GOLF TIPS

Golf Tips - Playing from Hard Pan Surfaces

ituations will arise where you have no choice but to play from hardpan. For example, although you may be able to take relief from a cart path in doing so you have to contend with an obstruction. The shot requires the same technique as the Chip Shot.

Remember!

	The primary objective is to advance the ball into a good playing position.
	Don’t be a hero! For example, when playing around the green, don’t try to finesse the stroke and get the ball close to the pin.

Club Selection

As with most short game shots club selection is determined by:

	Lie
	Distance to target
	Amount of trouble between you and the target BUT REMEMBER... As the loft of the club increases so does the chance of poor contact. In general stick with an 8 or 9 iron and only use a more lofted club if there is no alternative.

Grip

'Choke' down using your normal grip

Stance

	Ball position should be back in stance - more towards the back foot than the center
	Use a narrow, open stance
	Weight more on the front foot and hands ahead of the ball - just inside front thigh

Swing

	The object is to 'pinch' the ball between the club and the ground
	Think of the swing like putting – a quiet body, arms and shoulders moving as a unit with no wrist cock
	The Back Swing should be the same as the Follow Through
	Go through the ball - (accelerate) - don't quit on the shot
	As with all good golf shots, hands stay ahead of the ball at impact.

Practice

	Take the time to practice playing from hardpan.
	If you practice off a cart path, you may want to use an old club!!
	You don't to try this for the first time at a critical point in a match!