Pelz or Mickelson...Which one!

**Marinemike** · June 22, 2009

So David Pelz's short game bible has become a standard, but so many people think that Phil Mickelson is a short game wizard.

I need to start getting up and down along with knocking down a 15 footer here and there. Who's product should I espouse, Pelz's book or Lefty's DVDs? These seem like the big 2, but I'm open to other suggestions. I want something that has fundamental knowledge; something that's timeless and will still make sense in 40 years.

Thanks.

**wedge player** · June 22, 2009

So David Pelz's short game bible has become a standard, but so many people think that Phil Mickelson is a short game wizard.

well pelz is phils short game coach,but i tend to learn better visually if your like me i would rather watch a dvd verses reading how in a book

**shankapotamus** · June 22, 2009

Another good book is the art of the shortgame by stan utley.

**flap** · June 22, 2009

I picked up Phills CD and it is great.

**uttexas** · June 22, 2009

Pelz' book has good insight, but is overlong and self congratulatory. You can get it used very cheap--they often have it at half price books---multiple Texas locations (where I got mine)

The entire book can be sumarized--- use four wedges (I choose PW, GW, SW, LW)
and three backswing positions. 7:30 9:00 10:30
The book meanders and loses focus. He states how important tempo is in chapter one, then spends 400 pages on mechanics and exact postitions/straight lines. IMO, he loses the importance of feel throughout his teaching of the short game and putting.

I don't agree on his bunker method (opening way up and hitting way behind the ball). Nor do I believe most can strike putts consistently with straight back and straight through (too much manipulation in the forearms to keep the face straight on line)

I prefer Tom Watson's getting up and down 40 yards and in. http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Up-Dow.../dp/0394753003

Phil's DVD may be great, but I can't buy it soley on the statement in the ad that he is "the best short game player ever"

Check out Utley's DVDs and books for the short game.
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Short-Game...5637318&sr;=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Putting-Re...5637318&sr;=8-3

**mruseless** · June 22, 2009

I would consider Stan Utley's book as well. It really helped me. And I used to be a Pelz guy (I still am, from about 100 yards to about 30 yards.)

But I think which style will work for you depends on you.
Are you a feel player?
Or are you more mechanical when you stand over the ball?
When you were looking for an instructor, did you prefer those that analyzed every little aspect of your swing and put you on video?
Or did you prefer instructors that focused on swinging loosely and "letting the club swing you"?

If you favor the analytical and mechanical aspects, I think Pelz will work well for you.

If you favor "feel", then Utley will probably work better.

**TN94z** · June 22, 2009

The Pelz/Utley thing is going to be ALL up you and your game. They are both great ways of doing it. I read Utley's book and I am a feel player but it just fealt really weird and I didn't give it enough time. I may try it again later because it is a very simple concept.

I also like the idea of being able to watch what is being taught on video.

**Leftygolfer** · June 22, 2009

I like both. I am waiting on the mickelson DVD and curious about the chipping. It is totally different than pelz. As far as bunker play, I do not see how you could think any other way than pelz's way is better. I liked the short game bible. I am excited about the DVD. I agree that Utliey could be looked at.

purple monkey dishwasher · June 22, 2009

Wasn't there just recently on article on Golf.com that had some quotes from a few pros that said Phil's DVD's actually helped them?

**mruseless** · June 22, 2009

As far as bunker play, I do not see how you could think any other way than pelz's way is better.

Once I got the hang of Utley's bunker style, I find it MUCH easier to get the ball out. It even spins and checks up sometimes.

**Leftygolfer** · June 22, 2009

Once I got the hang of Utley's bunker style, I find it MUCH easier to get the ball out. It even spins and checks up sometimes.

To each there own. Most pros play with an open club face, open stance, hitting a half inch to 2 inches behind the ball. I have not read his book but I am planning on it (utley's). But with the way I play them, there is such a margin for error (if I hit too close to the ball will fly farther with spin and vice versa) that it makes it too easy. I do have my odd terrrible ones where I hit it thin or don't commit and lose focus, but I am very happy with my bunker play over all.

**mruseless** · June 22, 2009

To each there own. Most pros play with an open club face, open stance, hitting a half inch to 2 inches behind the ball. I have not read his book but I am planning on it (utley's). But with the way I play them, there is such a margin for error (if I hit too close to the ball will fly farther with spin and vice versa) that it makes it too easy. I do have my odd terrrible ones where I hit it thin or don't commit and lose focus, but I am very happy with my bunker play over all.

I should note that I play with a *slightly* open clubface, and do hit an inch or two behind the ball. The main difference in the Utley style is setup, and using a very steep wristy swing. Hard to describe. Anyway, I was a terrible bunker player before, so its possible that my improvement is just due to more practice... or its in my head. Either way, its working so I won't mess with it!

**Leftygolfer** · June 22, 2009

I should note that I play with a *slightly* open clubface, and do hit an inch or two behind the ball. The main difference in the Utley style is setup, and using a very steep wristy swing. Hard to describe. Anyway, I was a terrible bunker player before, so its possible that my improvement is just due to more practice... or its in my head. Either way, its working so I won't mess with it!

I agree. I should read that book. People seem to speak very highly of it.

**mountaineer08** · June 23, 2009

I am not a huge fan of Pelz...his book is much to analytical, with to much written about his research this research that, and not enough on some of the mechanics. there was not much on practice drills either, unless you want to buy all of his practice aids. I would go with Utley or Mickelson's DVD's. Can't say anything about the DVD's yet, but I have heard good things.

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