1 I try to use as little loft as possible for any shot around the green . I like to see amateurs using fairways or utility woods to chip . Using a lofted wedge demands a lot of skill and precision .
Bumping the ball
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forward with less loft means you use a shorter and more controllable stroke .
2 The key thing in putting is being able to start the ball consistently on the line you want it on . If you can ’ t do that , you need to go back to basics and work on it . I use the claw grip because it takes my right hand out of the stroke , which is what used to cause too much rotation in the putter face for me . This grip has become a much more popular option now , but when you first change you worry about what
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people are going to think . I changed in winter when I was pretty much doing nothing except putting on a carpet , so it didn ’ t take me very long at all to get used to . I ’ ve putted with it ever since .
3 When
I ’ m hitting a bunker shot , I turn the back of my lead hand towards the target so I can see only two knuckles . This helps the face stay open so the bottom of the club - the bounce - is the first part to touch the sand . The open face pops the ball out high and with plenty of backspin , while the extra bounce helps the clubhead glide through the sand instead of digging in .
4 From
the sand , I also set up with my weight on my left side and keep it there as I swing . Control distance by where you impact the sand and your choice of club , not the length or swing speed . Less loft and hitting closer to the ball will make it fly further … and vice versa .
5 Once
you can deliver the club squarely , you can work some shape into your irons with two canes or clubs on the ground to help you get your body and face aim right . A draw is great for working the ball to a left pin or for getting more release when the flag is at the back . A fade helps you work the ball to a right pin and land the ball softer if it ’ s at the front .
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Poor opening holes can sap your confidence and lead to a downward spiral . Conversely , a good start is often what creates the confidence and momentum that can help us produce a great round . Here , Steven Orr offers three keys to ensure you find your form fast when you start playing again .
1 . WARM UP BEFOREHAND Arrive at the course early enough to warm up . Hit at least 20 balls on the range before you play in order to get warm and get familiar with your swing – this is about the number of full swings you ’ d make on a front nine of 45 shots without a warm up . Also spend at least 10 minutes chipping and putting to get a feel for the conditions and speed – a good early up-and-down or long putt can generate momentum and set the tone for your whole round .
2 . THREE-HOLE TARGET Set yourself an achievable goal for the first three holes , such as making a solid start by playing to your handicap , avoiding anything worse than bogey or something more specific like not making any threeputts . This helps you relax and prevents you from overstretching and trying too hard early on , which is a common reason for a bad start . If you break your whole round into six sets of three holes it can make your goals appear more achievable .
3 . GET THE BALL IN PLAY There is a difference between a ‘ bad ’ shot and a ‘ cost ’ shot . Everyone hits ‘ bad ’ shots but they don ’ t always result in a dropped shot . ‘ Cost ’ shots , however , are those that put you in real trouble and cause bogeys or card-wrecking scores if you throw more than one of them into a hole . If you reduce the ‘ cost ’ shots you will improve your scores , so take a club that you know will get the ball safely in play on the first holes .
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GolfPlus MARCH 2021 35 |