Short Game Tips From Phil Mickelson
Is yer short-game sufferin’? Well then take a look at this article from Golf Digest. They got Phil Mickleson, really!, to provide some tips.
- Don’t forget the the basics!
A solid game from 50 yards and in is all about following a small set of basic principles. Excel at them, and you’ll be able to pull off almost any shot.
The first principle is what I call “hinge and hold.” For crisp contact and good distance control on all greenside shots, hinge your wrists very early on the backswing (left) and avoid swinging your lead arm back more than necessary. On the downswing, feel like you maintain the hinge, so your hands remain ahead of the clubhead for a descending strike (lower photo).
- Ball Position
The average golfer plays the ball too far forward with the driver. This causes the shoulders and hips to shift open, and the right arm to get too straight. From there, the player swings the club back steeply and to the outside. Plus, the backswing turn is restricted. To position the ball correctly with the driver, line it up with the breast logo on your shirt, or just inside your left heel.
- Move yer hands!
Another key principle is to accelerate your hands on the downswing and keep accelerating them toward the target until well after the ball is gone (below). Slowing your hands is a killer because it ruins your release, changes impact conditions and often causes you to hit the shot fat.
A related concept is to maintain the loft of your wedge through impact and beyond, the face aimed at the sky for as long as possible (far right). Note how I haven’t allowed my wrists to roll over. I want to keep the same clubface loft I established at address.
