How to play split level greens
When you come to play Eagle Ridge, you will find the only flat
surface beside the tee boxes is in the golf shop. This means you
are going to face a lot of shots on split-level greens.
The conventional shot you would play when facing a long shot
across a bi-level green would be a chip and run. I teach this shot
quite often, and it is a very effective shot; however, there is one
draw back
– a distance control shot like this requires good feel, and feel
means practice.
How to play split level greens
When you come to play Eagle Ridge, you will find the only flat surface beside the tee boxes is in the golf shop. This means you are going to face a lot of shots on split-level greens.
The conventional shot you would play when facing a long shot across a bi-level green would be a chip and run. I teach this shot quite often, and it is a very effective shot; however, there is one draw back – a distance control shot like this requires good feel, and feel means practice.
Before you make your decision to chip and run when facing this shot, ask yourself if you have practiced this shot enough to make it work. If you aren’t confident, here is how to practice it. Basically, this is putting with an iron, so to start out your session, go and do some putting. Notice your shoulders are doing most of the moving, not your hands.
After 10 or 15 minutes, it is time to switch to a seven iron. Try and re-create your putting posture and motion. Because you are closer to the ball than normal with a seven iron, the lie angle will cause the heel of the club to be off the ground. The good thing about the heel being off the ground is the grass will not affect it. Address the ball at the toe of the club. Now, using your putting grip, make a putting motion. You can use any club in your bag depending on the distance you have to cover, just make sure that the ball lands on the green first.
If you happen to be unable to practice much and are facing a long shot across a rolling green, take your pitching or sand wedge and just fly the ball to the hole. Remember, whenever you are facing a distance control shot, whether it be putting or chipping, practice pays off.
So be honest with yourself. Most people have better golfers living inside themselves, it’s just their busy lives won’t let them come out and play often enough. Don’t lose perspective – it is a game and games are fun, right? Play well.
Just a reminder Eagle Ridge’s Mini Course is open every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for kids 12 and under – $5 for all the holes you want to play. We provide clubs and balls.
Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at
sk*****@ea**********.com
. If you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com. And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun playing golf call your local PGA or LPGA instructor, we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
