Short game never improves, please help guys

[irishlad88]

Hey folks,

Im a 5 handicapper and I have known for a long time that my chipping, pitching and bunker shots are more of a 15 handicap standard, I mean they are so far behind the rest of my game its almost unbelievable. I know I need to improve to lower my handicap because I am being severely tormented by this. I practice for hours every week (over 8 hours a week) but never improve, i practice using different clubs around the green, drop 4 balls in various areas around the green etc basically tried everything in my power but just cant get better and this hurts my confidence. I bought Phil Mickelson's short game DVD last April and use his hinge and hold technique which seems to work a little better. In competition I can't seem to bring what I have practiced with me to the course and costs me at least 4 shots a round (so frustrating!!!) I know i fluff chips often from decelleration, I sometimes shank and blade too (I know the causes of this)!! I just don't know what to do, perhaps a short game lesson of a professional is the only remedy.. Can anyone shed some light on the issue who has had similar experiences? I am really ambitious and feel as if I have enough potential to reach a scratch handicap but not unless I sort this huge problem out. Any help would be so appreciated. Thank you.

[rustyredcab]

Audio books by Dr. Bob Rotella may help. You're a 5 handicap. This is in your head not some technique thing. You must know how to hit a golf ball to be as successful as you are.

Want a technique idea: look at your target, look at the ball, trust your instincts to do the rest. Think shooting a basketball. You don't think about how hard to throw it or how high to jump. You just shoot.

I'm no short game wizard but I have improved greatly by just thinking about how high the ball should go and exactly where I want it to land.

[MrSandman]

Dave Pelz's short game bible is a good read and may help you gain consistency around the greens.  Gives you some good philosophies for approaching the short game as well as reasonable expectations for the types of shots you are hitting.  Probably get it for under $10 used online.

We're like the exact opposite.  My short game is very nice, but my ball striking is more like a mid-teens handicap.

[The Recreational Golfer]

Have you tried taking lessons?

[BEAN]

There is a drill I saw on the golf channel where you pitch balls underhanded (right hand if your right handed) onto the practice green while making your normal chipping motion. I tried to find it to post link but I'm having trouble.  Martin Hall was the one giving instructions and it helped me quite a bit. I do not know if this drill would be beneficial for you because you are light years ahead of me but you could give it a try if you have not already.

[sean_miller]

Only tip I can give to a low capper is don't hit in-between shots. Go high or go low - not in between.

[airguard]

I hate to give a low handicapper any advice.... so I won't!

But.... I know exactly what you mean!

I recently read a short article where they asked Bubba Watson what his swing thoughts were about chipping..

He said he was always and still is afraid of the same things we are afraid of, fat hits, duffs, etc.

To fix those fears he said he just wants to hit down on the top of the ball and drive it into the ground.... So much for having the "pro" swing thought.

I have tried it and it has helped, worth a shot!

[Pablo68]

I've recently got back into golf and it took a little while to get comfortable around the greens again. One thing that has helped me is something I keyed on years ago by focusing on landing the ball on a particular spot on the green while you're taking your practice chips/swings. Be very focused on that spot during your shot as well and it ususally quiets the mind. You'll be surprised how often you come close to hitting that spot but don't look early.

It goes along the line of what Rustyredcab was saying about shooting hoops which is very good advice btw.