. Don't start the downswing until your lead foot hits the ground.
STEP 4:
Soft arms, rotary ribcage and tall balanced finish. Use the bounce on the bottom of the wedge!
It really IS that simple. We can't have Frankenstein arms and no pressure drift if you're going to be a really great short game player. It's the fastest way to lower your scores BY FAR because this takes pressure off your long game. When you're confident over these shots, your putter tends to perform better as well. It's a win, win. Now, get to work!
-D