How often have we played a round of golf where finesse is needed to execute a golf shot? You know, the shot that requires a delicate touch to ensure that the ball lands gently on the green and does not release well past the hole. Usually, the shot is short-sided and we need to hit over a hazard or obstacle. I have found a way to succeed with these delicate shots, but it takes confidence and commitment developed through practice. It is purely a mental challenge after awhile, but does take an understanding of how to use your clubs. Let me explain!

Take this shot on the left. I have to hit over the corner of the green, let the ball release uphill, the conditions are wet and I have a tight lie. Albeit not the most difficult shot in the world, but one that makes me think about many factors before hitting my shot.

There are a multitude of options for this shot. Flying the ball to close to the pin hoping to stop it, rolling the ball to the back of the green and somewhere in between. Regardless of the shot I choose, each shot as one factor that makes it fairly easy. Actually, it is the same for all golf shots, however it is accentuated more with chips around the green.

The key to success on this shot is to select the landing area unique to the club you chose. It is as simple as that; after selecting the shot type and club desired, focus only on the landing area. Have the confidence that you have assessed properly and then commit to the shot. Pick you landing area and hit it!

For those of use who do not go to the golf course with cones. I use a different method to help select my landing area. I have talked about this before and think it is worthwhile repeating.

One of my favourite drills focuses on landing the ball from specific distances. It is a drill I use often, especially in the off-season.

In the case of the drill above, you can see that I am attempting to roll the ball out to the hole. So, my club selection is very important. The basic set up is as follows:

• Place one club behind the hole approximately 1 foot (helps with distance control)
• Place two clubs, approximately 3 feet apart, at a given distance from the hole. In the case of the picture above it is about 15 feet
• Pace off a hitting area about 5, 10, 15, and 20 yards from the two clubs (this distance will vary depending on what distance you want to specifically practice)
• Chip balls so they land between the two clubs and one hop and release
• Try varying clubs, from different distances, to determine the roll out to the hole
• Repeat as often as required

I really like this drill. During the golf season it is very beneficial and helps me develop greater control with my wedges. During the off-season, I only work on distance control of the ball in the air to a landing point. By using both of these drills, I can practice my short game all year around. It helps speed up my return to golf in April.

As you can see, I have given myself a very liberal distance between the clubs creating the landing area or so it may seem. Of course the closer I am to the landing area, the easier it is to hit. When I pace back to 20 yards, the landing area looks very small. Regardless, I use different clubs from the various distances in order to develop the skill of chipping with different clubs for different situations.

Regardless of how I set up my drill. I focus on hitting my landing area……always. Focusing on where to land my ball is achieved through confidence and commitment to the shot. This is achieved by practicing with the drill above.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!