Simplifying the Short Game
Years ago , I was practicing bunker shots at a course in Texas . The heat made me delirious , but it also gave me the “ eureka ” moment of how to simplify my short game . Growing up right-handed , I learned how to play golf relying on my dominant hand . But in that moment , I took a few swings only with my left hand . The sand splashed out of that bunker perfectly . Then I did it again , and again , and then with a ball . And it kept getting better with each one-handed swing . I still vividly remember that grouping of balls on the ninth green of Walnut Creek ’ s Pecan Course and realizing that I had found something .
Presently , I spend hours collaborating with the members of Army Navy Country Club on their short games . They are also looking for that “ eureka ” moment , and I have shared my process to help them achieve that for themselves . According to Mark Broadie , the author of “ Every Shot Counts ,” about 45 % of all shots hit are within one hundred yards of the hole . This percentage excludes short putts . This is consistent with the theory that working on your short game will help drop your handicap .
As you are reading this , you are probably thinking about that promise to yourself that you would practice chipping and putting more , but youinstead go to the range and hit bombs . I get it , practicing short game
34 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY / J UNE 2022
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