ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
27.07.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


Golf Teaching Aid - Hitting The Approach Shot

Author: Terry Edwards Author Ranking Blue | Posted: 05-09-2006 | Comments: 0 | Views: 290 | Rating:  (75) Article Popularity - Blue (?) Got a Question? Ask.

There is no doubt that the approach shot to the green is one of the most important shots in your golf game. Hit it high and tight to the pin and you're set up for an excellent birdie opportunity. Hit thin or fat and you're set up for a bogey opportunity or even worse. This is why you need to spend time on the practice range hitting approach shots.

I see many higher handicap golfers struggle with their approach shots into the green. It's understandable as this shot can be a little tricky, but you it certainly doesn't have to get the best of you. Here is a golf teaching aid designed to help you improve your approach shots and begin hitting more greens in regulation. Let's get started.

You have three basic approach shots during your round of golf. The chip shot, pitch shot and the flop shot. Of course there are variations to these, but we will stick to these three.

The Pitch Shot

This is the most common of the golf approach shots. Any time you're 50-110 yards away from the green you'll hit a pitch shot with your pitching wedge or sand wedge.

You will want to open your stance a little more than with your other golf shots. Be sure to line up with the ball in line with your back foot. You want to take a full swing when hitting a pitch shot. Avoid trying to get fancy and hit a half, or three-quarters shot. Time and time again you will hit the fall thin or fat. To reduce the distance the golf ball travels, choke down on the club a little. Practice on the range with distances. Let the golf club do the work, don't try and steer the ball.

The Chip Shot

Next is the chip shot. With this shot you're not looking to hit it a great distance. The idea behind hitting a chip shot is to hit it a short distance, and let the golf ball roll on the green to the hole. The optimum way is to hit the ball 1/3 of the way to the hole, and let it roll the other 2/3 of the way to the pin. Obviously, the chip shot is used when you have a lot of green in front of you to work with.

Use a less lofted club like a 7, 8 or 9 iron to hit this shot. Put the ball back in your stance and keep your weight on the left side. If you don't you can easily hit the ball too hard and fly it past the green. You only want a half swing for this shot, and finish with a half follow through. Again, let the club do the work and don't try and steer it toward the target.

The Flop Shot

I'll tell you up front; this is a difficult shot to perfect. You see Phil Mickelson hit this shot and make it look easy, but he practices for hours every week on it. When you have to fly the golf ball over a sand trap, or a small tree, etc., the flop shot can be ideal. You'll want to use the most lofted club you have, a 60 degree wedge if possible. This shot requires you to get the ball up as high as possible and have it drop down and stick where it lands. You must have a wide-open stance and hit under the ball. This shot will take a lot of practice, so don't be frustrated when it doesn't happen overnight. But, once you get it down it will come in handy on the golf course.

By spending some time on the golf driving range with these three different shots, you will improve your short game dramatically. You will soon be hitting more greens in regulation and lowering your golf score.

Rate this Article: Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/golf-teaching-aid-hitting-the-approach-shot-53032.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:
Terry Edwards writes golf instruction articles designed to help all golfers lower their scores and have more fun out on the course. You can learn more on how to Lower Your Golf Scores and play better golf by visiting his website.
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Related Articles

How to Master and Perfect the Golf Swing
By: Jeff Taylor | 28/04/2007 | Golf
Discover How To Master The Golf Irons Aand Perfect Your Iron Play Even If You're A Complete Novice -- These Are The Insider Secrets That PGA Pros Don't Want You To Know!

Golf Teaching Aids - Teaching Your Kids Golf
By: Terry Edwards | 02/08/2006 | Golf
More than ever before, children are learning how to play golf. Here are some tips to help you in giving your child a good head start in with the wonderful world of golf.

Golf Equipment Tips - How To Choose A Driver
By: Jim Johnson | 04/05/2006 | Golf
The longest hitting cloud in your bag will usually be your driver, and it is also often the most expensive club as well. Although it's only one club out of several in your bag, it gets a lot of unnecessary extra attention.

Tips On Selecting A Golf Vacation Destination
By: Jim Johnson | 04/05/2006 | Golf
Lots of golfers like to play golf on their vacation, and for many it's practically the sole function of the vacation itself. The good news is that there are plenty of great golf packages and vacations to choose from that will fit almost any budget.

Clone Golf Clubs - Are They Worth It?
By: Martin Haworth | 08/06/2007 | Golf
Clone golf clubs generally cost far less than their branded counterparts, saving you your dollars, as well as ensuring that you have a quality product. Bottom line is that these great value clubs have made significant advances over the last few years and now provide the very best standards you need for your golfing.

Bring your Fitness Up to Par
By: Raymond Lee | 16/09/2007 | Fitness
To bring some zing to your fitness plan, start by tweaking your activities just a little, then consider more dramatic changes. To breathe new life into an old fitness plan, try the ideas in this article - and see how much more fun fitness can be.

Using The Thumb Press To Improve Your Golf Back Swing
By: Gerald Mason | 06/12/2007 | Sports and Fitness
The natural way to get the open face at the top was with a late wrist break. The break never should be started before the hands were waist high. In fact, many taught that you should pay no attention whatever to breaking the wrists; they would break by themselves. If you use...

How To Find The Right Golf Clubs
By: Robb Thomas | 26/01/2008 | Sports and Fitness
There are thousands, if not millions, of golf clubs on the market, so finding the right set or even just the right driver can be a hard decision. However, since the clubs serve as your core golfing equipment, you will significantly benefit from a wise and careful selection of them....

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

Stacking Golf Bag
By: jrc5964 | 20-07-2008
What is the proper sequence of stacking clubs in a golf bag ?

Golf cart battery
By: BOB | 20-07-2008
what should the voltage and amps read on a 6 volt golf cart battery

Golf in the OBX
By: bor7013 | 20-07-2008
Planning a trip to the OBX in a few weeks. Where are some inexpensive places to golf?

Refurbish golf cart batteries
By: transomnuts | 19-07-2008
how do i refurbish restore golf cart batteries

How do I add a golf picture in html format so that ...
By: Nichola | 19-07-2008
How do I add a golf picture in html format so that it could be viewed by others when I send it to many people at once?

Dots on back of Ping Eye Two irons
By: Jerry | 19-07-2008
The dots on the back of the Ping Eye 2 golf clubs?  I know about black, blue and red.  What does the green mean.  More degrees of angle or less.  How much?

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Golf Articles

Some Really Spectacular Golf Tips As Well As Products Online!
By: Kristi Ambrose | 26/07/2008
That's pretty amazing. Some people however can't see the attraction to golf, they think it's boring and whatnot. But once you've been out on that course, you know what's what and why you enjoy it so much. I find golf to be a really relaxing but challenging game to play when I've had a hard and long day at work!

Golf, Beginners Basics and the Magic Move Of Golf
By: William Friend | 26/07/2008
Just starting out in the world of golf, or have you been around the game for some time. I suggest you all read on ! I've explained some basic principles for the complete beginners in this article, but the document I suggest you all read is the Magic Move of Golf, this is the best piece of instruction you will ever read. I guarantee it will improve your swing whatever your handicap.

Squeeze More Distance From Your Balls
By: DENNIS HAMPTON | 25/07/2008
The trajectory of the ball and how to follow it through are the main questions that golf driving tips need to deal with.

The Proper Golf Swing Setup in Two Easy Steps
By: Tim Heeter | 23/07/2008
The mental check off list associated with the typical golf swing setup is far too long. Most amateurs worry about too many factors rather than following a few short steps. The following two easy steps will help you get in the proper golf swing setup each time you step up to the ball.

How to Custom Fit Your Golf Club
By: Migo | 21/07/2008
Describing some of the points that need to consider when decide to custom fit a golf club.

Greg Norman Conquest at British Open
By: jackyluo | 21/07/2008
Twice former champion Greg Norman, who plays more tennis than golf at the age of 53, spectacularly stole the limelight from the game's best players in Thursday's opening round at the British Open.

What to Expect in Affordable Golf Clubs
By: Jeffrey Veal | 20/07/2008
Golf clubs are a golfer's best friend. They don't have to cost you an arm and a leg if you take the time to find the right bargain. With just a little research, you can find the right clubs for your game at an affordable price.

How To Find A Golf Instructor
By: Max Johnson | 20/07/2008
You want to learn how to play the game of golf. Now the questions come flooding through your mind. Do I need to take golf lessons & instruction? How do I find a qualified golf instructor? How long should the lessons be and how often should I take them? What should we be working on in my golf lessons & instruction sessions and how long until I improve?

More from Terry Edwards

Home Equity Loans For Dummy's
By: Terry Edwards | 30/11/2006 | Finance
Without question, home equity loans have exploded in popularity over the past few years, but many people don't fully understand just what they are. Here are some of the basics on what these loans are all about.

A Simple Diabetes For Dummy Overview
By: Terry Edwards | 18/10/2006 | Non-Fiction
Diabetes is a serious health issue. It's the sixth leading cause of death in this country, and there is no cure for Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes at this time. Here's a quick diabetes for dummy overlook to help you better understand what diabetes is all about.

Is Ringworm Causing You To Lose Your Hair?
By: Terry Edwards | 16/09/2006 | Non-Fiction
Most everyone knows the aggravation that ringworm can cause. The redness and the itching can simply drive you nuts! But, did you know you can also get ringworm on your scalp?

Diabetes Glucose Monitoring - A Breakthrough On The Horizon
By: Terry Edwards | 16/09/2006 | Non-Fiction
Of course, the only way of doing this up until now has been to stick your finger with a needle and put some blood on a blood glucose meter. Well, change is on the horizon.

All About Business Savings Accounts
By: Terry Edwards | 14/09/2006 | Finance
If your small business has funds that are sitting in an account and not working for you, then you should put them to work for your company. One of the best ways to do this is by investing them in a business savings account.

Internett Banking - A Word Of Caution
By: Terry Edwards | 09/09/2006 | Finance
Online banking can be done from anywhere in the world. But, that brings up an important question. Just how secure is Internett banking?

Pre-Diabetes - The Growing Epidemic
By: Terry Edwards | 08/09/2006 | Non-Fiction
One of the new buzz words going about these days is pre-diabetes. It has become a serious health concern for our society in general. How do you know if you're at risk?

Golf - Cure That Hook In One Day!
By: Terry Edwards | 05/09/2006 | Golf
Are you one of the many frustrated golfers who hook the golf ball? Are you wanting to stop hooking the golf ball and begin hitting more fairways? It's easier than you might think, and I'm going to show you how to get immediate results

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below