Jamie Olson: Golf Tip
by Jamie Olson
LPGA Member T & CP Division
1st Assistant Golf Professional/Teaching Professional
Leisure World Country Club
Mesa, Arizona
This month we are focusing on a very important part of your golf
play, the short game. Many times golf requires less than a full
swing. This aspect of the game is called the approach. It consists
of pitch and chip shots. The primary goal for approach shots is
direction. These shots require the upper body to be more compact
and controlled while the lower body stays fairly stationary, which
creates stability. The choice of which shot to use is dependent
upon distance from the green and the terrain around the greens.
A pitch shot is a high lofted shot that lands softly on the green
and has little roll to it. The clubs that should be used for this
shot are an 8 iron, 9 iron, pitching wedge, or sand wedge. This shot
requires the hands to be higher on the grip. The stance a little less
than shoulder width apart and the weight equally distributed between
the two feet. This allows weight transfer when the swing is longer
due to the shot being of further distance. The length of the swing
depends on the distance from the green. The speed of the swing should
remain consistent throughout. This shot usually requires a longer
stroke, but shorter than a full swing with some wrist involvement
and weight transfer.
A chip shot is a low lofted shot that lands hard on the green and
has lots of roll to it. The clubs that should be used for this shot
are a 5 iron, 6 iron, or 7 iron. This shot requires the hands to be
lower on the grip with hands ahead of the ball. The stance should
be narrow and slightly open with the weight on the target foot. The
length of the swing depends on the distance from the green and how
far you need the ball to roll once it hits the green. The speed of
the swing should remain consistent throughout. This shot usually requires
a shorter pendular stroke with the lower body stationary allowing
the upper target side of the body leading throughout.
With this knowledge, try practicing both shots from different distances
and using the different clubs to see what will work for you. Practicing
these shots should allow for some sort of comfort when you need to
execute such shots on the golf course. Good luck and keep on swinging.
Jamie Olson is a member of the LPGA T & CP Division and is currently
the First Assistant Golf Professional and a Teaching Professional
at Leisure World Country Club in Mesa, Arizona. Leisure World is a
private 36 hole retirement community. Jamie is also a Teaching Professional
for the LPGA Girls Golf Club. In her spare time she participates in
many charity tournaments. Jamie teaches all ages, individual or group
lessons. For further information or questions, please contact Jamie
at publisher@cactusgolf.com
|
