It’s Just a Game

It’s just A GAME
Part 3 – “Pitch Perfect”

I truly believe that all great golfers stand out because of their short game. If we have a look at the statistics and focus on the individual distances of each shot a golfer takes. What we will find is that almost 75% of all strokes taken are made within 100m from the hole.

This number can and will obviously fluctuate depending on the level of the golfer but still, wouldn’t pass 50% as naturally, our putter is our most used club. If we look at club usage, what we will also find is that clubs with more loft (except the putter) are usually played with more frequently as well. In truth, for most golfers on this planet, it’s only logically possible to hit a driver about 14 times, whereas our putter touches the ball on average about 36 times, and that’s for players below 20 on the Handicap Index.

The nature of the game is indeed what drives this but is then, even more, an indication that our short game ( to me, any shot within a hundred meters) is by far the area in the game that requires the most attention and practice. The skills a golfer learns whilst practising their chipping or pitching not only ensures soft hands and a good touch around the greens but helps them navigate the golf course better. The movement patterns of many recovery-style shots are very similar to chipping and pitching. “Short game” practice involves experimentation for the most part. Different lies, ball positions, club face angles, trajectories, slope angles, and obstacles promote club face awareness and dexterity. This awareness is what allows the best players to get the ball in the hole quicker. Even the Pros say that regardless of how they hit the ball off the tee, a solid short game turns bad scores into good and good scores into great ones.

Have a look at the practice drills below. Once again, they are created to promote PLAY, as this is the single most important aspect when lowering your scores. There is time for perfecting our technique but good ball striking and distance control generally stem from great rhythm. Pitch included.

Pitch Perfect

This drill is primarily designed for a player to work on technique if needed and rhythm. Begin by marking out 3 different target circles around 3 pin locations of your choice. You will be pitching from one position, so make sure that each target is at least 10 yds from it. Beginning with your least lofted wedge (PW). Hit approximately 10 balls to each target. Here the player should take note of the trajectory, spin, and roll out. Attempt to fall into a ‘rhythm’, by replicating the feel of each shot and observing. Next, hit those same 10 balls to each target once again, but this time, alternate between targets until all 10 are done.  Some pin locations might require a different club, but it’s important to go through this process with each club (PW, GW, SW, LW) to better understand how your ball flight affects the bounce of the ball and which shots are your strengths and which ones need attention. We can’t be perfect, but here we will at least try.

Sided Ladder

Begin by placing 6 sticks on the green in a ladder-like arrangement. The sticks should be equally spaced at 3ft to start. (Fig.3b) Place a starting tee approximately 10 yds away, and 2 more tees at 20 and 30 yds respectively. The hitting area should be on a medium fairway and preferably down gradient for starters. The aim of this game is to work your way up and down both ‘ladders’, 6 balls at a time attempting to land each shot in its respective landing zone.  You can decrease stick spacing to make it more difficult. Also, use different clubs and experiment with different trajectories.

Beginner

Goal –

• 10 yds 2/6
• 20 yds 1/6
• 30 yds 1/6
• Slope – gentle /flat
• Landing Zone -3ft

Intermediate

Goal –

• 10 yds 3/6
• 20 yds 2/6
• 30 yds 1/6
• Slope – gentle
• Landing Zone – 3ft

Advanced

Goal –

• 10 yds 3/6
• 20 yds 2/6
• 30 yds 1/6
• Slope – medium
• Landing Zone – 2ft

Pro

Goal –

• 10 yds 4/6
• 20 yds 2/6
• 30 yds 1/6
• Slope – medium/steep
• Landing Zone – 1ft

X Marks The Spot – Pitching

Start by placing 12 tees around any hole in an X shape. The inner tees should be 1 ft apart, with the cup in the middle. Additional tees should have a half-foot spacing and follow the X shape. (Fig. 3c) The aim of the game is to chip from the given distance into the ‘marked’ area and score points following a points-based system is a fun way to play this and can be done in groups. Ensure there is enough landing area on the green to allow for rollout and experiment with different clubs. Increase distance when suitable.

• 5pts – in the hole!
• 4pts – within the first X
• 3 pts – within 2nd X
• 1 pts – within 3rd X
• 0 pts – outside

Target Practice

It’s now time to put all of it to the test. Begin by marking out different size targets around approximately 5 different pin locations. Your target sizes should vary from 1ft n diameter to 3 ft. Next, place  4 – 5 hitting areas all around the green so that your angles and gradients to each pin location are different. Your closest starting point should be 10 yds away and your furthest 20yds. The goal here is to hit 6 balls from each station alternating your targets 1 ball at a time. This will promote complete random practice, especially if you change up the order in which you attack each pin. When practising like this, use the club required for the shot in front of you and don’t be afraid to take your time and replicate an on-course situation. As a player, you should be aiming to get each ball within the circle targets that have been marked out. It will advantageous if you keep your score and try to better it with each new repetition.