Trying to improve my short game
- Thread starter copelvr20
- Start date
Books by by Bob Rotella are good. Golf is not a game of perfect, accept bad shots, etc. Putting our of your mind, is a good one. I've played golf with Bob and he isn't the worlds best putter. He's about 66 but still hits it pretty good. I really haven't used books on instruction and I would encourage lessons to get better.
I've read golf is not a game of perfect and really enjoyed it. My work schedule doesn't really permit a lot of time for lessons. I spend a lot of time reading and trial and error practicing. Just started playing about 5 years ago. Have worked myself down from a 22 handicap to a 14in the past two years. Thinking if I can improve on my short game I can get down to single digits.
I would tell you that some good short game lessons and practice are what is important. I got better when I started budgeting my time to specific areas of the game. I would practice driving and long irons one day, short game another, putting the next, bunker shots are something the average player doesn't spend time doing enough of. i get in the bunker and I think about holing it.
You need someone who really knows the game who can tell you that you need to turn your shoulders more or finish higher. you are getting your weight outside your right foot on take away. I just turned 62 and finally feel like I understand how to play, now my body isn't going to take the time to practice that I need to get really good. I finished as the 10th ranked player in Va but that was after being injured for basically 2 months.
Appreciate the replies. id like to take lessons but like I said my schedule doesn't really permit it. I'm lucky to play 1-2 times a week. I've gotten this far on my own and hopefully will be able to take the next step. Short game has just been killing me. At this point I'm more confident with a 5 iron in my hand 195 yards out than I am with a wedge 30 yards out.
You have recognized that the short game is where the score is. You have probably moved more thaan you realize.
30 yard shots are hard because you have to think about how hard to hit it. If you can hit a 5 iron from 195 CONSISTENYLY, you have no trouble with length, probably have small hands[laughing]. Try doing the things that Nick Faldo talks about, takingit back to 9 0'clock and finish at 3 for one distance, 10-4 for another etc. You can weaken your right hand, turn it over to the left, for soft bunker shots. It's a lot to learn if your time is limited.
Airport has a lot of great advice above. I'll only add that I started getting better at the medium range pitch shots (30-60 yards) when I incorporated that specific shot into my warm up routine. Also, lately I'm trying to simplify my chipping thoughts and club selection.