Some Short Game Practice

[Fairway_CY]

So, for our sixth anniversary, my wife bought me an Odyssey Sabertooth putter (35"). I had been playing with a no-name putter that came with a starter set I purchased awhile back. I got to spend about 2 hours working with the putter yesterday afternoon. Once on a practice green at the local course... and again later that evening on a faux green at the local driving range. All in all... I like the way it feels and looks over the ball. It's much different than what I HAD been playing... heavier, much larger, etc. It took a bit of getting used to when addressing the ball... but I managed to get my speed down after about the first 30 minutes.

I also got some time to work on my sand game (about 20 minutes). I spent way too many strokes getting out of traps in my first round of 2010 and the course we are playing this upcoming Sunday has a LOT of sand (waste areas AND bunkers) that I may have to contend with. I'd like to spend some more time on that aspect sometime this week... but, I did figure out that with no follow through, I'm prone to leaving the ball in the trap. If I have a nice, smooth swing with a half follow through... I tend to get the lift needed to clear the lip of higher traps... and it doesn't roll out much after that.

Finally, I spent about 20 minutes chipping on to the faux green. It's different because even when the ball DOES check up a little... it rolls out because there isn't the same 'grab' as on real grass. I'd say I hit probably 60 chips... and the majority of them finished within 5 feet of the hole. Close enough to give me a realistic opportunity holing out the next shot.

There are only 3 days left to practice (no time on Friday or Saturday) before our next round on Sunday. I'm looking at using my 3 wood frequently this weekend as there are a lot of shortish par 4's (under 375) with very tight driving areas. If I can focus on keeping the ball in the fairway and hitting in to the greens with lofted clubs... I SHOULD be okay and able to pick up a decent score, but... I'll have to spend some time this week figuring out which clubs will give me the most confidence heading in to Sunday.

I'll write on Saturday night with my preview.

'Til then...

CY