tips

Chipping – Being Aggressive

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I have been off golfing lately and was wondering why most of my approach shots are significantly short.  I watch the pros and see them discussing which club to use, the wind, the ball location, what they are going to eat for lunch….ok not so much.  Ultimately, they take in many factors that most of us do not consider.  So what makes them so special that most of the pros are putting from 10 feet instead of 20 feet like the majority of amateur golfers.

Well it has to do with how aggressive they are when hitting their approach shots.  Whether they are 100 yards out or 10 yards; the pros try to sink the ball every time.  They figure it is best to be long the consistently short.  As my friend once told me, 100 percent of short shots do not go in!  I tend to agree with that analogy.

So what to do?  I recommend that you try to sink your approach shot with no fear.  It is easier to adjust distance if you are aggressive and you also have the line if the ball goes past the hole.  I know it sounds difficult, but actually it is not.  Focus on sinking your approach shot and you will find that your putt (if you miss the hole) will shorter and the chances of making it will significantly increase.

How to Hit a Tough Golf Shot

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Under a Tree

Under a Tree on the 15th Hole

I have often thought that hitting a difficult shot is easier than an approach shot from 80 yards in the middle of the fairway.  You may laugh, however it is true.  When we are trying to hit a tough shot, we focus, think of where we want to land the ball, take into account our surroundings and contemplate which club would be most effective.  When we are 80 yards out, we grab the same club and hit the same shot regardless of the wind, conditions or pin position.  We think and focus less.  Hence, the results are not always what we want.Last week I was playing the par 5, 15th hole at Laurentide Golf Course.  After two shots I was 50 yards from the green.  After my third shot, by the way it was unfocused, I was 15 yards off the green under a tree.  I had to stand under the branches, chip over a hill, land the ball on the green and let the ball roll down to the hole.

Chip from Under a Tree

Close to the Pin from Under a Tree

As I walked up to the ball, I said a couple grumpy words and thought, wow what a poor shot.  Then I proceeded to go through my normal routine.  I focused on where I needed to land the ball.  Then which club would be best and finally, how hard to hit the shot.  Well as you can see I did alright.  By the way, I sunk the but for par.

Making a tough shot is more mind over matter.  The key to being successful is to stay focused on each shot.  It is very difficult, but if you can manage it, your handicap will fall.

If you have any hints or tips on how to hit a tough golf shot, I would love to hear them.  I am always looking for ways to improve my game.  I am all ears!

Pin In or Pin Out?

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This is a quandary for all golfers regardless of your skill level.  You are on fringe within in 5 feet of the green.  You have a decision to make whether to leave the pin in or to take it out. It is really tough to determine the best course of action…..it could mean the tournament!   Okay a little mellow dramatic, but I think you get my point.  What do you do?

Dave Pelx from Golf .com conducted a scientific study to determine the answer.  He says leave the flag in as the rules allow.  Speed is the most important factor and the flag is your best friend when putting aggressively to the hole.

Don Trahan from Swingsurgeon.com has a completely different view.  He says the pin is only in the way, and whenever possible take it out.  He states that the pin reduces your margin of error and that removing it allows for a greater result.

Well there you have it.  The answer is depends.  There are so many variables regarding chipping, that there is on right answer….or so it seems.  The right answer is which ever you chose while making the shot.

I, for example, try to remove the flag as often as possible.  I believe that it does get in the way and if removed, it allows for a greater chance of the ball going in.  You know what they say – Pull the Pin, Its Going In!

What say you?

Short Game – So Many Choices

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Well fellow golfers, today I had a dilemma!  I was in front of the green in a gully 10 feet below the hole.  As I examined my shot, three selections came to mind.  First, to hit my 60 degree wedge and flop the ball up.  Second, to hit my 52 degree wedge and bump and run it up to the hole.  The last option was to use my 8 iron and hit it into the bank and let the ball bounce to the hole.  All three shots were positive options, but really only one shot was the way to go.  Any guesses?

The 60 degree wedge was the way to go.  As I set up for the shot I had to remember to keep my hands in line with the ball to make sure the ball would pop up onto the green.  I was about 20 yards from the hole, but had to play the shot as if I was 25 yards away.  The reason for the extra distance is that the ball was not going to travel as far in the air because of the height difference between the hole and the ball.  As it turned out it was the right choice because the ball landed 5 feet short of the hole and released to 2 feet past.  I made the putt for par and moved to the next hole.

On a side note, I actually dropped two balls to try my other choices.  (the course was empty today so I had the time)  Each shot provided its own challenges, but the 8 iron was the second best option and the 52 degree was the worst.  Regardless, I now have options next time I presented with a similar situation.

It was awesome on the course today and I am a grateful golfer!  See you on the links.

Course Management – Not Just for Pros

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

I was reading a blog by Ian Hardie at GolfHabits.com on a chance to look into the future.  He outlines a way to know where the pins are located on the holes soon to play.  It is brilliant and will definitely lower your score.  His blog makes me think of how anyone can use course management to navigate your way around the links.  As a grateful golfer, I appreciate any advice I can get to improve my score.

I believe that everyone should think about how they are going to play their next round.  How many of us play 30-40 rounds on the same course; play it exactly the same way every time; with the same results.  We all know Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity:  doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.  Maybe it is time to think about the percentages and try something different.

If you Google course management, you will find many suggestions on how to effectively play your round and lower your score.  Not to be out done, I have a couple of suggestions as well.

As per my earlier post, I believe that greens in regulation is the most important stat.  To achieve this try the following:  First, determine your most dependable and favorite club to hit into the green in regulation.  Second, and if possible, hit off the tee to the distance that allows you to hit your most dependable club.  If that means hitting a 3 iron (hybrid) off the tee; then try it.  On a par 5, do not bash your second shot as far as you can, hit a club that puts you at the right distance.  They use your favorite club, put it on the green and lower your score.

Try using a 7 iron off the tee for the entire round.  It will change your perspective on the course and it forces you to think of a different way to play the round.  It may not lower your score, but it will change the way you think.  As Vincent Peale says:  Change your thoughts and you change your world.

Lastly, play off a different tee.  If you always play the whites, blues, reds or golds, try playing of a different set.  You will be forced to think of new ways to play your favorite course.  It will not hurt your handicap, long-term score or your ego!  I have found that by playing a different set of tees allows me to think instead of just hitting the same club all the time and hoping I eventually lower my score.

Course management is very important.  It is for everyone and will help you lower your score.  What do you think?  Is it really worth trying a new way to play the same course to improve your score?