Short Game Bible

It's been several weeks since I last posted a message to a forum. I went through a period of very inconsistent ball striking, which became so bad, that I thought about quitting the game. Now, thanks to help from a local pro, this has improved a lot.

I recently purchased a copy of Dave Pelz's "Short Game Bible". The technique which he teaches for pitching is something which I am trying to learn. The encouraging results, so far, have motivated me to put extra practise into this part of my game.

Unfotunately, I find his chipping technique (ball played off the outside of the rear ankle, using big muscles to control) very alien. Every club is delofted using this method. In effect a PW becomes an 8 iron.

Do any members use this technique, or have any comments for or against?

Thanks Golfbald. I, originally, posted this in the wrong place by mistake!!

I am not a very good golfer.I recently read a old book by Ben Hogan.He say's not to use any muscle on a pitch shot.Or any other shot for that matter.The club should do the work.I use a variation of his technicqe.I use a sand wedge for anything 50 yards in.When you are up close to the green.Use a narrow stance.Use the Ben Hogan grip.Put the ball in the middle of your stance.Use a putting stance.Keep your arms straight.No twisting of the wrists.Bring the club back as if putting,only a little farther.Hit straight thru to the target.If your not taking a little divot then you are hitting too high up on the ball.You should use a half back swing and a complete thru swing.I am getting alot of air and back spin from this method.It takes alot of work but it is working for me.Just trying to help.Good luck

Hi Patter,

Here is works for me (now).

I use the big muscles, of the body, when pitching. This is the method recommended by some of the game's top instructors (Pelz, Leadbetter, Penick etc.). I have found that whenever I try to control the shot with hands and arms, a sh**k soon rears it's ugly head.

For those who advocate the Pelz method of chipping off the outside of the rear ankle, they can keep it. I tried this technique for about 3-4 weeks, practising almost daily. Whoever said that the game of golf is 90% mental was absolutely right. I have now returned to my old method of chipping, almost identical to what you have described. Lo and behold; my chipping has improved beyond all recognition. Perhaps I have made some slight sub-conscious adjustment, after trying the Pelz method.

regards

Alan

I use several techniques to chip and pitch. Now that the weather has warmed a bit I can finish it.

Basic chipping around the fringe to slightly off should be a putting stroke. Different lofted clubs to change the distance and height of the chip. The stroke remains the same.

Basic pitch, I keep the foot position as a constant and change the ball position. A SW being on the inside of the right ankle. Desending stroke, pinching the ball off the turf. The left arm position stays constant, I feel the entire body move just like a miniature version of the full swing. This will prohibit and shanking.

A high pitch, I move the club to the inside of the front foot, open the clubface. Since the clubface is open the center of the club is now on the heel end, not the center. This is a mistake most people make when playing this shot. The center is slightly off the ground and a skull is easily hit. Use the same mini full shot.

On all these shots, the killers are not swing through the shot AKA stopping at the ball and not adjusting the club to the shot (using body adjustments). The two go hand in hand. Take several practice shots and adjust the club to strike the bottom of the ball.

Just some tips to help you,

GolfBald

__________________
The guy in the white hat!

Hi Golfbald,

As there is a virus affecting the net, at present, I have no idea what will happen to this message.

I posted a previous reply, which just seemed to disappear into the ether.

As always, you offer logical and practical solutions to the challenges which we all encounter, from time to time, in seeking to improve our game. None, more so than the short game.

I think that all the very good players and, top teachers are unanimous in their opinion that the short game represents 50% of the total shots in a round,. At present, I'm using three different types of grip (including putter). This may sound rather bizarre to some but, it seems to work for me.

If it works, for you, on a consistent basis, then use it. Perhaps, one day, we will have total unanimity on how all golf shots should be played.

best regards,

Alan

Alan,

I think you will benefit from the videos I'm working on. Should help many on the forum. I will try to cover many short game shots and variations of shots. I will also give some putting tips. I'll be filming this weekend. I had a s**** some of the early stuff. I have a guy that will work with me to film this.

With all the **** on the market these days for video lessons and hype maybe a practical guide to golf approach will be better.
We'll see where it goes.

GolfBald

Hi Golfbald,

That's an interesting development. I'm sure that what you put together will be a great improvement on some of the dross which is out there.

Alan

It's time for me to eat some humble pie. The reason? In one of my previous posts, I was dismissive of the Dave Pelz method of chipping (i.e ball off back ankle). Greg Willis, also, advocated using this method.

A couple of months ago, I started to spend some of my practise time trying, to get the hang of the Pelz method. I perservered and now find that I am very comfortable using it. My chipping is more consistent and accurate.

Apologies to Greg (and DP!!).

regards

Alan N

I have always done my chipping from the fringe off my right ankle. the ball bounces over the fringe and rolls along the green surface. I use a sw to 7 iron when chipping, I find that the 7 iron is for when the pin is on the other side of the green and the sw when the pin is closer. but my idea of chipping has always been a bump and run. anything else would be a picth to me.

I picked up a copy of the SGB, and I'm loving it. I've just gotten past the chapter on chipping, and (as posted above) after spending some time practicing, my chipping is out of this world, and my 15 yard pitch is deadly - I love being 15 yards out now, knowing a 2' putt is coming. Granted, you have to like empirical data (as opposed to straight feel) to appreciate Pelz's work, but if you can understand what he's getting at, you will watch your scorecard get better (in fact, I broke 100 yesterday, carding a 98).