Play Carolina Golf's Golf Tips:
PITCH, CHIP or PUTT?
You've missed the green, and now you have a decision to make: What do you play next? Do you putt, pitch or chip?
Your choice depends on a couple of things. But before we decide, let’s discuss the differences between chipping and pitching.
Chipping is a stroke with no wrist action - less "air time" and more "ground time." Think of it as a putt with a lofted club. Pitching is a lofted shot, played with a cocked left wrist; and it has more carry and less roll.
Playing from the off the green, most average golfer should putt if possible. If the ground is too uneven or the rough is too tall, then chip. But if the ball cannot safely carry to the green with a chip-length stroke - "safely" meaning at least one pace onto the green - it's time to pitch.
PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!
In order to practice your golf game we must first know how to practice. There are two basic types of practice.
1. Mechanics
2. Play
A majority of us think that practice is hitting golf balls. Wrong, that is just hitting balls. There must be a purpose for improvement.
Here are some things for you to think about the next time you go out to practice mechanics.
Always lay down a reference line. Use an 8 or 7 iron to practice with, even if you're having trouble with the driver. These clubs are easier to get a "feeling" or mechanical pace than the driver.
Confirm your fundamentals, grip, aim, alignment, posture, ball position, etc.
Start by loosing up with a wedge - it's the heaviest club in the bag - and hitting pitch shots. This builds a strong foundation for learning the proper impact.
Improve your grip
The grip is your only connection with the golf club. Placing your hands properly on the golf club helps you better control the position of the club’s face at impact.
When setting up in your stance, look down at your grip. You should be able to see two knuckles on your left hand. ( Right Handed Players )
Also, hold the club as if you had a little baby bird in your hand. This pressure, combined with the proper placement of the hands on the handle, will give you your greatest chance to produce longer, straighter shots.
Written by:
David Von Canon
Head Golf Professional
Sanford Golf Course
Sanford, NC 27330
919-775-8320
Playing from the Rough.
Unless you have a good lie, punch out to a comfortable yardage for you and play from there. Try to resist the “Money Shot” especially when it means a long carry over some major junk in front of you. Remember getting back onto the short grass is the best way to avoid wasted strokes.
To get better out of the rough try: Drop a ball in long grass then put a second ball a foot behind it and practice hitting out without touching the second ball. You will need a deep downswing, so play the ball back in your stance, lean on your front foot, and hit down hard.
Look for the 150 marker. If you have an iffy lie in the rough and your outside 150, lay up and put your second shot tight. When in doubt play out of the fairway and leave yourself your favorite yardage to the green.
Your lie will always indicate what you should do. With the ball sitting on top of the grass, take one less club and play for the ball to jump out of the rough and run hard. If the ball is down in the grass, use one or even two extra clubs. The real trick is predicting how the ball will come out and aim accordingly. Notice the worst trouble spots around the green such as water hazards and bunkers and make sure to avoid them.
