Approach Shots: What It Takes to Master Them

Basically, your approach shot is your shot onto the green. One of the things I like to say is this, "You know your game is improving when you start fixing more ball marks on the green". To fix a ball mark on the green most likely means that you hit it on your approach, which is a good thing.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind, and then we'll get to the heart of this article.

Aim for the middle of the green, not the flag. Pin placements and greens are getting tougher to stick all the time. Don't be a "sucker" and go for a pin that you'll most likely miss, which will leave you in a bunker or some other position to add strokes to your round.

Focus on alignment, not distance. That leads us into the main part of the article.

As you know, it's not an easy task to master the approach shot, but there are some ways in which you can drastically improve the accuracy of the shot. Alignment is the key to improving your approach shots. Most golfers don't practice their alignment too much on the practice range, but they should.

Think about this for a minute. Generally, when you are off the green it is due to alignment, not distance. Chances are, you have your 160 yard club, 150, 140, 130, etc...

And if you hit a poor shot, the ball may go a little further or a little shorter. But even if that happens, most greens are deep enough that you should be on the putting surface if you have selected the club that would leave you in the center of the green.

But...alignment is another story. If you pull the ball, more times than most you really pull the ball, correct?

When your alignment is off, it's off by much more than 5-10 yards!

And if you push the ball, you generally are pushing it for the entire round, correct? Bunkers, water, and uneven lies are the obstacles you face.

How are you supposed to compete? The answer is simple. Practice your alignment.

Take your home course for example. I would be willing to bet there's somewhere in the ball park of a 160-yard par 3 on the course. Now picture that hole. What happens if you're 5-10 yards deep or shallow? You're probably still okay, right?

But what happens if you go right or left? That shot, more than likely, has trouble written all over it.

David Nevogt writes golf instruction material that helps golfers of all levels reach their full potential and lower their scores. David is the author of "The Simple Golf Swing" which guarantees to have you shooting 7 strokes lower in only 1 week from today. You can find more of his golf instruction by going to http://www.golfswingguru.com

---

A Golf Coach Is Important If You Want To Improve Your Game

Why would anybody need a golf coach when most of... Read More

Too Many Online Golf Tips...which one do I take?

Online golf tips are on the increase. This is hardly... Read More

How to Develop More Consistency in the Golf Swing

Imagine every one of your shots in the middle of... Read More

Picking Your Golf Equipment Picking Your Golf Equipment

Looking for quality golf equipment but not sure you want... Read More

Golf Grub

GOLO GOLF GRUB Fuel for the golfer."A good diet can... Read More

How Important Is Your Golf Swing Release

An optimal golf swing release has a lot to do... Read More

Returning Home: Scottish Golf Breaks

July 2005 sees the return of the world's greatest golf... Read More

What Night Golf Ball should I use for my Glow Ball event?

Believe it or not, there are three different types of... Read More

Simple Golf Warm Up Exercise

Golf warm up you say? Aren't you supposed to rush... Read More

Play Golf in Bed to Improve Your Game

I am always looking for new and easier ways to... Read More

Fitness For Golf Is The New Gold Standard

Golf fitness has never been considered as important to one's... Read More

This IS Golf - Womens Golf

The Korean women golfer Jeong Jang (JJ) chose the British... Read More

Learning The Correct Golf Instruction Swing Sequence

There are three segments of the golf instruction swing sequence.... Read More

Golfers ? Here?s a Short Drive That Will Not Disappoint

Are you planning a golf vacation to Myrtle Beach, Hilton... Read More

Mental Toughness Training for Golfers: How to Conquer Pre-Game Jitters

The first tee shot can often make or break a... Read More

Are Golf Conditioning Routines Really Necessary

Many golfers around the world still do not understand why... Read More

Before Purchasing A Gift For A Golfer...Ask Yourself These 3 Questions

It should be rather clear to everybody that the gift... Read More

A Valuable Golf Workout Tip

Here is a golf workout tip that you can afford... Read More

Do You Know These Benefits Of Golf Schools?

Benefits of Golf Schools are many particularly for the beginners... Read More

How Golf Stretches In Your Office Can Improve Your Game

Yes you heard it right! Golf stretches in your office.... Read More

A Good Swing Starts with a Strong Base of Support

A good golf swing starts with a strong base of... Read More

Improve Your Golf Performance With These 5 Tips

Improve your golf performance. Is this always on your mind?... Read More

Shoulder Exercises To Improve Your Game

Your shoulder strength and flexibility are essential to producing an... Read More

Warm Up With A Back Exercise For Golf

Let's face it, if you are a passionate golfer who... Read More

5 Golf Facts That Will Change Your Game

Are you seeing the same decrease in your handicap that... Read More

Success in Golf and Meditation - The Same Skills?

When we say to people that you need the same... Read More

How to Know What Defines the Best Golf Drivers

Why is it considered the most electrifying club in your... Read More

Learning To Play Golf With Fitness

Learning to play golf has now become the pursuit of... Read More

Exercise For A Golfer - Dont Fear it

Exercise for a golfer is widely used. Despite the success... Read More

Golf Club Swing Weights

A golf club's swing weight helps the player to be... Read More

How Do The Golf Pros Train?

Many of the top touring professionals know that winning on... Read More

Hit Longer Drives - Heres How

To hit longer drives is the dream of every golfer... Read More

How to Win at Golf

What's the point of playing sport if you don't want... Read More