It was only fitting to see a Ryder Cup bag belonging to Arnold Palmers on the first tee at Hazeltine last week. 

If the American team needed any further inspiration they only needed to turn around and take a look. 

For my thoughts on the weekends incredible golf as well as my player ratings, please click here. 




Having watched the golf this week, many of the players were using the "belly wedge "shot from just off the green. 

Many of you are no doubt familiar with the shot, which uses a sand iron mainly like a putter. Below is when to use it and how to set up for a shot that with a little practice around the green will benefit your scoring. 

When should you try this shot? With the grass starting to get longer and "sticky" the standard pitch/chip from the edge of the green becomes difficult. Grass gets trapped between ball and club face losing the momentum at impact. 

As the pictures show, shaft lean is NOT required, if anything the top of the shaft should be behind the ball or vertical at most so the leading edge can connect with the centre of the ball. 

  

The sand Iron is the most suitable club due to the leading edge the sole is most round and will help flatten the grass through impact, protruding the datum line giving a better chance of a clean contact. 

   

Avoid moving the ball toward the trailing foot, another terrible thing to do if you are a poor chipper! Shaft lean increases, grass gets trapped and execution will more than likely fail. Swing the wedge like a putter, calmly and smoothly in a one piece action. In time with practice the ball will cosy up nice and close to the hole or may even fall in. any problems get in touch and I will help you further with this or any other shot you wish to improve on. 


 

Practice wisely. 

Having mentioned looking at this seasons goals last week and thanks to those who have already taken the plunge on improving your short game, make sure the practice put in has purpose. Be clear why the practice session in taking place and what you intend to try to improve. 

There is no point just tipping the balls out and aimlessly scraping and hitting ball after ball and only being concerned with how close it has finished. Practice is all about improving the process and not necessarily perfect outcomes. 

What do I mean? How many times have you tried changing something only to give up because after a few balls "it doesn`t work? "Try and be very clear what you are practising. Stick with it but take your time. Make plenty of practice swings to gain feel. Anything feels "awkward and different" at first. 

Be patient but above all take your time. 10 committed repetitions ones are better than 50 that are not.