About this episode
941. Summary: In this conversation, Jim Waldron and Fred Greene discuss various aspects of the short game in golf and dispel some common myths. They emphasize the need for solid contact and distance control in the short game, the role of pivot in generating power, the issue of scooping and Jim provides tips for controlling spin in different conditions. They cover topics such as distance wedges, taking spin off shots, the kinematic sequence, finesse swings, distance control, trajectory control, spin control, rhythm and tempo, and scoring in the short game. Jim and Fred also discuss various aspects of putting and chipping in golf. There are many misconceptions about putting, including the illusion created by watching professional golfers on TV. The conversation then shifts to using an iron as a putter and the technique of the putt chip shot. They explore the resurgence of Scottish chipping and its technique, as well as when to use this shot. Finally, they discuss club selection and the carry-roll ratio in classical chipping on medium-sized greens. Takeaways The short game is an under-taught and poorly taught aspect of golf. Solid contact and distance control are crucial in the short game. Pivot plays a significant role in generating power and controlling spin in the short game. Scooping is a common issue in the short game that needs to be addressed. Controlling spin is essential in different conditions and shot types. Distance wedges are shots from about 65 to 120 yards that require medium spin and a lower trajectory. Tour pros try to take spin off distance wedges to have better control over the carry distance. The kinematic sequence is the transfer of energy from one body part to the next during the downswing, and it is different for power swings and distance wedges. In the short game, a finesse swing with less spin and a softer version of the full swing is preferred. Distance control in the short game is achieved through consistent length of backswing and a constant rhythm and tempo. Scoring in the short game requires chipping and pitching the ball close to the hole to increase the chances of one-putting. Watching professional golfers on TV can create misconceptions about putting. Lie angle balance and lab putters can improve putting performance. Using an iron as a putter can be effective for certain shots. The putt chip shot is a specialized short game shot that can be useful around the green. Scottish chipping is making a comeback in golf. Classical chipping is a foundational technique for the short game on medium-sized greens. ***Summary was AI generated from riverside.fm , our recording platform. This is an invitation for you to join host Fred Greene and other Golf Smarter listeners for a once in a lifetime Golf Smarter Royal Adventure to Northern Ireland! We're playing 5 rounds over 7 days including: • Royal County Down GC - Ranked as the #1 course in the world! • Royal Portrush - Host of the 2025 Open Championship! • Ardglass GC - One of the most beautiful courses you'll ever see! • Royal Belfast GC - Home to the oldest clubhouse in the world! • Ballyliffin GC - Recognized as the finest links course in Ireland! Deadline to sign up is May1, 2024. Golf Smarter listeners get an additional £200 off! There's only room for two foursomes, so bring a friend to share a room for greater savings. To learn more and register please visit tmigolf.com/golfsmarter . Price includes golf, 7 nights accommodations, meals and ground transportation. Not included are airfare, gratuities, and caddies. This week's episode is brought to you by PXG! Game changer has been thrown around so much, it’s lost its meaning. I was impressed with the results of my fitting and think the P X G Driver will be a game changer for me. Check it out for yourself. Learn more and get free shipping on all equipment at PXG.com/golfsmarter and use code golfsmarter at checkout. That’s PXG.com/golfsmarter , code golfsmarter for free shipping on all equipment. This episode is brought to you PutterCup. Go to puttercupgolf.com and use code GOLFSMARTER to get 20% off your order. And combined with the discount you get with the Pressure Putt Combo, you’ll really save! This week’s episode is sponsored by Indeed. Please visit indeed.com/GOLFSMARTER and get a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT. Terms and conditions apply. This week’s episode is also brought to you by Modern Mammals. Go to modernmammals.com and use code GOLFSMARTER (*one word) for 10% off. Follow @golfsmarter on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube for daily highlights and helpful insights from our interviews on the podcast. We also post articles and video shorts on LinkedIn @FredGreene (from Novato, CA). Two ways to become a Golf Smarter Ambassador and receive a choice of one of these great prizes including: • A pack of 8 Flightpath Golf Tees. A Tee Above All. Learn more at https://flightpathgolf.com . • A Glove + Glove Compartment from RedRoosterGolf.com where you can now choose from a large variety of styles of gloves in 34 sizes! • A private link to Tony Manzoni’s video “The Lost Fundamental”. To win, either introduce an upcoming episode, or write a review from your podcast source, then send us what you wrote and where! Send your posted review or request to introduce an episode to GolfSmarterPodcast@gmail.com . Golf Smarter has also been named by goodpods as #5 in their Top 100 All Time Indie Golf podcasts! If you have a question about whether or not Fred is using any of the methods, equipment or apps we’ve discussed, or if you’d like to share a comment about what you’ve heard in this or any other episode, please write because Fred will get back to you. Either write to golfsmarterpodcast@gmail.com or click on the Hey Fred button, at golfsmarter.com