Jack Nicklaus explains that when hitting a full shot with any club, the fundamentals of the swing remain the same. The only difference between a driver and a 9-iron would be the length of the shaft. See Jack’s example here.
So how does apply to pitching, knock-down or 3/4 swings?
If you’re inside 40-yards, you obviously can’t make a full swingwithout blowing the ball over the green.
Here’s what to do:
By taking these tips to the practice green, your mental game is going to improve. Golf is a game is a game that is played one shot at a time and golfers who are focused on the fundamentals find themselves much less less worried about what not to do under pressure.
Relax your hands, arms and shoulders.
Set up open to the target.
Weight remains on the left side throughout the shot.
Many golfers have a difficult time hitting three-quarter pitch shots. Applying a pre-shot routine that is based on feel will help you to knock it close when you’re in-between clubs.
Setting up over a shot from this distance requires that have trust in your pre-shot routine. Incorporating a good practice swing with a sense of the proper length and follow through is is the lesson here.
Featured on The Golf Channel, instructor Shawn Clement from the Richmond Hill Golf Learning Centre in Canada demonstrates exactly how to hit a 40-yard pitch shot that is found so often during a normal round of golf. It’s an “in-between” shot, but one that you can easily accomplish with a little practice.
The possibility of knocking it stiff is greater than doubt. If you have trouble with this shot or your confidence over this shot, contact me and I’ll get back to you directly.
If you have a tendency to lose composure over a bad shot you’re not alone. Getting mad, throwing clubs, and losing your temper happens to players. If you’d like to see this in action, have a look at this.
The problem with losing control is that it won’t help you play any better. Tiger Woods is famous for blirting out expletives on the golf course. The difference, is that he doesn’t allow it to affect his next shot. Letting off steam is fine, but not to the point that it will affect your next shot. You can’t bring the past into what is possible for your next shot.
Two specific areas where you can’t ‘lose it’
To the point where you are offending the other players in your group.
When you address your ball over the next shot.
Dealing with Rage
Your best line of defense for overcoming rage is to allow yourself to get mad for up to half the distance it takes to you get to your next shot. After that, you have to start breathing deeply. Understand that a smooth and powerful swing, in addition to the feelneeded in your putting stroke, can only happen when you are free of tension.
Relaxed muscles help every part of your game from the driver through the putter. You don’t have a choice; you have to relax - your next shot depends on it.
Getting mad is fine, until you reach the half way point to your next shot.
Take slow deep breaths.
Don’t beat yourself up.
Ease off on the grip pressure
Get right back into your pre-shot routine for the next shot
Remember that you have to be free of tension
A relaxed mind and relaxed muscles can crush the ball down the middle of a fairway, hole out a putt, and score low. Be disciplined. Feel free to contact me if anger is affecting your performance to the point where you can’t control it.
Standing on the first tee during the 2007 U.S. Open, Aaron Baddeley was seen praying. Bubba Watson was experiencing serious gastro-intestinal problems in the form of (you figure it out) and Mike Weir was taking cuts in the rough with a pitching wedge.
It’s very normal to be nervous on the first tee as these professionals had demonstrated. The good news, is that there are several things you can do to ease first tee pressure. These tips can help you anytimeyou have a pressure shot, not just on the first tee.
Just Play For It ~
Preparation Helps Make your last few practice shots on the range be a rehearsal for the actual tee shot. Don’t leave the range until you’ve got that first tee shot down in practice. Tiger does this as a means to have confidence on the first tee. Once you’ve rehearsed it, you can step on the first tee with a picture in your mind of the exact type of shot you want to hit.
Circle BreathingBreathe in very slowly and deeply through your nose, then hold your breath for about 7 to 10 seconds. Exhaleslowly through your mouth. This is called Circle Breathing, and it’s a very effective way to calm down as a means to get yourself grounded. If you’re feeling pressure, take these deep breaths. It will help you if you look toward the ground as you use this technique. People under stress tend to look up toward the sky believe it or not. They also walk, talk, and do just about everything fast. Everything you do during pressure moments should be very deliberate. It’s cool to feel pressure. Just remember to breathe and slow down, especially your takeaway.
Stick to Your Pre-Shot Routine This is very important; not only on the first tee, but for all shots. Line up your body to an intermediate target a few feet in front of you, waddle as you normally would, make a good full turn, and just swing normal.
Pay Particular Attention to Your Grip Pressure As tension creeps in, there’s a tendency to strangle the golf club. As long as you are aware of this, you’ll be fine. When your grip pressure is tight, your arms become tight, followed by your chest becoming tight, which will restrict the fluidity of your swing.
Something to Remember
It doesn’t mean anything if you don’t hit a perfect opening drive. It can actually benefit you by doing a bit of scrambling on the first hole. If you manage a par or even a birdie, you get the benefit of overcoming an immediate challenge which sharpens your mind for the rest of the day.
