9 March 2008
Golf Techniques - Short Game Sense
Posted by BQ Browning under: Golf Techniques .
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The best golf technique is not to take unnecessary risks. Playing good golf is about considering the chances of success of a planned shot. This holds good for all parts of the game particularly your short game. It is where many people come unstuck. There are few basic rules that help you choose which clubs to use, all based on the principal of least risk.
Rule number one is to always use your putter if the ball will roll. Even if you are slightly off the green, if there is no possibility of the ball bouncing then it is sensible to use the putter.
Rule number two, if there is a possibility of the ball bouncing then opt for a chip and run. This will get your ball into the air just long enough to clear the danger areas and onto the green, running straight to the hole. The direction and pace of the ball is easier to control if it is rolling along a smoother surface.
Rule number three - only to be used when the two previous rules can’t be applied! Get out one of your wedges. This should be done with caution as unless you are an experienced golfer, or practice a great deal, wedges offer less control and more room for error as there are many factors that can determine the outcome of the shot. The most influential of all those factors is your confidence with your wedge. One of my favourite shots when faced with a small area of rough is to use my Lob Wedge as if it was a putter. It takes a degree of self control not to swing the club but when mastered it is a neat little shot that can serve you well.
The secret to an effective short game is practice, you should devote time to perfecting your chip and run technique as it can be a match saver when used effectively. Get a few balls and scatter them around just off the green at varying distances and practice chipping them onto the green as close to the edge as possible and with enough momentum to reach to the back of the cup.
This simple golf technique can often help make the most progress towards reducing your handicap so it is well worth the time you devote to it.
