Short Game Questions

[mosnas]

So at the age of 18 and after golfing recreationally the past few years this year I'm making a huge effort to try to lower my scores and drop my handicap index by cleaning up my game (Once the range opens I will be going weekly).  Step one was to get some new irons did that, now comes the weakest part of my game 60 yards and in.

I am absolutely attrocious at this and putting (ill take on one problem at a time) when it comes to chipping around the greens and from 60 yards out I just can't keep it consistent one shot may go 2 inches away from the hole the other might go 20 yards.

So does anyone have some instructions or drills or even a chipping style that I should be using from different yardages ect.?

[xmanhockey7]

I'd say practice different shots. Don't just hit 20 balls from the same spot then go get 'em and move to another spot. Take balls and surround the green with them and then walk around and hit each shot and pretend like you're playing (focus!). Another drill is to just take one ball. Again don't just keep hitting the same shot. Once you hit the shot go up and hole it out. I think this is one of the best ways to practice. It forces you to actually get up and down. You can add another element to that drill and force yourself to get at least lets say 5/10 of the shots up and down. If you don't you have to restart until you get at least 5 of the 10 up and down. Another drill would be to set 4 tees around the hole about 3 feet away. Your goal is to hit the ball inside that 3 feet. Just like the previous drill force yourself to get so many inside that 3 food circle.

For all shots involving wedges (even with full shots) I make sure I have "dead hands", which pretty much means not pressure in my hands. This allows a free flowing feeling and will let the club do the work and come down on the ball. The best way to get better at the short game is to spend hours hitting all types of different shots. Go to your local PGA of America pro for more technique and possibly other drills.

[rustyredcab]

Originally Posted by xmanhockey7

... Once you hit the shot go up and hole it out. ...

One ball. Chip around the practice green. Hit it. Hole it. Try a new spot and do it again. Try it until you do 3 in a row. When better, try 5 in a row. This might takes over an hour.

Make sure you practice with the same ball you plan to play. Consistently using the same ball helps train consistent good results. Toss the ball near the green -- do not improve your lie. That simulates real course conditions.

[boogielicious]

+1 on the one ball method. I work my way around the practice green. I chip or pitch from off the green and try to one putt. After putting, I putt the ball off the green and play it as it lies. Try different lies, up hill, down hill, side hills, deep rough, tight lies, dirt and you will get better at it. Also, read the chip/pitch like a putt. Figure out where the ball should land and how it will roll out. For example, an uphill chip won't roll out much, so you can land it closer. Down hill chips can really fly past the hole, so be more delicate. Also, check the threads on pitching versus chipping. They are different and sometimes a nice little pitch will work out much better than a chip. For putting, Aimpoint. Just took the class and it is amazing how much we can under or over estimate break by the "feel" method.

[WUTiger]

Originally Posted by rustyredcab

One ball. Chip around the practice green. Hit it. Hole it. Try a new spot and do it again. ...

Originally Posted by boogielicious

+1 on the one ball method. ...

Our veteran local golf pro always caps off the golf clinic short-game session by telling students about "one ball" drills.

[johnclayton1982]

Quote:

I am absolutely attrocious at this and putting (ill take on one problem at a time) when it comes to chipping around the greens and from 60 yards out I just can't keep it consistent one shot may go 2 inches away from the hole the other might go 20 yards.

So does anyone have some instructions or drills or even a chipping style that I should be using from different yardages ect.?

I love Dave Pelz's system of "dead hands" wedge play.  I highly recommend you pick up Pelz's Short Game Bible.

Not everyone is a fan.  it has really helped me, and I think its worth a read to see if it makes sense to you.  Its not gospel, but if you are looking for a system it can be very helpful IMO.