Provided by the teaching pros at Kendall Academy, Ypsilanti
Becoming a good player happens as a result of developing more and more ways to be successful. A great driver of the ball does not get better as an overall player by practicing his /her driving all day. It will happen by identifying areas of your game that are weaker, but improvable.
If I am a short hitter, I am going to work on my wedge game and putting. A short hitter will get many chances to save pars with his/her wedges. Practice both, creating loft and creating run, with your middle wedges. Improve your putting by practicing more than just stroke. Practicing aim, stroke, speed, and read will pay big dividends. Even if I were a long hitter, working on becoming a better wedge player and putter will help you to take advantage of your opportunities.
Take a look at your equipment. If you carry a low lofted 3 wood, 13 – 15 degree, that you do not use because you are not very good with it, or you use it, but not very reliably, consider taking it out of the bag and replace it with an 16-18 or even higher degree fairway wood. In addition, consider carrying a 22-24 degree 7 wood or a 20-22 degree hybrid. Then replace your 3 and 4 irons with a 23-26 degree hybrid. A 27-29 degree hybrid can be an excellent replacement for your 5 iron.
Even though we may be a short hitter, compared to some, if we have a driver that we can hit fairways with, long clubs that are reliable and we believe in, a wedge game that always gives us a chance, and the putting skill that allows us to take advantage of opportunities, we will be able to surprise ourselves and those we play with. Don’t dwell on what you are not. Improve the less glamorous aspects with good concepts, proper equipment, and a reasonable amount of thoughtful practice.
