Fresh from running golf tuition trips in Spain, top golf coach Peter Hollington explains how he helps golfers of all abilities save shots on the golf course, 'there is no substitute for having lessons to improve the golf swing, but once the basic fundamentals are in place, it’s time to start concentrating on how to take that game onto the course’.
Golf Tips to Save Shots – Club Selection
- No matter where the flag is on the green take one more club and try to get the ball to the back of the putting surface.
Most golfers choose a club that will only get the ball to the hole with a perfect strike, then miss hit the shot and end up fifty feet short inviting a three putt. If a golfer tries to get the ball to the back of the green by selecting one more club, most of the time the ball will end up pin high. Take one club more than you think.
Take Time to Read Putts
- Take time to read a putt correctly.
It is understandable to want to hurry on the green when putting – most golfers hate slow play. However, when facing an important putt a golfer should make sure they look at the hole from both sides. The quickest way to save shots on the course is to learn to hole more putts. By reading the green correctly a golfer gives themselves the best chance of turning three shots into two.
Tactics and the Driver
- When standing on the tee a golfer should not always reach for the driver.
Even if it’s the only way to reach the green in regulation, sometimes choosing a club that is easier to hit than the driver alleviates stress and allows the swing to ‘breath’. If a golfer finds their swing often breaks down before the end of the round, they should try a few safe shots off the tee with a three, or even a five wood, to regain essential ‘timing’ and help keep the swing going to the end.
The Golf Chip and Run
- Let the ball run to the hole.
Many amateur golfers attempt the wrong shot when chipping round the green. On television the top players often use lob wedges to carry the ball close to the hole with spectacular results, however the club golfer would do well to try to get the ball to land on the green as soon as possible and let it run to the hole. Not only is it easier to strike a seven or eight iron, but if the shot goes wrong the results are much less disastrous.
See also: Short Game Pitching Tips from Peter Hollington and The History of the Golf Swing and the Future of Golf
John Hoskison - John is a class 'A' member of the British PGA and author of the acclaimed book 'Inside - One Man's Experience of Prison'.
