Getting better at putting is often the easiest way to save strokes and lower your handicap. Although we won’t disagree, the real shot saving ability comes when you can lower your scores from 100 yards and in.
Sometimes, all it takes is a quick bit of advice to make all the difference. We gathered up some of the best golf advice from 100 yards, and take a look and see which one will change your game.
Mastering The Flop Shot (Phil Mickelson)
Phil could always pull off these incredible high and soft flop shots around the green, and they certainly didn’t come without practice. This won’t be your go-to shot, but it helps when you have to carry a bunker and you only have a few feet of green to work with.
For high and soft flop shots, Phil opens the clubface before he even grips the club. This allows him to set his hands properly and be more aggressive with the ball.
Most amateurs set up and then simply open the face. Try opening first and then setting up and see if it helps you have more success on the greens.
Clock Face Drill (Rory McIlroy)
If your wedge distance control is not right, try the clock face drill that Rory McIlroy often uses. With this drill you will swing back halfway and then ¾ and record your distances for each of your wedges.
Knowing your options for 40, 50, 60, and 70-yard shots is very powerful. On the golf course, you won’t have to guess which club to hit. Instead, you can grab the club that matches the shot and take the appropriate length of the backswing.
Putter Face Square at Impact (Jordan Spieth)
If you watch enough golf from Jordan Spieth, you know he has a lot to say about the course. Interestingly, Jordan tries to keep things simple when it comes to putting. His goal is to keep the putter face square at impact to be a more consistent player.
Thinking about a square clubface at impact isn’t a bad thought. Start with shorter putts and then continue to the long ones all while keeping the face as square as you can to build confidence.
Sand Shot Success (Dustin Johnson)
When you think of Dustin Johnson, long drives and tournament wins probably come to mind. Dustin would not be where he is today without his impressive short game.
When it comes to bunkers, Dustin takes a little extra time to ensure he has a solid base from which to hit. Locking in the lower body and feeling strong are important.
From there, hit two inches behind the ball in the sand and complete the follow through. One of the major mistakes amatuer golfers make is to think they are done when the club hits the sand.
They stop the club and the ball just never comes out.
Pre-Shot Routine Consistency (Martin Hall)
Martin Hall doesn’t have the playing history that these other golfers may have, but he’s successfully coached thousands of players. Martin emphasizes the importance of a consistent pre shot routine when playing shots under 100 yards.
He noticed that many amateur players skip this, and it becomes hard to stay consistent with the golf shots. The pre-shot routine can be developed to fit the specifics of your game; however, you should consider visualizing, practicing swings, and picking a specific target to hit.
You Can’t Skip Alignment (Butch Harmon)
Another great teacher of the game, Harmon, focuses on proper alignment and setup for accurate short game shots. Start using alignment sticks when you are on the practice range and working on your short game.
The alignment sticks can encourage better accuracy and make it easier for you to swing through your shot confidently. When the alignment and setup are perfect, you can get a little extra clubhead speed and nail your target.
Have a Choice for Chipping (Tiger Woods)
Tiger Woods never had one chipping shot that he would continually return to. Instead, he learned a variety of shots with the different wedges in his bag. Tiger would practice from a variety of lengths while using different clubs.
Tiger, and most amateurs should choose the lower lofted club when possible. It provides better control and roll and less room for error. Keeping the stroke simple and more like a putting motion increases your chance of success.
Shape Shots Less Than 100 Yards (Bubba Watson)
It may seem that golf shots under 100 yards will always stay straight at the pin. Not according to Bubba Watson. He practices curving pitches and chips around obstacles to help improve feel and touch.
When you work on moving the ball from these shorter distances, you have to really master clubface control. This will help your short game and your long game simultaneously.
Read The Entire Green (Brad Faxon)
When approaching a green from 100 yards and in, it is essential to read the green. You don’t need to go up to the green completely, but you’ll have to look at how it’s sloped and see how that will impact your shot.
Sometimes, going after the pin directly is a poor idea because of the slope on the green. Aiming for the center and letting a shot roll down to the flagstick could be the best way to go.
Brad Faxon says to spend time looking at both puts and chips from different angles and focus on both the line and the speed.
Stay In The Moment (Dr. Bob Rotella)
We can’t talk about these shots from 100 yards and in without bringing up the importance of your mindset. Dr.Bob Rotella advises focusing on the current shot at hand and not the outcome.
If you are within 100 yards, you should not be thinking about setting yourself up for a birdie or saving a bogey.
Instead, think only about the current shot you are hitting and where it should land.
Final Thoughts
At this point, you should have plenty to work on to help improve your skills from 100 yards and in. You could spend 90% of your practice time at these distances, and it will still help you go low on the course. Good luck shaving those strokes off of your game!
