Who wants to shoot lower scores? Most likely, the answer's most of you! While it can be several parts of your golf game that need to improve to achieve your goals. I would like to explain, perhaps the quickest way to play better golf, the scoring shots!
You could say all shots are scoring shots and you would be somewhat correct. But more specifically, the shots from about 130 yards and closer to the hole. We have multiple options when playing these shots, depending in the lie of the ball, hole location on the green and wind.
Let’s say the shot is 80 yards, from the fairway in calm wind and hole located on the front section of the green. In this case, I have selected my 48* wedge and will feel a swing length of about ¾ of full. [Picture 1] This will allow control with the flight of the golf ball. However, for a shot from 110 into the wind and a hole location that is on the back of the green, I would choose a less-lofted club like a 9 iron to carry the ball to the front 1/3 of the green and let the ball roll back to the hole. [Picture #2]
All of these shots need to be played with an open stance (Picture #3, left foot back, for the right handed player], handle ahead of the clubhead and weight on the left or forward foot, to allow the club to descend into the ball. There are many options to play these scoring shots; I would encourage you to try them using different clubs.
If you need help with this shot or any part of your golf game, give us a call at The Trails Golf Shop, 405.360.1920, or see your PGA Golf Professional staff.
Alan Hager, PGA, is general manager and head golf professional at The Trails Golf Club.