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