Approach shots

[RichieWinch]

I am happy with my swing... hit my driver, irons, woods and putts exactly how i want at the moment but my approach play from 60 to 120 yards isn't amazing. I mean, It's ok but i want to improve.

I tend to thin them slightly, 3 out of 10 i'd say where i dont take a divot and the ball comes out low. The rest are on average hit well but not threatening the flag i.e. 20 foot away. I hit my sw -85 yards, pw - 105 yards, 9 iron 120 yards.

My set up for long irons/woods is 70% to the right foot (helps my load better), then 60%/40% to the right for mid irons (6-8). but i still put my weight back for the 9-sw.

Should i have the weight slightly forward, but still tilt my spine away from the target (to get behind the ball). I have the ball dead centre of my stance and hands infront of the ball.

Any help? Thanks

[Brian 39]

Re: Approach shots

I'm trying to get over a similar phase with my approach shots and chipping.

It seems I have the problem when I am not making a full backswing. If I'm 100 yds out, I'll usually put it close. From 100-70, still ok but from 60 in I start blading it. The tips I've had from a pro which work when I'm practicing on my own and are starting to work for me now in a game are as follows;

1. Point shoulder slightly to right of target
2. Open left foot to 45 degrees
3. Ball halfway beween centre of stance and right foot
4. Make sure you're not putting your weight on your heels - it'll mean you swing too close to your body which is the real problem here
5. Slow backswing and a strong follow through and finish - the club should accelerate through the ball rather than matching speed of of backswing and...

6. Most importantly and most difficult of all - have no fear of the shot. If you hit it right, the club and length of your backswing will control the distance wherea if you're like me, you're thinking if I blade this it'll fly past the green!

I'm hoping it's worth blading a few more to eventually get the long term benefits of good approach play.

[Brian 39]

Re: Approach shots

Richie - I just checked your handicap out.

Ignore anything I've said!

[jscerbo]

Re: Approach shots

The key to distance control on your wedge shots is length of backswing and tempo.

The longer the backswing the mor potential for speed.

The faster you swing the further the ball will go.

[TeachingPro]

Re: Approach shots

If you consistently thin your wedges from the set up you describe, we need to start there.
To play your wedges from 100 yards in, you need to become accustomed to a different setup. You are hitting a much shorter club, you are standing closer to the ball and the swing is far more upright than with the other clubs in your bag. You need to compensate for that by make a few adjustments to your setup.

1. You need to lower your body by flexing your knees more and let your knees carry the weight of your body and become the centre of the swing rather than your hips.
2. You need to narrow your stance to enable you to swing the club more upright
3. The ball position needs to be towards the middle
4. The weight should be 70% left and 30% right and that doesn't change a great deal during the swing.
5. Your hands quite a bit forward of the ball. Try to setup with the whole grip (as in the rubber grip) ahead of the ball.

Now you are in a position to make a good aggressive and upright swing with your wedge. The hands are forward and if they return there at impact the bounce of the wedge/sw/lw will stop the club digging in, the downward blow will get the ball airborne and get the ball spinning.

Next the 'swing' part is the same mechanics is basically this:
1. Less lower body movement and keep the knee flex. Imagine: instead of turning around your hips, you are turning around your knees. (the centre of the swing is lower)
2. Shorten the swing to 3/4 length but don't take 3/4 power - hit the ball with power, you are going to need it to get through the turf
3. Make 100% sure the hands are ALWAYS ahead of the club but especially at impact alignment. The loft will get the ball in the air, you don't have to scoop it or help it into the air.
4. Swing upright, as if you have a wall behind you - up and down and not around and down like you would another club.

Sounds very complicated I know but take it 1 point at a time. Reherse the setup and then reherse the swing.

Practice the setup and the swing and key is to lower your body and to keep the hands ahead of the club.