Do you often miss the green and end up putting just to survive? Let me show you how to get your ball onto the green and give yourself the best chance for an up-and-down. I'm Santiago Mari with the Leadbetter Golf Academy in Naples, and today I'll demonstrate how to handle those tricky shots to a tight pin.
The Challenge of Tight Pins
When faced with a tight pin and little green to work with, many golfers instinctively try to scoop the ball into the air, thinking this will produce better results. However, this approach often leads to fat and thin shots because it exposes the blade of the club too much, causing the ball to shoot over the green.
Simplify Your Approach
The key to mastering these shots is to simplify your approach. Instead of trying to lift the ball into the air, focus on a forward, low trajectory. This method increases your chances of making good contact and leaves you with a manageable putt, even if you don’t hit the perfect shot.
Steps to Simplify Your Chip Shot:
- Set Up Correctly: Start in a neutral position, balanced and well-aligned.
- Keep the Club Low: Feel the club stay low on the way back and through the shot.
- Rotate Your Torso: Focus on rotating your torso towards the target rather than lifting the club into the air.
- Aim to Hit Forward: Think about hitting the ball forward instead of up.
By following these steps, you'll notice the ball behaving more predictably, with a low, forward trajectory that lands softly on the green.
Demonstrating the Shot
Let me demonstrate this approach. As I set up and aim, I focus on rotating forward, keeping my hands low and the club moving through the shot. By not trying to lift the ball, I achieve a soft landing close to the pin, even with minimal green to work with.
Using the Putting Bar for Better Connection
One of my favorite training aids for this type of shot is the Putting Bar, designed by David Leadbetter. Originally intended to improve putting by promoting a connected, torso-driven motion, the Putting Bar is equally effective for chip shots.
How to Use the Putting Bar:
- Connect Yourself: Attach the Putting Bar and set up square to the target.
- Rotate, Don’t Wring: Instead of lifting the club with your hands, rotate back and through using your torso.
This helps maintain a consistent, controlled swing, ensuring good contact even if you don't hit the shot perfectly. The goal is to make your misses manageable, leaving you with a decent putt rather than a difficult recovery shot.
The Benefits of a Simplified Short Game
By simplifying your chip shots, you'll find that your short game becomes more reliable and less stressful. Consistency in this area can significantly lower your scores, as you’ll avoid the penalties that come with poor contact and unpredictable ball flight.
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