Golf tip: Concentrate on your short game


April 12, 2007

Start the season off by concentrating on your short game. With a 'chip shot,' the ball generally travels 70-80 percent of its total distance on the ground. With a 'pitch shot,' the ball generally travels 70-80 percent of its total distance in the air.

Chipping can be done with most irons in your bag while pitching should be reserved for your most lofted iron.

Early in the season, spend some time around the practice greens, working on controlling the trajectory of the ball with a variety of motions and clubs to get a feel for the necessary landing areas that create the best shots and best results.

- Chris Carter, PGA head professional The Hamlet Golf & Country Club

Copyright 2008 Newsday Inc.