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Golf tips

Tip 14 Chipping and Pitching

Chipping and pitching are two areas that can really shave strokes off your score. But unfortunately, golfers don't practice these skills enough. The first thing to work on is your set-up. Keep your feet close together with your weight favoring the left side. The ball should be back in your stance. Now you're ready to make a swing. Use small arm swings for short shots, longer arm swings for longer shots. Brush the grass to get the ball up in the air. Another important part of chipping and pitching is club selection. You should try to hit the ball about one-third of the distance in the air and let it roll the remaining two-thirds to the hole. To do this, you can use a wedge, 8-iron, 5-iron or another club. By combining the use of different clubs and different length arm swings, you can get the desired results and become a very proficient short-game player.

Tip 15: Topping & Skying Shots

The tee shot is the key to good golf. But two common mis-hits can ruin your chances for a good score. One is the skied shot, which is caused by a steep downswing. Position the ball forward in your stance, just inside your left heel. Your right elbow should be relaxed and tucked close to your side. Your right shoulder will be lower than the left and your weight slightly on your right side. Start the club back low, slow and slightly to the inside. Now let the club swing around as you turn. Golfers often lift the club up vertically, causing that steep downswing. Finally, as you swing down, keep your right elbow close to your side and sweep the ball upward off the tee. Another frightful shot is the topped shot that does not get airborne. This is usually caused by a poor transfer of your weight. On your backswing, your weight should shift gradually to the right. On the downswing, it must shift back to the left. Your goal should be a balanced finish with your weight on the left side using your right tip toe as a balance point. Try these pointers, and next time you'll find yourself in better position off the tee.

Tip 16: Cure for Slicing

The slice is one of the most dreadful shots in golf. The golfer who slices tends to aim to the left so the ball will curve to the right. This poor alignment is difficult to correct, but it is the only place to start. First, lay two clubs on the ground, one at the target and the other parallel left of the target. Now align the club face at the target and your feet and shoulders parallel left. You will feel that you are aiming to the right, but the clubs will serve as visual aids to help cure the uncertainty. The ball should be positioned forward in your stance just inside your left heel. Grip the club lightly and allow the right elbow to relax, keeping it close to your side. On your backswing, start the club back low and slightly to the inside, again keeping your right elbow relaxed and close to your side. On your downswing, focus on keeping your right elbow close to your side and allow the clubhead to swing to 1 o'clock. It takes patience to cure a slice, but follow these steps and you'll be headed in the right direction.

Tip 17: Golf Swing Myths

One of the biggest myths about the golf swing is that you must keep your head down during the swing. Actually, what's more important is keeping your chin up as you swing. This is so your shoulders can pass freely under your chin, allowing your head to remain still and focused on the ball. Another myth is the so-called swing to right field. This is to help some golfers achieve a square-to-square swing path. Instead, you should concentrate on not bringing the club inside of your target line too fast. Think of your swing as a ferris wheel, not a merry-go-round. Finally, make sure you follow through with your right shoulder over your left foot to complete the swing.

Tip of The Week

Putts:

As the Irish say, "99% of putts that don't reach the cup don't go in, and the other 1% are always short". Bottom line, beginning golfers should ALWAYS play to go beyond the hole. Ideally, your misses will stop 18" after the hole, but, practice makes perfect. I'd rather see you be long by 3 feet than short by 6". At least you know the miss MIGHT have gone in if lined up right. The short putt stands as much chance of going in as I do winning against Davis Love III in match play.

Also, match the stroke of your putt with your golf swing. If you have a short swing (i.e. your left arm doesn't go too far in the air during your backswing), your putting stroke should match. Same with if you have a long swing. You should have a long stroke. Your Body doesn't like you fighting it.

Lastly, the average golfer 3 putts or MORE 7-8 times a round. OUCH!! One of the primary reasons (besides being a beginner or weekend golfer) is that your eyes LOVE to play tricks. If you have a 20 foot or longer putt, I guarantee you that your eyes are going to think that it is only 16 feet. Has to do with triangulation of the eyes. But who cares about the science of it. The fact is, until you are skilled enough to REALLY gauge distance, factor in a couple feet for longer putts. You won't regret it!!