TIPS

The Shortgame - The Game Within the Game

Golfers are always worried about the driver and distance and forget about the short game. I have been teaching golf for over 15 years and I'm still learning more and I realize I grew up in the era of learn to swing for the fences and you'll figure out the rest of the game later. I think when we were kids or just first learning the sport we just wanted to smack the ball with that big headed thing and we forgot about the short game and getting that little ball in the hole. I don't think as a teacher nor as a student can you ever stop learning ways to hit different shape shots - especially around the green. I have been blessed to have great teachers in my life that were passionate for the game. I'm grateful I have never lost the passion for the game and how I can improve, help others, and give back what has been given to me. 'What a great game and I hope you never lose your passion for this game of golf.'

Technology is always changing and that has not only changed the industry, but has changed the golf swing somewhat. With those old hickory sticks it seemed that the golfer back then used much more hands and body than you see nowadays. I obviously believe in the ever changing technology and that is probably why I am not only a fan of new improvement, but I helped design the f2 wedges. I believe this wedge helps you make those imaginary shots much easier. The f2 wedges' hosel design and it being out of your way offers so many freedoms you may have never imagined in a game of golf. It was handed to me and I didn't like the looks either, but I liked the results, and went on to re-design it to what it looks like today. I have noticed a huge improvement with students and my own game. Which nowadays, I seem to play more in my head than in real life. Anyway, this leads me to why I'm really here, to help you improve your short game. I'm going to share my secrets to improving your short game. Yes, using the f2 wedge is on that list, but seriously there are some key elements that are important to improve your short game. Most of my material isn't new and has been handed down to me from many great teachers of the game and in many different ways and styles. I hope that I convey it to you in a ways so that the light bulb goes off and it changes your game like it did for me.

I always start of by saying golf is 90% mental and maybe 10% physical. Seriously, we all under estimate the mental part of the game. That being said, most teachers are going to talk about the physical part and talk about seven basic elements of golf; Stance, Posture, Grip, Alignment, Back Swing, Forward Swing and Ball Position. All of these elements are important in the game of golf, but when you get to the short game many things may change a little from your stance, to your pathway of your swing, to your grip pressure, ball positions, and the list could go on. I can go on and on and you are here for me to share with you on some ways to improve your short game, but everything I have said so far does have somewhat of an element to what IÕm leading to now. Most tour pros are lucky if they hit 12-14 greens in regulation in a round which means they are in hopes to get up and down 4-6 times. These guys represent less than 1% of all the golfers out there... Hmm I guess the short game is more important than we think. Most of us are lucky to hit 8 greens in regulation. I believe golf is a game of imagination where we will hit many different shape shots in a round and we will be tested constantly on how successful we were in executing them. So that being said lets move into what I believe are the crucial elements to having a successful short game:

Have a plan - Have a plan of what you want to do. How you are going to do it. In order to be successful you must have a general plan no matter what you do in life. There are times to go for the flag and times to fly to an area that you have a reasonable chance to make a putt. Keep in mind always trying to get up and down may cost you more strokes than you think so evaluate the situation and then come up with a plan.

Visualize youself doing it - See yourself doing what you want. Visualizing is so important. I said earlier that I don't play as much golf as I would like, but there is one thing I do just about every day and this will keep you more in tune than you think. I visualize myself hitting different shots every day. You have the biggest range in the world and that is what is between your ears.

Being positive - Everyone under estimates this one. I'm a firm believer that positive breeds positive and negative breeds negative. I believe we all have that Buster that lives between our ears - he wants to sabotage our attitude and game, so we have to learn to put a muzzle on him. Believe in your plan, believe in what you see, and believe in yourself. These first 3 steps are all mental and I like to believe that these are the most important thing before you attempt to execute the shot you're going to hit.

Tempo or pace - This is a physical part that your visual and feel will play an important role in. You've got to have a fluid tempo or pace if you expect any success no matter if it's your putting stroke or chipping. Everyone's tempo is different, but you want it consistent. I see so many great swings that fail because of bad tempo or like we all have done, the good old D-cell. You need good tempo to return the club to square in the hitting zone unless you have a magical shaft that has a mind of its own.

Ball position - Many golfers forget about this when they are around the green. Here are some of the basics. If you put your ball in the front of the stance the ball should go higher and land softer. If you put the ball in the back of your stance you will hit the ball lower and the ball should get more roles. All of these ball positions need good tempos.

Keep your eyes and head at the back of the ball - I see too many players sway into the shot or the other pick the head up. Enjoy the ball and stare it down and allow you to make a great swing with good tempo and a great plan and visualization and enjoy staying behind the ball. You can lift your head when your friends say good shot.

Grip pressure - Many of you get too excited, too angry or too happy. This creates tension in your muscles. There are times you want a very relaxed grip and there are times you will firm it up a bit. This takes a little feel and practice with the different shape shots you may be wanting to hit.

Your pathway and stance - This may vary depending on the shape shot you may want to hit. If you open your stance and take the club outside and in you will hit a high soft cut shot. By opening your stance you clear your body and hands to be able to go through easier. You want to make sure you keep your club face shaking hands with the target this will encourage that high shot also.

There are many things that I could share with you, but these are my top 8 elements to focus on in improving the short game and I guess I would add one more and suggest you try out the f2 wedge and see how this will also help you as it has many others. There are a few things I would advise instead of having long drive contest on the range try chipping and putting contest around the green. You'll find it just as much fun and be surprised how this improves your game. So, if I was to leave you with a few wise words "Stay positive, Stay passionate and enjoy the best game in the world." Good luck! Always remember your worst day on the golf course is better than your BEST day at work!