“ how-to ’ s ” and practicing it on the range during your practice sessions . But for the purpose of this article , I want to emphasize the on-course importance of alignment . Too often I see golfers totally ignoring where they are aligning themselves for a golf shot . The truth is , we can only hope the ball goes the direction we are aligning with ( pointing ). See this month ’ s video tip for how the recreational golfer can work on aligning themselves on the course .
Mindset / Decision Making : Club Selection – Approach Shots (“ 1 Club Up Rule ”)
Golf at times can seem to be a simple game of hit the ball , find the ball and hit it again until it ’ s in the hole . Although there is some truth to this statement , the mindset / decisions a golfer makes while playing a round of golf has a much greater role on their scorecard than golfers appreciate .
This month I want to focus on the “ mindset ” of your on-course club selection for approach shots . Approach shots are the full swing shots a golfer feels or knows have a chance to make to the putting green . Learning the actual distances each club goes is something that will take some time . It is only a baseline to decide what club is the right club for the actual approach shot you are about to hit . In future newsletter tips we will discuss proper “ decision making ” variables for club selection . I would suggest for the recreational golfer , these shots will range from 50 yards to 175 yards depending on the golfer . The biggest issue I see all the time with the recreational golfer is NOT using enough club for their approach shots . Every level of golfers hit bad approach shots , but one thing you rarely see from PGA or LPGA tour players is missing long or short . When they miss , it ’ s typically right or left only . I find the recreational player tends to miss SHORT of their intended target most of the time , meaning they typically don ’ t hit enough club . Their “ mindset ” is to hit the smallest club possible , the furthest distance . So , I suggest that recreational golfers use what I like to call the “ 1 club up rule ” for approach shots . A great example of this rule would be , if I think I should hit a pitching wedge on a certain approach shot , hit a 9 iron ( that ’ s “ 1 club up ” rule ). I know what you thinking : “ what if I hit the shot too far ?”. No biggie . Just stick with the process . If it does go a little further then you thought it would , I ’ m betting you ’ re still in a positive place where you can hit your next shot from . Plus , by hitting “ 1 club up ” you will start to realize you have plenty club in your hand , requiring you to not swing so hard at your approach shots and consequently your approach shots start going straighter .
Have a great time trying these tips on the range or on the course ,
Coach Steve
March Newsletter | 5