Depending on who you talk too, there are many ways to chip a golf ball. My darling wife asked me that very question a few days ago and I told her to do what feels natural. Now, I am a strong believer that players like Phil Mickelson have more to to offer on this subject than most can absorb; yet I continue to follow his teachings. But for players like my wife who have to work through what is best for them, Phil’s teachings are too detailed for her growing skill-set. So, this goes back to the question, What is the right way to chip a golf ball?
Continue readingHigh Soft Golf Shots by Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson has started to share his wisdom in shot videos. I for one appreciate his efforts to educate the masses. His recent clip on how to hit a hit soft shot, not a flop shot, is perfectly timed because I am working on chipping in my basement off my DIY chipping mat.
What I like about this video is that he focuses on the weight distribution. I have mentioned this many times in previous articles that having most of our weight on the lead foot is critical to great chipping. Phil definitely empathizes this point.
He also mentions the importance of letting the club do all the work. So many times I have watched players mess around with the lie of the club only to skull their ball across the green. Our equipment is designed to help our golf swing if would only let it.
Finally, watch his follow through. It finishes very high. Like working in the bunker, a high finish is key to a success chip from any distance. We often think we need to abbreviate our follow through because of a shorter distance, well Phil just proved that is just not so.
I hope this tip helps your game, I know it will help mine.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The LPGA Tour #DriveOn Campaign
Two days ago the LPGA is unveiling its new brand positioning that embraces its history and pushes toward the future with two simple words: Drive On. I like the promotional video and as a proud father of an awesome daughter, I fully support their approach.
My daughter participated (and still does) in many sports. She is a smart, gifted, driven person who can accomplish anything. I wish more messages like #DriveOn were available when she was growing up. Programs like what the LPGA will empower other young ladies to be successful and this is a good thing.
If you want to read more, check out the #DriveOn initiative here.
I realize that this is a new branding approach for the LPGA, but I think it is a good one for them and for golf. If we want to grow this beloved game, then approaches like #DriveOn need to surface and provide a positive view to success. Thanks to the LPGA for taking this strong approach to empowering women to succeed.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Winning The Players Championship and The Masters In The Same Year!
There is only one player in 2019 who can match Tiger Woods feat in 2001 of winning The Players Championship and The Masters in the same year. With all the amazing players who have competed in both events since 1974, I am not surprised that only one player rose to the occasion and won. Yet, now there is talk of Rory McIlroy accomplishing what so many failed to achieve. Do you think it is probable that he wins The Masters this year…..he is the current favorite!
Continue readingSurprising Shots In Golf
Regardless of how much golf you play, everyone is surprised from time to time at one of their shots. In my case it comes out of the blue with no thought to how good this shot really was. Most of us consider it a lucky shot, but I would counter that thought with – did we not intent to sink the ball in the hole. The fact that we did should not be that much of a surprise……or should it?
Over the years I have made some fantastic shots. However, some were lucky and others were well intended. Either way, I was super surprised at the result of the shot. Let me give you two examples.
The first was a lucky shot that ended extremely well. From 240 yards away, I hit the top of the a post that guarded the front of the green. My ball bounced forward onto the green about 25 feet from the pin. I was putting for eagle. You can read the entire store, with pictures, at: Lucky Bounces In Golf!
My second example resulted in chipping in twice in a row, on the same hole, from the same spot, that were a week apart! Yup, it was a great feeling to chip in for birdie two weeks in a row. I used the same club both times and believe it or not, I was confident the second time around because of previous weeks success. I was very surprised at the time, but I guess I should not have been. You can get the entire story at: Deja Vu!
I could go on and on, however I think you get my point. There are shots like hitting the top of the post that are a complete surprise. Yet others, like my double chip in were intentional and I should not be surprise because I intended to make the shot. Regardless, I was elated with both shots and hope to replicate them again this year.
Before I sign off, I want to leave you with this video of an extremely surprising shot or was it:
What is one of your surprising shots?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 