Short Game

This is the part of the game when scores are made, just imagine making 2 or 3 more up and downs a round or the more illusive sand save. Read on to master the art of the short game.

Flop Shot

A flop shot is a high flying shot that doesn’t go very far and lands with very little extra movement. It’s great for those times when you need pinpoint placement and you are a short distance from the green.

Here are some tips for hitting a good flop shot:

Your stance should be similar to what you use for any regular pitch shot. Try and get your feet lined up with the area slightly to the left of where you want the ball to eventually land.
You’ll want to open up a bit more clubface for this shot than you normally would unless you are using a 60degree wedge.
Make sure your hands are ahead of the ball as you strike to make sure maintain the open clubface. Do not let the club pass the hands or a flicky shot will result in a thin.
As you swing keep the club at a steep angle to make sure you sweep the grass under the ball.

50 Yard Chip Shot

The 50 yard pitch shot is one of the hardest in golf due to the accuracy and delicacy of distance and direction required contrasting with the acceleration required through impact.

If you stick to the basic fundamentals, you can eliminate most of the common problems and resulting thins and fats.

Tip

Keep your feet 8 inches apart and your weight 70/30 favouring your front foot.
Grip the club as normal, but lean the shaft forwards so your hands are infront of your thigh.
Place the ball in the middle of your stance.
If there is a hazard or uneven ground between you and the flag, go for a lofted club. Otherwise, an 8 iron will give you the control to get the ball within holing distance.
Take the club back using a putting motion and with loose wrists, start the downswing when the shaft of the club reaches parallel to the ground. This should generate lag to give an accelerating descending blow onto the back of the ball.
Keep the hands ahead of the club through impact.

To Book a lesson with Nick please email him at nick@cheshire-golf.co.uk