Here's a Quick Way to Master the 3 Hardest Shots in Golf
Here's a Quick Way to Master the 3 Hardest Shots in Golf
While you may only come across these shots once every few rounds, knowing how to play them properly will prevent bogeys, double-bogeys and even worse the coveted snowman.
The following three shots seem to cause the most trouble for the average golfer. Through coaching and research, I've learned the keys to success for mastering these shots here's how:
1. Downhill Greenside Bunker Shot
I believe the Downhill Bunker shot is the most difficult shot in Golf, however, if you follow the tips below, it will no longer be as troublesome.
1. Angle your shoulders and hips downward to match the slope of the bunker (most of your weight should be on your front foot). This is a MUST.
2. Position the ball more in the back of your stance and aim to hit the sand 2-3 inches behind the ball. Make sure you follow through (just like a normal bunker shot)!
3. Take a more compact up and down swing (steeper) rather than a long sweeping motion. This will prevent you from hitting the ball first and sculling it over the green or into the lip.
Note: The goal is to get the ball on the green within 15 feet to give you the best chance at getting up and down (not to try and hole it).
If you have the time, practice this shot. Even if you only have 10 minutes, it WILL make a big difference.
2. 3-Wood off the Fairway
Even the pros would admit that this is a very tough shot to master given that there is little room for error. BUT, there are a few things you can do to improve your consistency with this shot.
1. Swing smoothly. Of course the natural tendency is to try and kill it to hit that Par 5 in two shots but trust me, if you swing with ease, the ball will go further and straighter than if you try to swing out of your shoes.
2. Keep your head down all the way through the shot. There is always a affinity to peak at where your ball is heading. Now, the principle of keeping your head down holds true for every shot, but it is VITAL in this situation as you must strike the ball with pinpoint accuracy off the fairway.
3. Like with a downhill bunker shot, angle your shoulders and hips to the slope of the fairway as this will ensure the proper swing angle and result in solid contact (i.e. if you have a downhill lie and your shoulders are slanted upwards, you will likely hit the ball fat due to hitting up on the ball vs. down).
3. Downhill Lag Putt (30 to 60 feet)
1. Know the speed of the greens. To get it close from this distance, it is important that you get a good feel for how fast the greens are. How do you do this? Hit some lag putts on the practice green before the round (I like to look at the hole while hitting these practice putts, so I can picture the feel of hitting it that exact distance).
2. The goal is not to hole the putt, but to give you the best chance at making a 2-Putt. Visualize a 3 foot circle around the hole and aim to hit it within that circle every time on putts over 30-feet.
3. Read the putt from the other side of the hole. This will really allow you to see how severe the downhill is and as a result you can adjust the speed with which you hit the putt.
That's it! Now, the toughest shot will be the one between your ears.
Good luck!
Sean Dainty
Quick-Fix Golf
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