Golf Tips

How frustrating is it for the average golfer to hit a career drive, be in position to hit a short iron to the green to have a birdie putt, and to then hit a poor approach, leaving a chip and putt for par at best. The answer is obvious---it is extremely frustrating. So how can we improve our greens-in-regulation to take advantage of a good drive and convert some birdies?

First:

Do not try to hit your short irons their maximum distance. Golfers love to say things like "I was 150 yards from the green and I hit 9-iron!" Well that is great, except usually the 9-iron isn't on the green, right? How about the following strategy instead:

*take one more club than normal
*choke down 1/2 inch
*take rehearsal swings feeling a 3/4 length backswing
*avoid excessive hip and shoulder turn
*stay down for a crisp, solid hit and finish the swing in balance
*watch the ball fly straight to your target!

Remember--leave your ego in the golf cart, and take a rhythmic, controlled swing, not trying to power the ball as far as possible. Your ego will be gratified when you start rolling in birdie putts.

Try this the next time you play, and make your goal for the day to hit every green inside 150 yards with a controlled, 3/4 length swing designed to "dial-in" those short shots to give you looks at birdie.