Great Practice Session Yesterday... Any Tips?

[Maddog10]

So yesterday I made my way out to the course after work with the intentions of spending a few hours around the putting green. I spent about an hour strictly on putting, generally never getting outside of 10', though I did practice a few lag putts from about 30'. I then spent about an hour with the wedge in my hand hitting shots from various lies around the putting green. Everything from bump-and-runs to pitches from poor lies. Where I really had my fun though was as dusk approached and all of the players started leaving the course. I grabbed my wedge and putter, took 4 balls, and walked out to about 80 yards from the hole 9 green. I spent an additional 45 minutes or so just hitting approach shots with a 3/4 swing sand wedge. This is a distance I've been struggling with lately, usually hitting the green but being too far to expect to make the birdie putt. Well after a little tweaking, I started to get  a much better feel for the shot, and by sun down I was really throwing darts at the pin. On my last session, I was able to put all 4 balls inside 15 feet and made 3 out of the 4 putts. Also, two sessions before that I was fortunate enough to hole one out, though a couple of my other shots weren't the greatest.

Anyways, I am pleased with the success I had yesterday and just wanted to share with you guys. For most of the summer I have been shooting between 75-78 and it's the short game that is holding back my progression. I'm really trying to shave off those last few strokes and get down around even par. I've had some even rounds on 9 holes, and even a couple that were -1, but I'm yet to put together an 18-hole round of par or better. My best of the summer is a 73. I know the short game is where the scoring is at, and that is why I've devoted so much time to it lately. However, if you guys have any tips or drills that would help fine-tune my skills in that area, I would love to hear them.

[rehmwa]

sounds like a great idea working the 80 yard approach shots - and I'm in the same boat scoring wise and this is THE area for me for improving scores (and putting).  So no tips, but I'll be following your example.

I'd keep my ball repair tool handy though.  You'll spend the last 15 minutes cleaning up.

I have been doing a lot of the inside 30 yards practice and have been trying various shots with various clubs (8i through LW) - trying to figure out which stroke/club combinations give me the desired rollout and checks.  It's a real eye opener.

[Maddog10]

Originally Posted by rehmwa

sounds like a great idea working the 80 yard approach shots - and I'm in the same boat scoring wise and this is THE area for me for improving scores (and putting).  So no tips, but I'll be following your example.

I'd keep my ball repair tool handy though.  You'll spend the last 15 minutes cleaning up.

I have been doing a lot of the inside 30 yards practice and have been trying various shots with various clubs (8i through LW) - trying to figure out which stroke/club combinations give me the desired rollout and checks.  It's a real eye opener.

Yea, I did spend a decent amount of time repairing my divots, but that's just part of it. In fact, when I was packing up to leave, the club pro came out and told me that he appreciated me fixing all of my marks. Apparently he was watching from the club house. To me, I see no need in thanking a player for doing this because it should be every players responsiblity to do so, but sadly many don't, as is evident by some of the old divots that I also repaired.

That 30 yard shot you are talking about is another good one to practice. Like you, I have used everything from a 7i to a SW. If it's not a special scenario though, my PW usually does the trick.

[rehmwa]

Ha - I called it a 'ball repair tool' - my bad

my go-to on the short bump and runs has become my 9i.  If I don't have a definite choice based on lie and run and green, I have the best 'feel' with the 9 (chips).  Pitches are the SW and LW and there is never a question on which one should be used.  It's made a difference - when I'm feeling it, up and downs are so much easier.  I lay my alignment sticks on either side of the hole (3 feet or so parallel to the shot).  and that ball better roll through that gap as a minimum.

Alternatively, I could just hit the green more often..........