why do I duff my second shot

[roughfinder.]

I played today and was driving really well but I hit the grass first on nearly every second shot. I went round in 100 but I know it should have been a lot less, I only had 33 putts. Its been like this the last couple of times I've played, it seems like I've sorted my driving and putting out but ruined my iron play. Any advice would be much appreciated to say the least.

[gord962]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

It could be as simple as you have the ball to forward in your stance. If that isn't the cause, you may have to dive a bit deeper. Look for a slide or sway ensuring proper weight transfer.

[roughfinder.]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

I've tried putting the ball everywhere in my stance, I still can't get it right. I know I can hit it most times if I just scoop it off the turf, I just can't seem to hit down on it and take a divot.

[bdbl]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

Is the problem perhaps a mental one rather than a question of technique?

That is, having got your tee shot away, you know a decent second will get you there or there abouts and you try too hard or rush the shot.

It might be worth focusing on your pre shot routine for the 2nd in an attempt to forget about the consequences of the shot - if you see what I mean.

[eastley]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

I use to do this along time ago.

The reason why was because I was into much of a rush to get my head up to see where my shot has gone, which of cause I took my eyes off the ball, lost posture and lowered hands etc.

[shootin4par]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

It could be as simple as you have the ball to forward in your stance. If that isn't the cause, you may have to dive a bit deeper. Look for a slide or sway ensuring proper weight transfer.

sorry gord but RARELY is it ever ball too far forward, it is almost always ball too far back that leads to early release/flipping hands

[roughfinder.]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

I think bdbl may have a good point as I don't really have any set routine I just go and hit it (or not). I think this stems from playing with one of my friends who said I was taking too long to take the shot after that it was always on my mind to hurry up. I'll have to develop a routine, thanks guys.

[GreeBoman]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

friends who said I was taking too long to take the shot

its always quicker to hit 4 shots of 15 seconds each than 8 shots of 10...
Unless you are taking over 4 hours for 18 singles I wouldnt worry about speed.

[gord962]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

Everyone should have a consistant, repeatable and SHORT pre shot routine. 1 practice swing is more than enough, more than two is rediculous. If you practice your routine at the range before you hit each ball and not just stand up there and whack balls, the short routine will be engrained quickly in two or three visits.

[Simon Woo]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

Could it be more than a coincidence that your first shots are usually off the tee while the second shots will be on the ground? I guess you are mainly referring to hitting irons on your second shot, but I wonder how you fare with the woods as your second shot?

[gord962]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

I should have mentioned this before, but you are probably trying to pick the ball clean (not taking a divot). Ensure you strike down on the ball, hitting the ball first, then the ground.

[roughfinder.]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

Actually I used to pick the ball clean off the grass (reasonably successfully) my problems with hitting it fat started since I've been trying to take a divot. I'm pretty sure I've been playing it too far back in my stance, cos when I've duffed it I've been moving the ball back further trying to find the right spot. Dopey I know, but I never thought of moving it forward. I'm off to the range tomorrow and I'm staying there till I get it right.

[gord962]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

If you are just starting to take divots, it isn't a quick transition. It takes a while so don't get frustrated. Keep working on it until it's natural. Once you have perfected hitting down on the ball taking a small divot you will notice increased distance, accuracy and consistancy.

[roughfinder.]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

I just got back from the range, I hit 100 balls all with my 7 iron from the grass and I'm quite pleased with the way it went. I wasn't really taking what I call proper divots more like just scuffing the grass, but I got good distance and reasonable accuracy. I wonder if the grass in my locale is more hardwearing and not so easy to take a proper divot from? I think its probably mainly rye grass would this make any difference?

[gord962]

Re: why do I duff my second shot

It will make a bit of difference, but not a whole lot. The amount of moisture in the ground will have more of an effect on the ability to take a divot than anything. Just remember, you are not going into the excavating business, you are just trying to take a small divot. If there's one thing the grounds crew hates, it's seeing 3 foot divots flying around the course.