TOP 50 TEACHER David Armitage
Master PGA Professional, South Florida Chapter PGA Teacher
of the Year and Jim McLean Lead Master instructor.
1 CREATE THE
DOWNWARD ANGLE 2 STEEPEN THE
SWING ARC
To create this steep downward
attack we need to place the
swing’s low point as far as
possible holeside of the ball. The
first step is to play the ball well
back in your stance; in thicker
grass, you can go all the way
to opposite your rear toe cap.
Second, lean your upper body
towards the target; feel more
weight under your lead foot. Just before you take the club
away, grip a little tighter with
your gloved hand. This will help
stop the clubface twisting in the
grass. Now , as you swing back,
use a quick and full wrist cock.
This gives your action a steeper,
up-and-down feel while helping
you create club speed and a
brisk, crisp rhythm.
3 GRIP HARD, HIT HARD
Your key downswing thought is to
release that wrist angle sharply
just behind the ball. If the grass is
really thick, don’t be afraid to use
an element of aggression. Work
hard to maintain that tighter
lead-hand hold right through the
shot as it will help guard against
the clubface turning over.
COMMIT TO THE SHOT
Though the pin might be close
by, it’s vital you commit to
hitting hard through the long
grass. Any deceleration or lack of
purpose and the ball won’t come
out. Trust the extra loft you set
into the face – and the thickness
of the grass itself – to take all
the heat out of the shot.
GolfPlus
DECEMBER
2018
39