distance control

[teach]

I have trouble controlling distances in my short game. Generally, I use my sand wedge for chips just off the green and for short pitches. To alter my distance, would you suggest altering the length of my backswing, increasing the degree or speed of the pivot, or using different clubs, such as my pitching wedge or 9-iron? By the way, I am a swinger, or at least I'm trying to be one. Thank you.

teach

[EdZ]

I have trouble controlling distances in my short game. Generally, I use my sand wedge for chips just off the green and for short pitches. To alter my distance, would you suggest altering the length of my backswing, increasing the degree or speed of the pivot, or using different clubs, such as my pitching wedge or 9-iron? By the way, I am a swinger, or at least I'm trying to be one. Thank you.

teach

One of the best ways to increase your margin for error in distance control is to 'shorten the lever' - grip down to the steel.

This simple adjustment not only allows you to use a larger motion, but with less force and more margin, it has the added benefit of being on a more upright plane angle for better directional control.


Learning to use one club for different trajectories/lies is a very useful endevor. That said, it is generally easier for most to switch to lower lofted clubs. Whichever club will fly the ball 1/3 of the total green available, and run out the rest.

One bit of Pelz that I find very useful - "avoid humps and aim for dips" - this gives you better margin too.

[hue]

For good distance control around the green you need to practice. I monitor lag prssure to get distance contol. The Pelz clock thing can work but I think monitoring lag pressure is where it is at. Hit lots of balls with your wedges increasing the lag pressure and watching the results. You will develop feel and will be able to take it to the course but you must practice.

[teach]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your replies. Hue, can you elaborate on what you mean by monitoring lag pressure? Does this mean that I will feel a different amount of pressure on my right index finger for different length shots? I thank you in advance for your reply because I think that understanding this concept might help me a great deal with my entire game.

teach

[12 piece bucket]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your replies. Hue, can you elaborate on what you mean by monitoring lag pressure? Does this mean that I will feel a different amount of pressure on my right index finger for different length shots? I thank you in advance for your reply because I think that understanding this concept might help me a great deal with my entire game.

teach

Teach!

Welcome back Cotter! Good to see you back. Here's your home work . . .

1. Go and buy Pia Nilson's new book Every Shot Has A Purpose. This will light your golfing fire and tell you how to practice effectively in order to SCORE!!!!

2. Next time you go to the range take only your wedges.

a. Hit chips monitoring your alignments. Is your left wrist flat? Hit chips watching your hands . . . is your Right Wrist LEVEL and BENT? Is you Left Wrist FLAT?

b. Hit the range . . . toss a ball about 5 yards or so. NOW . . . hit a shot and try to land it ON that ball 5 yards out. Let it roll out. NEXT SHOT . . . land it on the last ball. Do this succesively with your wedge until you are hitting a hundred yard or so.

c. Can you execute the different Hinge Motions? If so hit a ton of wedges with the different Hinge Actions. If not, go read up on Hinging and watch the Yoda and VJ video. Then hit wedges. You can't hit enough wedges. You will be getting your distance control down as well as your Alignments.

3. Read the last paragraph of 6-B-1-D Extensor Action. Artifical Pressure of a tight fore finger grip. Keep your other fingers easy on the club. Hold tight with the right forefinger and thumb. Hit chips with this grip. . . How's your distance control? Can you hit it HARD and the Ball come off soft? report back . . . remember the #1 Imperative.

Your homework WILL be graded. . .

[Clay Huestis]

Solid GOLD, Brother Bucket, Solid GOLD!!!