Golf 101: Tips for improving your game

Everyone wants to hit the long ball. You’re the envy of your foursome if you can pound a golf ball 300+ yards off the tee. But do they notice when you squib an approach shot at 50 yards to the flag? Do they applaud when you chip 15 feet past the hole? Probably not.

The short game is one of the most underrated aspects of the game of golf, according to Matt Nicol and Corey Parker, assistant golf professionals at The Duke at Rancho El Dorado.

“I think short game is at the top of things you should master. It’s really key to your game,” Parker said. “The short game is all about feel and touch, which requires more practice. Yet, most golfers go straight to the driving range.”

Want to shave strokes from your game? Forget the long ball for a change, and practice your short game. The two teaching pros at The Duke offer these tips for getting a club up on our game.

Chipping

There are two styles of approaches: the bump and run or the pitch (flop).

• First, open your stance to your target line and shift your weight to your front foot and forward; press your hands slightly on the grip.

• Take a few practice swings with your head down, and a few looking at your target point. By concentrating on where you want the ball to land, your sense of touch and feel will help train
your brain to judge the distance to the hole.

• Accelerate through the ball; deceleration can cause miss-hits and inaccurate shots.

• Keep it simple. There is no need to try to pull off incredible shots. Use shots that will help you get into one-putt range.

Do not be afraid to try new shots when on the practice green, say Nicol and Parker. The bump-and-run shot is effective for shots with a lot of green to work with, and most of the time is hit
using a 7-, 8- or 9-iron. Use higher lofted clubs (pitching or sand wedge) for flop shots when you
are short-sided with not much green surface with which to work.

Need more tips? Nicol and Parker are available at The Duke for one-on-one instruction. Call 480-844-1100 for more information.

(This story previously appeared in the December issue of InMaricopa News.)

Photo by Jim Williams