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Swing Tip - Shots Close
to the Green
By Mary Hafeman,
Director of Golf Operations LPGA International and 2006,
2007 Golf for Women’s Top 50 Instructor. LPGA
International will host the Two-Man Shoot-Out on May
17-18, 2008. |
What type of shot should
you choose when you are close the green. It’s sometimes a tough
decision for most golfers. In this case, lets talk about a ball
that is on a tight clean lie on very short grass around the
green. You have ruled out putting because you would have to putt
too far through the fringe. The goal is to chip the ball with a
low trajectory and get it rolling on the green as soon as
possible. Visualize a specific spot on the green where you want
the ball to land, and keep that spot in mind when you are making
your stroke.
You will set up with either a 7 iron to pitching wedge for this
shot. Your club selection depends on how much green you have to
work with. You will use the less lofted club like a 7 or 8 iron
for a hole location that is farther away and a higher lofted
club like a pitching wedge or sand wedge for a hole location
that is closer to you. Place the ball slightly right of center
in your stance and grip down on the club. Press your hands
forward towards the target and keep your shoulders level to the
ground.
Your backswing consists of moving the club back similar to your
putting stroke. You should not take the club back very far. Keep
your wrists firm and your hands should be pressed forward
slightly. Your body weight should be set on the left leg and
remain there throughout the stroke.
Follow through with no wrist break, hitting down on the ball
with a smooth accelerating stroke. Keep your weight forward on
your left leg and your wrists firm. Your hands should stay ahead
of the ball throughout impact. The follow through should be the
same distance as your backswing.
Take a few minutes before you play to practice this shot around
the putting green to get the feel of the shot. With some
practice you will be able to judge how the ball will react with
the different clubs. After some practice, you will be able to
select the right club for the right situation, which will result
in lower scores.
LPGA International has a variety of greens on its practice
academy to learn these kinds of shots. Come out for a visit and
it could turn your game around! We have a wonderful staff of
trained PGA and LPGA instructors that will assist you. |
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