Short Game

[Buzz]

Question for experienced players ... do you have a "method" or guru you follow for short game? I've been hearing a lot about Utley/Runyan/Pelz and want to try and approach my short game in a systematic way. Would love to hear thoughts on the various methods and approaches for systematically improving.

[simmsy]

I would PM Yoss or se if he chimes in here. That guy has conquered the short game like no one else I know.

[BenM]

I bought a couple of Utley's books in about March or April last year. It's taken me until now but I'm finally starting to feel like my short game is coming good (it was a big change from chipping off the back foot with an open stance, to off the front foot with a square stance).

Can't really speak for the others, I think they all have different philosophies but ultimately it's all about choosing the method that works for you and sticking with it.

[Buzz]

I bought a couple of Utley's books in about March or April last year. It's taken me until now but I'm finally starting to feel like my short game is coming good (it was a big change from chipping off the back foot with an open stance, to off the front foot with a square stance).

Can't really speak for the others, I think they all have different philosophies but ultimately it's all about choosing the method that works for you and sticking with it.

Agreed on the last part. I guess thats really what I am looking for, a summary of the different philosophies so I can investigate in detail the one that aligns best with how I currently play, rather than reading them all and trying too many methods.

[Charger]

Dont miss greens!

[Matt 3 Jab]

Id also like to hear what people have to say.

Having a shocking short game myself, I'd be keen to hear ideas!

[3Puttpete]

Buy a chipper

[highballin]

Id also like to hear what people have to say.

Having a shocking short game myself, I'd be keen to hear ideas!

Mickelsons DVD hinge and hold + practise I now have a reasonable short game and getting better the more I practise.

[Slothman]

Well...this is coming from someone who was afraid to use anything but his putter inside of 20 meters to someone who looks for any excuse to pull out the Wedge (Sand, Gap or Pitch).

Find a way to make it fun

I watched you tube vids, read articles, spoke to people...and just got more and more confused.

I spoke to my club pro about inside 50 meters and we worked on 3/4 "shoulder swings". I took this to the chipping green and tried it out. Essentially my "natural" style is a Phil Macs Hinge and Hold...well that is what the pro said I was doing...be stuffed if I knew

So I just practiced repition for a while...BORING...but I had to do it to find a "comfortable" routine.

So how did I make it fun. 10 Golf Balls in the jacket pocket, 1 Golf hole after work...and just chip...and chip some more. But not 10 from the same spot I would throw them around the green and walk around makeing chip shots. Sand wedge one night, Pitching wedge another night. This helped with my imagination.

It took close to 4 months and I was getting FRUSTRATED. Nearly quitting the practice and getting annoyed at skulling/fatting every chip etc. But one week I just said "Right, thats it. No more putts from off the green." I made my golfing buddy call me out any time I reached for the putter. By practicing weird lies, conditions and all sorts of fun stuff, I just started enjoying the challenge of playing those shots.

I do not remember any recent skulls or duffs, there was one that just rolled off the far edge but it still came out sweet, flew over the target and checked up...I just plain misjudged it.

There is nothing sweeter than playing that "Mickleson" type flop shot to stop the ball inches from the pin and pretending to acknowledge the crowd as your playing partner cheers you on and the suckers you are about to take money off boo and hiss

[BUSHY]

The below link I originally got from my Golf Digest subscription last year and have been following it the best I can since I read it. You cant argue that since the changes Scotty's short game is much improved, thanks for reminding me to read it again!!!


LINK-Adam Scott Short Game Secrets

[mrbluu]

Id also like to hear what people have to say. Having a shocking short game myself, I'd be keen to hear ideas!

Matty speak to virge, he will sort u out in no time!!

[TheNuclearOne]

The below link I originally got from my Golf Digest subscription last year and have been following it the best I can since I read it. You cant argue that since the changes Scotty's short game is much improved, thanks for reminding me to read it again!!!


LINK-Adam Scott Short Game Secrets

I've been using the bounce for chipping for some time now and it's well worth a go.

[Buzz]

The below link I originally got from my Golf Digest subscription last year and have been following it the best I can since I read it. You cant argue that since the changes Scotty's short game is much improved, thanks for reminding me to read it again!!!


LINK-Adam Scott Short Game Secrets

Great link thanks! This actually gives me some confidence as it is essentially what I have been working at. If it works for Scotty then I am sure a hacker like me can be happy with it!

[Coldtopper]

Do what many tour players do and get a lesson from a respected pro! Whilst there are many ok weekend players to take advice from they dont have the knowledge or experience of a golfers environment needed to improve thier short game.

[TheNuclearOne]

Do what many tour players do and get a lesson from a respected pro! Whilst there are many ok weekend players to take advice from they dont have the knowledge or experience of a golfers environment needed to improve thier short game.

I don't think he's asking for a series of online lessons from choppers so much as what has been found to be beneficial, be it lessons, books, methodology's etc.

Stockton's putting book is well worth the read too.

[Buzz]

I don't think he's asking for a series of online lessons from choppers so much as what has been found to be beneficial, be it lessons, books, methodology's etc.

Stockton's putting book is well worth the read too.

Indeed, that's what I'm asking

[davepuppies]

For me, the secret is in the dirt

I find lots of practice, experimentation and being creative rather than mechanical is when my short game is best.

It's a given there are a few fundamentals, but beyond that I advocate spending a hour or two a week just having fun, trying to get the ball to spin, to not spin and release, and varying the trajectory.

I really enjoy practicing my short game chipping and pitching, but hate practicing putting.

[androooo]

Dave Pelz's books on the short game and putting are great.

Best thing I have done for my game

[Shane788]

I agree with Davepuppies, practicing spinning the ball, letting it release and knowing when you should do it. Also knowing what shot to play in different situations.
I see so often with playing partners just playing the one shot over and over regardless of the situation and it shows with there handicap.

[BUSHY]

Phils vid,

http://vidshark.ws/vv.php?Id=90bcae4...9141bf49644d19

[TheNuclearOne]

Highly recommend following the increasingly popular using the bounce/letting the head come thru brigade in the short game. It really does give so much more room for error. Even top pro's like Adam Scott have gone to it for the consistency and ease, and it's probably even handier for the less talented.

[Captain Nemo]

I vote Yoss, my mail from WAnkerville is that he's the short game guru, among other things.....

[Yossarian]

If you need batting coaching or short game tips dial 1900 45 9677

[Ashes]

If you need batting coaching or short game tips dial 1900 45 9677

Square leg coaching?

[Buzz]

Highly recommend following the increasingly popular using the bounce/letting the head come thru brigade in the short game. It really does give so much more room for error. Even top pro's like Adam Scott have gone to it for the consistency and ease, and it's probably even handier for the less talented.

What happened to the video links in this post, I was planning on coming back to these!