Hitting tough tight lies around the green
Brief: Ever wanted to know how to hit those lies that you encounter on the aprons surrounding the greens? Here are some quick fixes to eliminate the chunks, sculls, and duffs around the greens!
Hitting the green in regulation isn’t always as easy as it looks. Inevitably we miss about 13 greens a round, meaning a lot of chips and pitches, and a lot of lost shots as a result. Many of us miss hitting the dance floor by mere feet and end up on the short-cut grass known as the “fringe” or the “apron”. This is often a difficult spot for the average golfer but with these easy fixes, you will not only shave strokes off your score, but will impress your buddies in the process!
Theories on how to effectively chip off the “fringe” are abundant and sometimes can be conflicting. We thought we would simplify a few tips and tricks to help you win some money off your buddies.
- The hybrid/wood play
Many of us would never even think about using our hybrids or fairway woods when so close to the green but they can be a useful tool. This play is growing in popularity and rightfully so- it’s nearly impossible to “flub” a shot when using a hybrid or wood around the green. The only thing you have to be concerned with is how hard or soft to hit it.
Takeaway: Take the club back in a smooth motion, low and close to the ground throughout the entire arc
Downswing: Accelerate through the ball just as you would with any putt, keeping your hands slightly ahead of the ball
Follow through: Continue to keep your hands low to the ground and sweep through the ball
- The Bump and Run
The “bump and run” has been around since golf was first created. However, typically we see the most of it on links courses. The effectiveness of the play cannot be denied and is becoming increasingly popular in the “American” game.
So how does it really work:
Selecting a club: Selecting the right club is half the battle. Some of the more skilled golfers will continue to use their lofted clubs and strike the ball differently. However, to execute this shot with ease and consistency, an 8 iron, 9 iron, or pitching wedge is your best bet. Practice on the chipping green in order to feel out your distance control with each club.
The strike: The motion of a properly executed bump and run shot using an iron or pitching wedge is similar to the motion of a very long putt.
1) Choke up
2) Take a narrow stance
3) Minimize wrist movement
When to use the shot: There are many uses for a bump and run shot. Whether you have lots of green to cover, a tight lie, lots of fringe to fly before the green, a steep bank directly in front, or you’re simply lacking confidence in your wedge game; the bump and run is a great tool to have.
- Tight lie
- Green sloping towards you
- Lots of fringe to fly
- Windy conditions
- Hard fairways and greens
- Great alternative to a wedge
Basic Tips for avoiding duffs around the green:
1) Hands always in front of the ball: This may be beating a dead horse but it can’t be said enough. The number one killer of chipping is the dreaded “flip”.
2) Get used to using one club. Don’t experiment on the course: The practice area is where you should be testing out techniques and clubs. Find which club you are most comfortable with on tight lies around the green and get good at using it for all distances around the green.
3) Just get it somewhere on the green: Sometimes we think too much about putting it mere inches for the hole or even in the cup. Simply think about finding the dance floor and give yourself a chance at making the putt.
4) Think of where you want to putt from: Before hitting the shot, plan out where you want to putt from. Don’t leave yourself with a severe breaker or downhiller. We’re not always going to hit our pinpoint location but if you hit your general area you’re going to be just fine.
5) Weight forward: This will naturally help you get your hands ahead of the ball and produce clean, crisp contact every time.
