There is a universal challenge faced by all golfers. It is a simple movement that causes a great deal of angst while playing. It is a failure to keep our wrists and hands quiet during our putting stroke. This one swing fault likely results in more missed shots than any other fault. Early in my golfing journey, this one error account for up to 10 extra strokes on my score card. There is a reason why learning to play golf should start from the pin outward and this is the exact reason. Luckily, there is a simple drill to help propel your putting stroke from fair to outstanding!
Continue readinglower golf scores
Taking A Chance On A Tough Golf Shot
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! Golf is all about decisions. What club to hit; where to land the ball; lay up or go for it; or I can make this low percentage shot! No matter where you are in your round, golf offers you the opportunity to make a plethora of decisions. The real decision you should be making is what shot will lower my score? That is it, there are no other factors to decision making in golf. Each shot is an opportunity to lower our final tally regardless of the outcome of the shot. I say this because execution is completely different that decision making because a poor decision is rarely saved by your ability to hit difficult golf shots. Conversely, a great decision will save you strokes even after a poorly executed shot. Honest it does!
Continue readingPutting Is The Great Equalizer
Putting is the great equalizer in golf. Approximately 40 to 50 percent of all strokes recorded are created through the flat stick. This might seem like a high number, but keep track of the number of putts in your next round and you will find that I very close. I know for my game, I hover around 45%. I always try to improve that number and shoot for an under 30 putts per round average. This goal is very hard to achieve, but it is a goal that I think is reachable. Having said all this, understanding your putting technique is very important to lowering your golf scores.
Continue readingThe Difference Between Chipping and Pitching
If you did not realize, there is a significant difference between chipping and pitching. These two dichotomous shots are important to have in your golf bag because it opens many options to the multitude of shots around the green. I do not have a preference because I have practiced both over the years, however I do subscribe to start the ball rolling as quickly as possible when hitting up and down shots. Regardless of your preference, each setup is unique and requires a different focus.
To discuss the differences between chipping and pitching, I found a video by Brad Faxon. It is simple to understand and outlines the differences between these two shots.
I like how the explanation does not focus on one shot type over the other. This is important because it is the lie of the ball, location of the pin on the green, course conditions and a plethora of other stressors that drives our decision on which shot to use. These two shots are the foundation of a good short game. They allow every golfer the opportunity to decide on what will be the best shot and club selection for any given situation.
I would note, both of these short game shots can be executed with any wedge in your bag. I carry four wedges and I am comfortable playing each shot with any of them. They all offer different options and I am grateful for that. Knowing how to properly chip or pitch a ball will lower your golf scores. As Faxon says, go practice and see what you can come up with in order to improve your short game.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
If I Only Knew This Sooner
Golf is an amazing sport that offers many opportunities for success. Equally, the negative side of golf can be just as aggressive when fighting for your attention. For years, I walked the path of trying to be a scratch golfer, but alas I have given up that goal. Mostly because I am not willing to put in the time or effort (at this time) to cross the finish line. During my journey, I realized one thing that was consistent every time I reached a milestone. This one trait of all athletes is what helps everyone reach their goals.
Continue reading
The Grateful Golfer 