Throughout the years Jack Nicklaus has believed that regardless of the club you you are using, the fundamentals of hitting a full shot remain same. Whether you are using a driver or a 9-iron, the only variables to be considered are the length of the shaft and whether or not the club is opened or closed at address. See Jack’s example here.
With this understanding, the next question is how do you hit a shot like a pitch from 40-yards out, that requires you to make a swing that is less than full without blowing the ball over the green?
When you have a shot that requires you to make a half-swing, whether it’s a pitch or a knock-down type shot, you have to make fundamental adjustments to get the control you want. In mental-game terms, the key is to practice using the correct fundamentals. Doing so will give you confidence on the course.
Pitching with Precision
Be relaxed, waddle. Get a feel for what you’re trying to do.
Have soft hands, arms and shoulders.
Set your body open to the target.
Weight remains on the left side throughout the shot.
Lower body remains planted throughout.
Be aware that this is an “arms” shot - you’re not driving your lower body.
If you’re preparing to play a round that has some special significance, it’s nice to play inspired. Think about someone you care about. Remember, golf is only a game. Maybe you’re in a situation that is unfamiliar? Either way, there are plenty of birdies to be made and many great shots to be had.
Click start, turn up the volume. Imagine what you want to do.
Many golfers have a difficult time hitting three-quarter pitch shots. Applying a pre-shot routine that is based on feel will help you to knock it close when you’re in-between clubs.
Setting up over a shot from this distance requires that have trust in your pre-shot routine. Incorporating a good practice swing with a sense of the proper length and follow through is is the lesson here.
Featured on The Golf Channel as a guest instructor, Shawn Clement from the Richmond Hill Golf Learning Centre in Canada, demonstrates exactly how to hit a 40-yard pitch shot that is found so often during a normal round of golf. It’s an “in-between” shot, but one that you can easily accomplish with a little practice.
The possibility of knocking it stiff is greater than doubt. If you have trouble with this shot or your confidence over this shot, contact me and I’ll get back to you directly.
If you have a tendency to lose composure over a bad shot you’re not alone. Getting mad, throwing clubs, and losing your temper happens to players. If you’d like to see this in action, have a look at this.
The problem with losing control is that it won’t help you play any better. Tiger Woods is famous for blirting out expletives on the golf course. The difference, is that he doesn’t allow it to affect his next shot. Letting off steam is fine, but not to the point that it will affect your next shot. You can’t bring the past into what is possible for your next shot.
Two specific areas where you can’t ‘lose it’
To the point where you are offending the other players in your group.
When you address your ball over the next shot.
Dealing with Rage
Your best line of defense for overcoming rage is to allow yourself to get mad for up to half the distance it takes to you get to your next shot. After that, you have to start breathing deeply. Understand that a smooth and powerful swing, in addition to the feelneeded in your putting stroke, can only happen when you are free of tension.
Relaxed muscles help every part of your game from the driver through the putter. You don’t have a choice; you have to relax - your next shot depends on it.
Getting mad is fine, until you reach the half way point to your next shot.
Take slow deep breaths.
Don’t beat yourself up.
Ease off on the grip pressure
Get right back into your pre-shot routine for the next shot
Remember that you have to be free of tension
A relaxed mind and relaxed muscles can crush the ball down the middle of a fairway, hole out a putt, and score low. Be disciplined. Feel free to contact me if anger is affecting your performance to the point where you can’t control it.
Standing on the first tee during the 2007 U.S. Open, Aaron Baddeley closed his eyes in prayer, Bubba Watson mentioned that he wanted to throw up, and Mike Weir practiced hitting shots in the deep rough with a pitching wedge.
We’re all human - even professionals experience moments of the first tee jitters.
If there were a way to overcome them, Professionals would have found a way to do it a long time ago. The good news is that there are a couple of things you can do to ease the pressure.
Just Play For It
Preparation Helps Make your last few practice shots on the range be a rehearsal for the actual tee shot. Don’t leave the range until you’ve got that first tee shot down in practice. Tiger does this as a means to have confidence on the first tee. Once you’ve rehearsed it, you can step on the first tee with a picture in your mind of the exact type of shot you want to hit.
Breathe Deeply and Breathe SlowlyBreathe in slowly through your nose, then hold it for a few seconds. Exhale slowly through your mouth. We Sport Psychologists call this, ‘Circle Breathing’ and it actually helps to look down toward the ground while doing this.
Stick to Your Pre-Shot Routine This is very important; not only on the first tee, but for all of your shots throughout the day. Line up your shot to an intermediate target a few feet in front of you, then knock it down the middle. Alignment seems to be forgotten under pressure.
Pay Particular Attention to Your Grip Pressure In pressure situations as tension creeps in, golfers have the tendency to strangle the golf club. As long as you are aware of this, you’ll be able to loosen up your grip pressure which is really going to help your swing become fluid.
Something to Remember on The First Tee
Success or failure on the first tee isn’t the beginning or the end of your round. It doesn’t mean anything if you don’t get off to a perfect start. Missing a shot on the first tee can actually settle you down from trying to be perfect. It can help you to get into the right frame of mind for the rest of the day.
It’s okay to be nervous - just do the best you can. Remember, you’re human. If you need to go more in depth about this subject, post me a question and I’ll get back to you directly!
