In this issue we’ll discuss…
1) How To Drain 15-Footers
2) Knock It Close From Ultra-Short Range
3) Question of the Week – Dropping It Close From A Long Distance Bunker
4) Article – Use Forward-Shaft Lean To Hit Crisp, Clean Shots
5) Article – Curing Your Putting Woes
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1) How To Drain 15-Footers
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Alignment is a precursor to your shot. If you’re not aligned properly in the box or on the fairway, you’ll be away with your shot. The same holds true in putting—especially when it comes to mid-range putts. If your putterface points open just a degree left or right of your intended target on a 15-footer, you’ll miss the hole by three inches. If you want to drain more 15-footers, aligning yourself to the hole is key.
Below are six keys to a dead on alignment method:
1. Hold your putter with your dominant hand
2. Stand behind the ball with your putter
3. Walk to the ball holding your putter in one hand
4. Set the putter behind the ball
5. Keep your eyes on your line the entire time
6. Turn your eyes down to the ball
If your read is right, you have a good chance of draining mid-range putts. The best way to make sure your read is right is by aligning yourself with the hole.
Start by taking the putter in your dominant hand. Then walk behind the ball to determine your line. Make sure you’re directly behind the ball. Now walk to the hole, holding the putter in your hand. Keep your eyes on your line. Set your putter behind the ball and point the face at the target.
Keeping your eyes on your line, take your stance and place your other hand on the grip. Once you’re settled in, turn your eyes down. Look at the hole to identify distance and pull the trigger. Once you set the putter down, don’t re-aim it. You’re already aligned it dead straight.
Practice this method a few times to you nail it down. Once you do, it will help you drain more 15-footers.
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2) Knock It Close From Ultra-Short Range
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Normally, you shouldn’t break the game’s basics. But sometimes you find yourself in a situation where you must—such as when you have a decent lie in a greenside bunker and the hole is up close. If you can’t hit the ball high from the bunker, it will be hard to drop it close using your standard bunker shot. Instead, try this alternative.
Below are 7 keys to this shot:
1. Set up square to your target
2. Play the ball forward in your stance
3. Tilt your upper body away from target
4. Aim for an inch behind the ball
5. Keep your weight back at impact
6. Allow the club to pass under your hands
In this situation your standard bunker shot calls for you to hit a cut shot. This won’t work here. Instead, grab your lob wedge from the bag and set up square to the target, with the clubface pointing to your landing spot. Position the ball off your front heel and tilt your body away from the target.
In addition, aim for a spot an inch behind the ball and keep your weight back as the club enters the sand. You should feel like you’re slapping the club against the sand under the ball.
As you swing the clubhead past your hands, don’t slap it to the left (right, if your left-handed). Your right hand should flip under your left, so that the club points straight up in your follow-through, not back behind you. The ball should come out high, like a flop shot, and drop near the hole.
Normally, you shouldn’t disregard the fundamentals. But sometimes, you must. Hitting a flop shot from a bunker is one of those times. This shot is worth trying if your bunker shots barely clear the bunker’s front lip, or you take too much sand when using a sand wedge and leave the ball in the bunker.
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3) Question of the Week – Dropping It Close From A Long Distance Bunker
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Q. Hi, there. I’m have so many problems hitting out of the sand from about 50 to 80 yards out. They never seem to stick for me on the green. But as soon as I get up close, you’d think I was I pro. Please help it’s driving me crazy.
Thanks again
Dan Borse
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
A. Thanks for the question, Dan. Don’t feel too bad about not being good at this shot. It isn’t easy. But there is a technique that should give you a better chance of hitting the green and sticking.
First, use your 9-iron on this shot. It gives you the extra distance you need to hit the green.
Take your normal stance. Set your clubface slightly open at address, but square it like you usually do. Pull your feet in closer together, but don’t dig them into the sand too much, just a little. This will produces a shallower divot when you swing and gets the club and the ball moving faster down the target line.
When you swing, turn through the shot, just like you do with a normal iron shot. You’ll need extra body with this shot, so keep everything moving—body, arms, and club—to a full finish.
And keep your back heel down. You won’t have a solid stance with this shot, so keeping your heel down helps stability. And don’t try pivoting on your back heel. You’ll lose your balance.
These adjustments, combined with extra body behind the ball, should land you on the green and leave you in position to complete the up and down.
If you’ve got a golf question you’d like answered, send an email to us at questions@howtobreak80.com and we’ll review it. I can’t guarantee that we’ll use it but if we do, we’ll make sure to include your name and where you’re from.
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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
Also, for past issues of this newsletter and some of my most recent articles, visit our blog at www.HowToBreak80.com/blog
Here are some of my recent articles:
4) Article – Use Forward-Shaft Lean To Hit Crisp, Clean Shots
http://www.howtobreak80.com/articles/use-forward-shaft-lean-to-hit-crisp-clean-shots.php
5) Article – Curing Your Putting Woes
http://www.howtobreak80.com/articles/curing-your-putting-woes.php
Until next time,
Go Low!
Jack
P.S. Feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, go to http://www.howtobreak80.com/newsletter.htm
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About the Author
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Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book “How To Break 80 and Shoot Like the Pros!”. He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicaps quickly. His free weekly newsletter goes out to thousands of golfers worldwide and provides the latest golf tips, strategies, techniques and instruction on how to improve your golf game.