When Everything Else Fails
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Golf.
When Everything Else Fails
The Must-Have Skill for Every Golfer
Regardless of the type of shot, every golfer must be able to execute a reliable shot under pressure. This essential skill is crucial for improvement and for stopping the "bleeding" during a game. My time with the late Gardner Dickinson taught me a lot about handling pressure situations. Gardner was closely associated with Ben Hogan and worked as a Teaching Professional at Tamarisk in Palm Springs, California, during the Tour's off-season.
One day, Hogan asked Gardner about his "GOTO" shot. When Gardner couldn't answer, Hogan emphasized that every golfer should have one. Hogan's choice was a punch shot, and since Gardner modeled his swing after Hogan's, he decided to adopt it too.
Reflecting on this conversation, I realized I didn't have a "GOTO" shot either. As a Hogan enthusiast, I chose to master the punch shot. It turned out to be a game-changer for me. Now, I can confidently hit this shot under any pressure and in any condition, achieving a level of ball control that's incredibly empowering.
When teaching the short game, especially wedge play, I focus on two key shots: the "stiff-arm" pitch and the "knockdown" wedge. These shots are reliable for both top players and average golfers because they involve minimal moving parts, reducing the risk of poor execution. I'm not a fan of high-risk "lob" shots with big swings, which demand excessive timing and practice. Even top players only get these shots right 50% of the time. Instead, you can perform a "lob" shot with more accuracy using a "stiff-arm" pitch.
I recently coached a college player who was
1 on his team. From 100 yards in, he had only a 30% success rate with up-and-down shots. His technique included excessive movements and big swings. After a short game Boot Camp focusing on the "stiff-arm" and "knockdown" wedge techniques, his success rate soared to 80%.
Remember, wedges are scoring clubs built for accuracy, not distance. If you've watched footage of Hogan and other legendary players, you'll notice their wedge swings were shorter and more like a punch.
Embrace these techniques to enhance your short game and boost your confidence.
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