+ LEARN FROM A LEGEND + THE ARCHIVE + MENTAL GAME
GREENS IN
REGULATION
2019 66.11% (118th)
2018
2017 73.51% (1st)
69.07% (5th)
2016
2015 72.1% (1st)
73.52% (1st)
2014
2013 69.03% (6th)
71.96% (1st)
LEARN
CHIPPING
CHIP WITH EVERY CLUB
USE YOUR PUTTING TECHNIQUE WHENEVER YOU CAN
My philosophy on the short game has always been to keep things as
simple as possible. That means your thought process any time you
find yourself within 60 yards or so of the green, should go something
like this: First, ask yourself if you can putt the ball. If you can, then
do… always. Your worst putt is likely to be better than a mediocre
chip or pitch if the conditions are appropriate. If you can’t putt, consider playing a
running chip with a mid-iron. If you can’t stop a running chip, play a lofted chip.
If it’s too far for a lofted chip, then and only then, think about pitching. As a rule,
though, you should try to keep wrist action out of your short game technique.
If you can apply putting mechanics to the nine irons in your bag, all of a sudden
you have 10 putters in your bag, too. That’s a huge help in gaining consistency.
Your putter is the shortest club with the most upright lie and the flattest face. To
get your irons to behave similarly to your putter, you’ll need to replicate the address
characteristics. To achieve this, feel as though you pull the club up your sleeve to
create the steeper shaft angle. You’ll find that with your sand wedge you hardly have
to go down the grip because the club is short. But with a 5-iron, for example, you’ll
find your index finger will be near the chrome on the shaft.
– Luther Blacklock is a Master PGA Professional
To turn any club into a
putter, pull the grip up
your sleeve to steepen
the lie angle.
IMPACT
“Better co-ordination gives
me extra stability and the
confidence to rip it with my
arms and hands. Another key
focus is to fully release my arms
through impact. If you use your
upper body too much, you tend
to drag the butt of the club
through the ball. That’ll send it
right every time.”
GolfPlus
APRIL
2020
37