Short Game

The short game plays an enormous part in a players ability to be a consistent with their scoring and will to a large degree determine their handicap.

So what is the short game, well its putting? chipping, pitching and bunker play and all these areas need to be practised until the individual is competent and has confidence when attempting these shots on the golf course.

I will be adding videos shortly to help golfers to at least start off on the right foot when practising these individual areas.

Putting

Holding the putter is such a huge subject as there are  

Literally hundreds of ways to hold the putter and it's not for me to say what is right or wrong and definitely as many work very well for the individual employing a certain hold. What I would like to say is a good starting position for many beginning golf or maybe someone struggling and fancying  a change would be as follows.

Grip

I like to see the hands on the putter in a nice neutral manner with the arms in a natural position.

• The left hand sits on from the side of the putter grip positioned down the life line of the hand and the thumb positioned on top.
• The right hand slides into place from the side of the grip with the thumb also positioned on top.
• The index finger of the left hand will come off the grip and slide over the fingers of the right hand.
• This will get the hands united in a neutral position and have the shaft running up both forearms which is a major factor in keeping the putter in plane when your make a stroke.

Stance & Alignment

Balance is key when playing any sport especially golf and this is so often over looked when it comes to putting. When setting up for a putt and good thing to look at is how the putter sits on the ground first, the head should sit flat on the ground which will make the putter sit more upright than any other club in the bag.

• The feet should be far enough apart to be able to remain stable throughout the whole stroke.
• The knees slightly bent.
• The spine will bend forwards allowing your arms to hang freely.
• Your eyes should be positioned just inside the ball.
• Your neck will allow your head to be positioned with your eyes level and parallel to the ground.
• The ball position will be slight forwards of centre.
• Ensure you have plenty of room for your arms to swing.
• Weight should be evenly distributed between the feet and in a central position in the feet.

Chipping

The chip shot is a smaller version of the full swing, this has to be recognised before anyone can gain any real control or ability with this shot. So many golfers I see trying to play this shot employ a non pivot motion, basically a putting motion with the arms and shoulders while staying planted on the front leg. Now I'm not saying this is method is a bad or that you shouldn't attempt to play this shot in that manner as it can be a very successful way to play this shot for many players.

What I do believe is that you're missing a key asset that will help you with your rhythm, timing and shot making ability. Including your pivot motion to this shot adds a far superior motion with the arms and thus club plus helps with balance, rhythm, timing, acceleration & consistency of strike which will undoubtedly create a more skilled golfer in this area .

The set up for a chip shot is a mini version of the full swing set up with some differences.  

• Gripping down the golf club can be employed to gain more control. (Normal position of the hands used)
• The feet willbe medium distance apart ( outside of the feet inside the shoulders).
• The ball position can change depending on what kind of elevation you require for the shot inhand.
• The ball position would normally be played just left of center.
• Moving the ball forwards creates a shallower angle of attack thus creating a higher elevated shot.
• Moving the ball back towards the right foot in your stancecreates steeper angle of attack as well as a more de lofted club face as your hitting the ball sooner in the arc of your swing.
• The face can be played square or open depending on the flight that is needed for the shot in hand.
• Tilting the body to the left will help create a steeper descending blow.

Video to follow