Weekly Golf Tip as seen in The Winnipeg Sun --

September 11th , 2007

The 150 Yard Shot

The 150-yard shot is one of the most used golf shots (photo 1). If you are able to hit the green in regulation, your scores go down, significantly. Aiming for the middle of the green on approach shots is a good rule for amateur golfers, no matter if the club of choice is a long iron or a PW. In fact, the number one statistic that correlates to the final score is Greens in Regulation. Aiming for the middle of the green allows for greater error on both sides, and allows golfers to 2-putt for their par instead of attempting tricky chip shots. Going for tucked flags over bunkers or water will undoubtedly lead to tough recoveries or penalty shots, and unfortunately more of those dreaded bogeys and double bogeys.

When faced with the 150 yard shot, make sure to select the appropriate target, which is not the pin in many cases. The ball position is about three inches inside my front (left) foot (photo 2). The weight is evenly distributed between both legs in the set up. I have selected an 8-iron (photo 3) for this shot and am going to hit it with a three-quarter swing (photo 4). This is a very important decision in which we should almost always take too much club and swing smooth rather than take too little club and have to swing as hard as you can.

In photo 4, notice how I spend a second or two getting my alignment with my feet, thighs, hips and shoulders aimed just slightly left of the target. If you have a good setup position and are aimed properly, your chances for success increase drastically.

In the photos 5 and 6, notice how the spine angle is maintained throughout the swing. Swinging with smooth rhythm and tempo allows for great balance and leads to solid contact. As noted earlier, do not rush the swing and pick enough club that you can swing with about 75% of your speed. This is an accuracy and control shot not a maximum distance shot.

Aim for the middle of the green, swing smooth and in balance and hit more greens. That will lower your scores and help you enjoy the game more. Good luck.

Derek Ingram is the Head Teaching Professional at the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is a past winner of the Canadian PGA's Teacher of the Year and one of the top High Performance Golf Coaches in the World.

- Derek Ingram