Professional Golf Advisor James receives a 9-hole playing lesson from PGA Pro Joe at Stanton-on-the-Wolds. Joe focuses on correcting James's 29.5 handicap by addressing his open alignment, steep swing path, and lack of strategic course management. The session emphasizes 'playing the percentages' and technical rehearsals to improve ball striking consistency.
Check shoulder alignment at setup; open shoulders often lead to a steep, left-to-right ball flight.
Practice 'percentage play' by choosing clubs that guarantee you stay in play rather than chasing risky distances.
For chipping on tight fringes, use a lower lofted wedge with the toe down to improve the quality of the strike and release.
Power comes from weight transfer (right to left) and hip rotation, not just lifting the arms steeply.
Maintain width in the takeaway and keep the right heel down longer to improve the angle of attack.