Approach shots?

**Smilesy** · July 14, 2008

Hi All,
I’ve been having problems recently with my 75-100 yards approach shots. It’s getting very annoying. I’m driving better than I have ever before, but I just can’t get it close when I’m in a good position. I’m just wondering what sort of club and shot people play from that distance

**ks8829** · July 14, 2008

From 75 yards I hit my 60 degree wedge and at 100 I hit my 52 degree wedge.

July 14, 2008

Are you practicing your short game as much as your long game? I'm not sure it's a matter of club. Swinging to hit an approach shot is done with different perspective than a regular swing. It's a technique to develop on the practice range in order to have different visual amplitude points along your back swing that will allow you to cover all the distance from 30 yards to 120 yards.

Through practice and the advice of my pro, I was able to master 2 visual points in my back swing, half swing and 70% through my back swing. Practicing this with the three wedges I have in my bag (PW, 56 deg., 60 deg.), I'm able now to hit pretty accurately shots from 35 yards, 60 yards, 80 yards and 100 yards.

If I had more time to practice, I would add another visual amplitude point in my swing, for instance 30% through my back swing and practice it with the different wedges.

I think the first thing to do is to make sure (with a pro) that you're hitting your approaches the right way. Then adopt the above method, i.e. same swing pace, different amplitude.

Cheers,

Sam

**jambalaya** · July 14, 2008

Try taking shorter swings with your wedges. Take 3/4 swings whenever possible and just club down where necessary for your shots. You want to hit down on the ball and take a nice divot so shortening the swings gives you more control to hit the ball solidly. Remember to have your weight slightly favoring your front foot at setup. I hit a gap wedge (52 degree) from the distance you are describing.

**clemsontiger** · July 14, 2008

Are you practicing your short game as much as your long game?

That is really good advice. That is something that all of us you look at.

**JaY_B** · July 14, 2008

From 75 yards I assume that every golfer on the PGA Tour could hit the green with all 14 clubs in their bag... For you too improve hit 20 balls from this distance, just trying out different shots and different clubs.

With the short game there is no right or wrong way, simply a way you feel comfortable with, to improve you have to go out and experiment to find what you like.

**montru** · July 14, 2008

I went to the Nick Faldo Golf Institute in Orlando last month, they concentrate more on the short game on their two day school.
One of the things they showed me was to take shorter (half to three quarter) swings with the ball slightly forward and concentrate on your wrist action through impact and turning your body to face target after impact.
I use three wedges (48, 54 & 56 degree) and use the same shot with each club.
I hope this helps.

My long game has gone to pieces now though LOL.

Mike

**Smilesy** · July 15, 2008

Thanks very much everyone. I'll have a few things to practise. I'm heading away this week for a few days of golf so i'll work on it then.

**gills** · July 15, 2008

99% of the time the only club i use from <=100 yards is my 55* sand wedge.

It's just what i've been limited to and i've gotten used to it. I developed a "power meter" (think Tiger Woods video games :)) with how far I swing back based on how far I am from the green. From there I adjust how open or closed the face depeding on shot type. And the best part is, this has been the strongest and most consistent part of my game.

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