Tip of the Month

April 2006

By John Pallot
Director of Instruction

Amidst the flowering dogwoods, towering pines and verdant rolling hills of Augusta National Phil Mickelson gamboled his way to victory and a second green jacket at the 2006 Masters Tournament. His seven under par 281 was good enough for a two shot win over South African Tim Clark. Phil played flawless golf over the final 18 holes including four birdies and splendid score of 69. His short game was stellar including lag putting, short putting, chipping and pitching. Phil's shotmaking was deadly. The buzz this week revolved around Phil using two drivers, one for fading and one for drawing. Augusta National has very few straight holes and the strategy worked to perfection. Statistically, Phil led the tournament in driving distance and was 2nd in birdies. When, infrequently, he missed a green his short game was superb. He is a magician with his 60 degree lob wedge. Just by changing the ball position,hand placement and weight distribution Phil is able to play many types of shots enabling him to deal with Augusta's undulating, ice rink greens.

This month's tip is about Phil's magical putting and chipping/pitching.

1) Putting-Phil uses a slight forward press with his hands to begin his swing. This helps to keep the stroke smooth and a hands forward condition at impact thus inducing a de-lofted putter, square contact and a ground hugging roll of the ball. Phil loves the circle drill for short putting. It helps him feel and use the same routine for putts within five feet. He holes 50 in a row in practice. So he knows its going in when he needs it. I personally like the shadow drill. It helps see and visualize the target line and promotes an online putting stroke, essential for square contact.

2) Chipping/Pitching- the key to Phil's short shots(just like in putting) is the hands forward at impact and post impact. Practice holding your finish position with hands forward. This allows the ball to climb up the club-face promoting maximum control and spin. Phil controls the trajectory by ball and hand position. For more loft the hands are not as forward and the ball is positoned slightly forward of center. For less loft, position the ball toward your right foot(left for lefties). This promotes a forward leaning shaft at impact. To sharpen your skills here are two drills I recommend. The Left Arm Only and Drag. Look at the pictures. Swing with your left arm and thump the ground. Your hand should be forward of club-head to thump. You should feel the club-head hitting turf. Hold your finish position to check the essential hand forward of club-head. Now the Drag. Rest the club on the ground 12 inches behind your right foot(left for lefties). Drag club along turf. This helps you feel the hands leading the club-head and shaft leaning well forward. This is Phil's secret. Yes it takes discipline to work on your short game. It's well worth the effort. Listen, you golfers, to one little piece of big time advice. Keeping your hands forward is one of the keys to mastering your game.