Become More Like A Player With Chip-and-run Shots
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday April 7, 2001
Gary Player probably had one of the best short games of all time. As a trainee pro I witnessed him win the 1974 Australian Open at Lake Karrinyup in Perth. To my surprise he was carrying three wedges, radical in those days but now the norm, especially in the pro ranks. Gary was better than everybody with those wedges and yet I observed him hitting chip-and-run shots with less lofted clubs as well as putting from off the green. Today I see an overuse of lofted clubs among amateurs, in particular the lob wedge. When I see players struggling and ask why they persevere with the lob wedge, the answer is commonly: ``I thought you were supposed to." You must consider your skill and confidence level before selecting your club or shot. To become efficient at any shot in golf requires commitment and practice. For my mid- to high-handicap clients, I encourage the chip-and-run shot with a six or seven iron. They quickly gain confidence as only a little swing is required, whereas with a lob wedge a much longer swing is needed, significantly increasing the chance of error. So the next time you are confronted with a short shot, consider the chip-and-run or even the putter Gary Player does.Monday: Unrealistic expectations.Former tournament winner George Serhan is a teaching and playing professional based at the Kellyville Golf Range.
© 2001 Sydney Morning Herald
