Golf Tip from the Pro
Pitch Up for Better Golf
Sean Cotter
If you are not playing much golf during the winter months, you may still be going to the down to the driving range to see if you can still hit the golf ball.
The full swing will always return quickly and sometimes with a winter break, the bigger muscles are rested and relaxed and you may be hitting the golf ball better than ever.
However, it is the short game that requires more work, especially at the start of a new golf season because if we don’t get the feel for the short shots early on in the season, it will be a struggle to gain confidence as the golf season progresses.
The set up for short shots is very important and to
help develop a positive stroke grip down the club
(pic 1 above). This will shorten the swing which is essential for feel and control. Set also with the feet close together and have the knees and
hips lean to the target so that there is slightly more weight favouring the front foot (pic 2 below).
If you are playing a low running shot (chip), the wrists will be kept firm, however, if you are looking for the higher pitch shot, allow the wrists to hinge during the backswing (pic 3 below). This will add more loft to the club.
Sean Cotter is the Golf Professional at Mount Juliet Golf Club, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. Sean provides Golf Tuition through the Mount Juliet Golf Academy. Phone 056 777 3071 for details of Golf Tuition at Mount Juliet.
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