As an amateur, we find the most unusual places on the golf course for our ball to hid. We do not intentionally place ourselves in these predicaments, but alas hit happens all to often. Professional golfers do so, but with less frequency. The challenge is how to respond to these wayward shots and to make something out of nothing. Phil Mickelson is one of the best of all time at extracting himself from trouble and I wonder what is secret really is to see the shot and the hazard?
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What is the Right Way to Chip a Golf Ball?
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!
Who is Winning the 2019 Players Championship?
The Players Championship starts tomorrow. Moved this year to March, it is the largest non-Major event of the 2019 golf season. Of course the pundits have made their choices and the usual names are at the top of the list. If you follow what has been happening so far this year, choosing a winner will be more difficult than expected. Regardless, I thought it would be fun lay out my thoughts and to let you know who will be in the winner’s circle on Sunday!
Continue readingTiger Woods Still Has Star Power for the PGA Tour
It was a 60/40 split, but Tiger Woods is still a huge draw for professional golf. It seems that no matter what is going on, he either on TV or being talked about. Well at least until the end of the tournament and the media has to focus on the leaders. I have to say that I am not surprised because much of the success of modern day golf can be attributed to Tiger Woods.
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The Grateful Golfer 