It is great knowing that summer is finally getting here. The temperature is getting warmer and the sun is rising and setting earlier and later. The extra daylight hours give you so much more time to get out on the course and practise. I managed to get out 4 times in 5 days during Monday to Friday. I only took my driver, 9 iron, 60 degree wedge and putter – which I felt would ensure I had some fun by trying to hit different types of shots over different distances, and also concentrate a lot on my short game. I’ve decided to use my 60 degree wedge for all shots within 60 yards presuming I have a reasonable lie. I came to this decision after reading Phil Mickleson’s ‘Secrets of the Short Game’ book while watching him win the Masters last weekend.
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By deciding to use my 60 degree wedge for most shots
1, It removes doubt over club selection
2, I can practice in the garden
3, It makes chipping and pitching fun
The fun part of it comes from trying to play different types of shots with the same club. High and low shots, chips that bite or run out. By having the ability to play these different types of shots with the same club you certainly have to visualize the shot before playing it. Where to land the ball, how you want it to rollout to the hole etc – this fits in very well with the work I did a little while ago with Neal Granville.
Each time I went out last week I did Par 18 short game practice (9 holes – 9 attempts to get up and down chipping). My average score was 21. This number gives me so much confidence when playing my second shots into greens as I know if I am off target and leave myself a chip, the chances are I will still be able to get up and down to save par. This allows me to swing with much more confidence.
It’s the first competition of the season at Theale Golf Club on Sunday. I’m really looking forward to it and will let you know how I get on!