| What can you get out of a golf academy short | | | | distance and height. With that in mind, you |
| game instruction? Well, let me first say | | | | want the ball out of the air as much as |
| that we all know the frustration of missing | | | | possible. In order to keep the ball low, |
| those simple 1 foot putts, but if you can get | | | | shift approximately 75 percent of your weight |
| your short game as short as possible you can | | | | to the balls of your feet. If you have to |
| then go back and practice those putts at home | | | | take a higher shot, adjust your chest further |
| or in the office. So, take your mind off of | | | | back with only 60 percent of your weight |
| those missed putts and focus on your short | | | | forward. |
| game for a moment. | | | | |
| | | | Learn to chip with less force. Many golfers |
| Just like any sport, practice will really | | | | tend to overpower the chipping which lead to |
| improve your short game. You know, practice | | | | more frustration. Thinking more about the |
| not only involves the physical, but the | | | | sweetspot when you chip will create better |
| mental part, which should be practiced also. | | | | results then focusing on the force behind the |
| The mental part of the game is in many ways | | | | swing. Remember to also keep your impact |
| just as important as the physical and many | | | | with the ball on the backside of the ball to |
| golf academies around the world will indicate | | | | keep it from going into the clouds (too much |
| this. | | | | air). |
| | | | |
| Here's basically what you'll get when | | | | When using a 7 or 8 iron, try gripping closer |
| attending a golf academy short game | | | | down towards the bottom of the grip. Some |
| instruction session. Keep in mind that every | | | | golf academy short game instructors would say |
| academy will teach the basics of the short | | | | to use a putting stroke, with the open |
| game and some will be more detailed than | | | | stance, slightly aligned with the target |
| others. But generally, you'll discover most | | | | line, when using the 7 or 8 iron. When you |
| golf academy short game instruction will | | | | pull the club back, it should be about 18 |
| reveal the following items to commit to | | | | inches. Always accelerate smoothly. On the |
| memory: | | | | downswing don't uncock your wrists too early. |
| | | | |
| 90 percent of the game is mental. Yes, it's | | | | Have you heard of the "flamingo drill"? |
| all in your head (so to speak). If the mind | | | | Basically, it goes like this: 1) hit some |
| is focused, prepared and in gear to make the | | | | chips and pitches with the toe of your rear |
| shots, then the body will follow. It's been | | | | foot balanced on your front foot. This will |
| said the Tiger Woods dad taught him to | | | | place your weight on your front leg. 2) |
| visualize in his head where the ball needs to | | | | place your foot down to the normal position |
| go before he made a swing or putt. It's true | | | | and hit a few more. At this point you should |
| and it works for me. | | | | notice how the exercise helps to prevent |
| | | | hanging back and giving the ball too much |
| 70 percent of shots are made within 120 yards | | | | flight. With this drill you should also make |
| of the hole. If you look at it this way, | | | | note that if your head is behind the ball, |
| then a 365 yard hole should not be as | | | | your weight will also be behind the ball |
| intimidating since you really only need to | | | | (which you don't want). 3) try to keep your |
| master the 120 yards where the 70 percent of | | | | weight on the front to prevent fat chips. |
| your shots will be made. To some, this is | | | | |
| more of a mental part of the game that you | | | | Well, there you have some of the basics of a |
| should master as opposed to the physical. | | | | golf academy short game instruction. One |
| Although, both are equally important. | | | | last thing, let's remember to enjoy the game |
| | | | in the middle of trying so hard to get the |
| Chose the right club that matches your | | | | short game perfected. |