100 Yards and In

Developing a successful game from 100 yards and in has always been considered a vital component to scoring low. Players having difficulty controlling the distance of their partial shots are often relying on simply feeling how hard or soft they strike the ball. The key is to produce an address position that will control the length of the swing. The length of the swing, with a consistent tempo, will then create the desired distance of the shot.

This technique can be best illustrated by using a scale of 1 to 10 with three set-up and swing components: 1) where we place our hands on the golf club, 2) width of our stance, and 3) length of the swing, maintaining an equal takeaway and follow through.

For example, if our full wedge distance is 100 yards, we will grip it at 10 (placing hands at end of handle), have our stance width a 10 (shoulder width), and swing at a length of 10 back and through (full swing!). If the shot calls for a distance of 40 yards, we will grip it at 4 - slightly below middle of the handle, have our stance width a 4 - slightly inside hip width or 40% of shoulder width, and swing at a length of 4 - just less than a ½-swing back and through. If you are faced with a 20-yard pitch shot, the grip, stance and length of swing would be a 2.

Remember the arms and hands are connected to the body for a reason! When training this concept, ensure the body is rotating to a finish position with the arms and hands. This will help eliminate the tendency to "hit" with the smaller muscles, creating a more "connected" swinging motion through impact. Next time you visit the practice facility, try this distance control formula with your wedges as well as your short irons and you will experience enhanced feel and control, as well as imagination!