Playing Tips

 In the Sand?.....Try this....

With an open stance, keep weight evenly distributed and play ball
one inch forward of center, with club face slightly open. Make
smooth three-quarter swing, letting chest turn away from target on
backswing.  Always accellerate the club through impact to a 3/4 finish.

For plugged lies, keep more weight on left foot to let the club dig into
the sand. Play the ball in the middle with a square club face and
shaft leaning toward target. You don't have to swing hard.

To avoid leaving the ball in the sand, keep weight on front
foot and rotate chest throughout swing.

Angle shaft away from hole.

To avoid blading ball in sand, don't let left arm break down
in downswing.

Try to take a shallow cut of sand -- about 10 inches long.

Dig in with toes of shoes more than heels to set bottom
of swing below surface of sand.

Hit with the same force you would use if you were throwing
a handful of sand to the hole.

For uphill sand shots, play the ball forward, keep more
weight on the right foot, don't open the club face and
swing along slope.

For downhill sand shots, keep your head steady with more weight
on left foot. Play the ball back, open the club face, make a steep
backswing, full wristhinge and swing along the slope.

For long bunker shots, make a relaxed pivot and full follow-through.
Take a longer club, say a nine-iron, to get the right distance.

When hitting from hard sand, use a pitching wedge and play a
normal pitch shot.

For fairway bunkers:

-- take one or two clubs more than normal

-- dig in with your feet and keep your weight on the inside of both feet

-- choke down one inch with a light grip

-- play ball in the middle with weight evenly distributed

-- keep lower body quiet

-- use a three-quarter swing

-- make a full, relaxed pivot and try to clip the ball off the sand

-- swing at 70% of normal speed

-- on longer shots, you'll have better luck with a lofted wood/hybrid than an iron

 Around the Green-101

By Lee Fanning
 
Here are some basic fundamentals to ensure solid and consistent contact around the green.
 
Putting
 
  • First…..Always set the putter head on the ground behind the ball, aimed in the direction in which you intend to hit the ball.
  • Address ball with feet shoulder width apart, toes pointing straight ahead.
  • Bend from the waist allowing your eyes to hang over the ball position. This will do 2 things….your will relax your hands also give you a better perspective of the line in which the ball will travel to the hole.
  • Grip the club with your thumbs pointing down at the club-head…keeping a relaxed tension.
  • When making the stroke, use your shoulders to rock your hands and club-head back and through.
  • Maintain a brief, but smooth backstroke, and follow through twice the distance of your backstroke, keeping your wrists from breaking. (1/3 back, 2/3 through)
 
Chipping
  • Choke up on your club of choice (8, 9, PW) Avoid using lofted Sand Wedges for chip shots.
  • Place the ball position to the back portion of your stance, leaning the club toward the hole.
  • Open your stance slightly to the hole
  • Place 75% of your weight on your left foot….this ensures a downward striking motion.
  • Use a putting stroke (1/3 back, 2/3 through) with your shoulders to strike the ball….using no wrist action at all.
  • Practice with various clubs around the green for various situations
  • Remember….we always want the ball rolling as soon as possible. There is no need to put a ball in the air unless it has to.
 
 
To drain a putt, and sometimes a chip….you need to have 2 factors right.
 
  1. Hit the ball on the intended line.
  2. Hit the ball at the right speed.
 
Aiming properly at address can eliminate factor #1 before you even stroke the ball. Hitting the ball at the right speed requires practice and repetition. You will develop a feel for the right speed and you will save Par….or Bogey more often.
 
Cheers!

 

 

 .