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Golf tips

Tip 10: Wedge Play

When you're within 50 yards of the green, your best approach is a wedge shot with a high arc and backspin to stop the ball with no roll. To do this, line up with the ball centered in your stance and your weight equally distributed on both feet. Your shoulder, hips, knees and feet are square to the intended line of flight. On your backswing, your left shoulder and right side should rotate as one, with the plane inside the line of flight. Start your downswing with your left arm. The leading edge of the wedge goes down under the ball so the ball will slide up the face of the club. Your left arm starts down with your hands leading the shaft and clubhead. Do not allow your left wrist to break. Once the clubhead comes in contact with the ball, your weight moves down the line of flight. Your backswing will determine the distance. Practice this, and soon you'll be hitting shots to the green that spin back to the hole or stop on a dime.

Tip 11: Putting Basics

Just like with your regular golf swing, a good putting stroke depends on some basic fundamentals. First, start with your setup. You should always play the ball forward in your stance. Your hands should be on line with the clubhead and ball. Keep your eyes looking down on the ball. Next, your takeaway should be low keeping your wrists firm. Move your arms in a pendulum-like motion and accelerate through the ball. The length of your swing will determine the distance the ball will travel. Finally, be sure to maintain your balance with no body movement. This will help keep the club square through the ball. Follow these basic fundamentals and be sure to practice them next time you're on the putting green. If you do, you'll develop a more consistent putting stroke, and it won't be long before those dreaded three-putts become fewer and far between.

Tip 12: Complicated Putts

Some putts seem so difficult because severe breaks or elevation changes put additional pressure on the one faculty we need most to putt our very best, that is, our imagination. The best putters are said to have the best feel, but I think they have the best imaginations. And that imagination leads to feel. Imagine that the green is covered with silvery dew. Your putt would leave a distinct track on its way to the cup. Just imagine that track to help you determine the route of your putt, and burn that track into your mind and even onto the green. The end of your imaginary dew track should be right in the hole! Work at maintaining the track in your mind. Don't let the severity of the break or even the hole distract you. Start your ball right on that imaginary line, not on a line at the hole. Once the track is set in your imagination, your job is only to hit the putt at the right pace. So dust off your imagination, and dust the green in silvery dew to conquer those tricky sidehillers.

Tip 13: Sand Play

Getting out of the sand can be quite simple, if you follow these few steps. First, use a sand or lob wedge, because they both have plenty of loft to quickly get the ball in the air. And they also have some bounce, which lets the club slide through the sand rather than digging into it. Second, ground yourself into the sand by wiggling your feet until you won't slip during the swing. This also gives you needed information about the hardness or softness of the sand and how far behind the ball you'll need to hit. Remember, you are not allowed to touch the sand with either the club or your hand before starting your swing. With soft sand, try to aim about two inches behind the ball. When the sand is firmer, aim about an inch behind the ball. Finally, your left arm on the backswing should be parallel to the ground, then swing through the sand to a balanced finish. Follow these simple steps and practice them. And you won't fear the sand any longer.

Tip of The Week

Not all golf course are Flat

And boy, can that be a pain!! OK, here's how to handle:

Side of the hill, ball above your feet: Lean into the hill, and choke up on the club (put your hands further down the shaft. That's it, no magic secrets. (sorry). Lean forward more, keep the same ball position, and choke up on the club. Swing, and amaze your friends!

Side of the hill, ball below your feet: Lean back more so that you retain your balance on the downslope. Grip the club all the way at the top so you use ALL the club.

Uphill Lies: My favorites. I feel like the ball is on the tee!! Keep your shoulders balanced. They will tend to 'weigh' more on the right leg. Play the ball forward, toward your big toe. Take one club more than you normally would play. If you would hit a six, play a five instead. Swing normal, and watch that ball GO!

Downhill Lies: Not my favorites. But I am getting better. Again, keep your shoulders balanced, even though the weight is geared towards your left foot. Play the ball BACK in your stance. A little back of middle should do the trick. Take one club less than normal. If you would hit a seven iron, play an eight. You are trying to hit down into the ball, so take a full, high swing. Then shout FORE!

For these lies, swing at about 75% of your speed. This maintains your balance..

From our Readers:

Dave, of Shrewsbury (state and nation unknown!!): " Thanks for the tips on scoring. Course Management is often overlooked, unless you're a greens keeper!. BUT, how do you resist the temptation NOT to 'go through the trees' when you stand a chance???"

Dave, we don't know. Practice? Experience? Our belief is that trees are 90% air anyway, so chances are good that they'll go through. Actually, there is a lot of satisfaction in avoiding 'difficult' shots to play the course. When it actually works out, you feel like you scored a victory over the course itself (at least that hole). Seriously, next time you're behind a tree, or in thick rough, play to give yourself a real chance the next shot. You'll be AMAZED how good it feels.

It did take me 4 years to find that out, though, and a lot of weird looks from my buddies to finally figure out I can't hit a ball over a 30 foot tree, 175 yards from the green, with my wedge. And I actually got conked when a ball rebounded off a tree when I should have laid up. Sometimes, physical beatings on the course make you start to think differently!