Golf Tips and Instruction-Feb. 20, 2006
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How To Break 80 Newsletter
February 20, 2006
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This issue includes…
1) How to Hit a Draw
2) Chipping With an 8 or 9 Iron
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1) How to Hit a Draw
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Knowing how to hit a draw (or a controlled hook), like knowing how
to hit a fade, is a valuable skill. Like the fade, it comes in handy
when there’s a bunker or other obstacle between you and the pin,
or in instances when you need the ball to curve from right to left. A
draw also rolls more when it hits the grown.
The secret to hitting a draw, like the secret to hitting a fade, is
sidespin. The draw follows an in-to-out path (for right handers), so
you need sidespin to build up air on the right side of the ball, which
will push it left. A closed stance and a closed clubface at impact
produce the correct spin.
Take a normal square stance. Then, draw your back foot a few
inches back, closing your stance and clubface. It aims directly
along the target line, as with the fade, but it follows and in-to-out
path, not the out-to-in path of a fade. Adopt a slightly stronger
left-hand grip to encourage a more active release of the hands.
It also imparts sidespin on the ball.
Keys to hitting a draw:
• Adopt a closed stance
• Use a stronger left-hand grip
• Follow an inside track
• Aim right at the top of the swing
• Strike the ground at 4 o’clock
• Release the club through impact
The clubhead follows an inside track (inside the target line) on
the takeaway and backswing. The club points to the right of the
target at the top of the backswing. How far right depends on how
much of a hook you want to play. Strike the ground at 4 o’clock
and release the club through impact. Feel the toe of the club
pass the heel, as you release your hands.
When practicing a draw, try imagining the ground as a clock face,
with 12 o’clock pointing directly at the target. Focus on hitting the
ball at the 7 o’clock position to produce a draw. Hitting the ball at
that position ensures that you’re on the right swing path.
Remember, not every shot requires a draw but when pulled of
properly, it can add distance and control to your game.
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2) Chipping With an 8 or 9 Iron
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Technically, the chip shot is the easiest golf shot to learn, as most
golf tips tell you. It’s also one of the most critical.
When I say “chip shotâ€, I mean a shot that hits the green and rolls
to the flag. Its use varies but it saves strokes when executed properly.
It’s ideal when you’re on the collar of the green with no obstacles
between you and the flag. The key is selecting a spot on the green
and hitting it.
You can chip with either an 8 iron or a 9 iron. Take a slightly open
address position, with your weight forward. Position the ball closer to
your back foot, hands in front of the ball. Placing your hands this way
“hoods†the clubface, giving you the loft of a 7 iron. Also, grip down on
the club 4 or 5 inches for more control.
Keys to chipping:
• Set right address
• Grip down on club
• Aim for spot on green
• Hinge wrist at takeaway
• Hands lead in hitting zone
• Keep wrists firm through impact
• Follow through on shot
Hinge your wrists slightly during takeaway and strike down on the ball
crisply. Your hands should lead through the hitting zone. For solid
contact, return the hands and arms to where they were at address,
which helps produce ball-and-turf contact. Keep the wrists firm through
impact, and don’t turn the wrists over during follow-through. Stay
relaxed and loose throughout the shot.
One exercise to practice chipping is the random ball drill. Take several
balls with you and your chipping club(s). Spread the balls around the
green. Pick out as many different lies as you can. Create scenarios as
much like actual play as possible. Practice chipping with the iron of
choice. Master chipping with one club before moving on to other clubs.
So, next time you reach for the putter from the fringe, consider using
that 8 or 9 iron to improve accuracy.
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If you want to truly discover the secrets of shooting like the Pros
and creating a more reliable and consistent swing,
check out: http://www.HowToBreak80.com
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Also, for past issues of this newsletter and some of my most
recent articles, visit our blog at www.HowToBreak80.com/blog
Until next time, Go Low!
Jack
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If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, send a
blank email to htb80newsletter@aweber.com
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