Stan Utley's Art of Shortgame

[Kumabjorn]

Re: Stan Utley's Art of Shortgame

Had a long bunker shot today. Probably 35 to 40 yrds long, instead of my 58* wedge I used my 54* wedge and it went straight and true towards the hole, landed, took one bounce, a second bounce and then it hit the flagstick ever so softly and stopped less then an inch from the cup. Now that is a sweet sensation. Didn't score particular well (fighting a hook all day long) but that bunker shot will stay with me for a while.

[Crazyscotsman]

Re: Stan Utley's Art of Shortgame

I have spent all my practise time this week in the trap. I have found that rather than moving my left shoulder (top of spine) over my left leg (toward target) but actualy slide hips and 90% of my weight to my left side and make the swing with it there I amd hitting really good shot with spin.

I found priot to this that I was coming into the ball too steep and not having the results i desired.

[tm3]

Re: Stan Utley's Art of Shortgame

i concur on the feeling of letting the clubhead release. that seems to be a key to sand shots whether using utley's technique or not.

after thinking i had it licked, i started hitting the ball instead of hitting the sand. i've been afraid to use the utley technique on the course, but will keep working with it.

[BrianW]

Re: Stan Utley's Art of Shortgame

i concur on the feeling of letting the clubhead release. that seems to be a key to sand shots whether using utley's technique or not.

after thinking i had it licked, i started hitting the ball instead of hitting the sand. i've been afraid to use the utley technique on the course, but will keep working with it.

I tend to use the classic method where I keep loft on the clubface and never release it. I keep the face pointing to the sky right through the shot.

You MUST accelerate right through finishing with high hands, giving in through impact or turning the face over will cause flumped shots.

Read Phil Mickelson's new book on the short game, he is one of the best in sand.

[tm3]

Re: Stan Utley's Art of Shortgame

Brian my recurring error on sand shots regardless of technique is hitting fat, ie taking too much sand.

Any idea on how to correct this?

[BrianW]

Re: Stan Utley's Art of Shortgame

Brian my recurring error on sand shots regardless of technique is hitting fat, ie taking too much sand.

Any idea on how to correct this?

This tends to be getting onto your back foot into the shot, our brain feels we should do this and scoop the ball up into the air. You must keep your weight forward and maintain loft.

Here is a good video that helps to understand this:

[tm3]

Re: Stan Utley's Art of Shortgame

Nice tip! Tried it in practice and it helped.