In order to score in the magical game of golf, one must be able to execute shots from within 100 yards of the hole. No matter what a golfer’s handicap might be, well over 60% of all golf shots occur inside the 100-yard marker. It is the "game within the game." Distance control on these short shots, no matter the club of choice, is the key to lowering your overall score. Good distance control stems from understanding four categories: (1) Club Selection (2) Set-up (3) Length of Motion (4) Speed of Motion. Learn these 4 from the best South Carolina Golf School.
Learn Distance Control Through Proper Club Selection 7 iron vs. 9 iron vs. LW
Club Selection:
The laws of the short game suggest that golfers will always have more control over a ball the closer it is to the earth. In order to make your miss-hits more forgiving, bring the shot in low and get the ball rolling as soon as possible. Golf is a game of misses, and more airtime translates into a smaller margin for error. With this in mind, learn to use your 7, 8, and 9 irons to hit chips and pitches, especially when the pin is in the middle to the back of the green. The amount of run time on your golf ball should suggest the club of choice, as a 7-iron will roll much farther than a pitching wedge with the same length of stroke.
Set-Up:
Your set-up directly influences the trajectory of the golf shot. Ball position, weight distribution, and hand location at address all affect the shape of the shot. For example: 1. Placing the ball back in the stance will cause a low ball flight. Placing the ball forward in the stance results in a higher ball flight 2. Distributing the weight forward at address will allow for a more penetrating ball flight, while placing more weight on the back leg will allow the player to hit a high shot. 3. Pre-setting the hands forward at address will cause the ball to come out low, and positioning the hands back or behind the ball at address will cause the ball to fly higher.
Length and Speed of Motion:
Finally, the length and speed of motion dictate the distance the ball will travel. One popular method for golfers to judge the proper length of motion is to imagine a giant clock at your back with 9 o’clock at your right hip and 3 o’clock on your left hip. Focus on the hands, and swing back and through the same amount. Naturally, longer shots equal longer swings, but there are some general reference points in relation to the hands that are helpful.
1. Chip shots (from around the green)-7:00 to 5:00
2. Bump and Run-8:00-4:00
3. Pitch-9:00 to 3:00
While these are good guidelines to practice by, each person is unique and must get to the driving range or a short game area to learn the proper length of motion they need for the desired shot. The more speed created in the swing, the higher the ball will fly. A slower paced swing will produce a lower shot that runs more.
Distance Control Through Varying the Length of Motion in Relation to the Hands
8:00 to 4:00 – – Bump & Run
9:00 to 3:00 – – Pitch (Pictured)
Chip Motion, 7:00 to 5:00 – Use Your Landing Area as the Primary Target
Day one at our golf clinic centers on the short game, and 60% of our twelve hour curriculum involves shots from within 100 yards of the hole. These distance control tools give golfers the ability to hit a variety of different shots from around the green. Once the proper mechanics are in place, rhythm, relaxation, and visualization are the keys to great distance control. Need more help: See the Golf Instruction DVD.