PGA-certified instructor Dan Grieve presents five common short game scenarios in a 'What Would Dan Do?' format. He demonstrates how to select the correct club and release technique for challenges like steep upslopes, tight lies, and long 50-yard bunker shots.
Avoid high loft and high spin when hitting into steep banks; use a lower lofted club like a Pitching Wedge to ensure the ball rolls forward.
On steep upslopes, utilize a 'Release 2' (shallow attack angle) and draw the ball with the toe to prevent it from sliding up the face.
When the ball is sitting up in the rough, use less loft (52° or PW) and a 'no-wrist' Release 1 to prevent the club from sliding underneath the ball.
For long 50-yard bunker shots, don't try to swing a sand wedge harder; switch to a pitching wedge or 9-iron and use a standard bunker release.
Always assess the lie first, as it trumps the slope when deciding on the technical release of the shot.
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