Upping Your Game: Training Tips from the King of Canadian Golf

Over the last decade, golfers have been heavily marketed with the idea that improving their driving distance will lower their scores and handicap. However, a critical component that often gets overshadowed is the importance of refining your pitching and wedge play from around 100 yards. To truly lower scores and enhance your game, focusing on your short game is crucial.

To help golfers improve their pitching, Danny King introduces a simple, yet effective two-part drill designed to refine your pitching motion and improve your scoring clubs. Here’s how you can incorporate this drill into your practice routine:

The Two-Part Pitching Drill

Part 1: Setup and Impact Position

1. Setup:
   • Assume your normal pitching stance as if you’re preparing to hit a shot from 80-90 yards from your target.
   • Ensure your weight is evenly distributed but prepare to shift pressure into your lead leg during the swing.
2. Pressure and Rotation:
   • Place pressure into your lead leg as you initiate the backswing.
   • Rotate your lower body while dragging the club through the impact position.
   • Focus on keeping the shaft of the club oriented toward the side of your body, as if placing it into a holster.
3. Finish Position:
   • At the end of the swing, the shaft should be rotated to the side of your body, and the club should be resting against your lead leg or hip.
   • This position should emphasize a proper impact and follow-through without excessive tension or distortion.

Part 2: Refining Impact and Follow-Through

1. Impact Position:
   • To further improve your impact position, place the shaft of the club on your lead leg while rotating the club to waist height.
   • Continue to rotate the club into your backswing at P2, feeling shaft on your lead leg
   • Turn into your Impact position, with the handle of the club in-front of the head
   • Arrive at your finishing position, not allowing the shaft of the club to hit your side until your weight is moved into your lead leg with the shaft of the club beside your body.
   • Focus on maintaining the correct shaft angle and ensuring your lead leg is properly braced.
2. Finish Without Contact:
   • Continue the swing into your finish position, making sure that the shaft does not make contact with your lead leg or hip.
   • This helps promote a clean strike and encourages a smooth, controlled follow-through.

Why This Drill Works

• Improves Mechanics: By concentrating on these key positions and transitions, you enhance your pitching mechanics, leading to more consistent and accurate shots.
• Lower Scores: Mastering your pitching and wedge play will reduce the number of strokes taken from around the greens, contributing to lower scores.
• Better Full Swing: The principles applied in this drill also translate to your full swing, helping you develop a more efficient and effective overall game.

Incorporating the Drill into Your Routine

• Daily Practice: Make this drill a regular part of your practice routine. Consistent practice will build muscle memory and refine your pitching technique.
• Adjust for Level: Regardless of your skill level, this drill can be adapted to fit your needs. Beginners should focus on the basics, while advanced golfers can use it to fine-tune their skills.

By committing to this two-part drill and incorporating it into your daily practice, you’ll see improvements in both your pitching performance and overall golf game.

Drill 1: Slow-Motion Swing Pattern Building

Objective: To develop and internalize new swing patterns by practicing slow-motion swings without a golf ball, which helps reinforce the feel of the correct motions.

Steps:

1. Choke Up on the Club:
   • Grip the club slightly higher on the shaft than usual. This gives you more control and allows you to focus on the motion without the distraction of a full swing.
2. Rotate to P2:
   • Rotate your body to the position where the club shaft is parallel to the ground (Position 2 or P2). Pay attention to the alignment and how your body feels in this position.
3. Return to Impact:
   • Move back to the impact position with your hips slightly open and your chest rotating. Focus on the sensation of proper body rotation and how the club head moves through this critical point.
4. Finish with Structured Arms:
   • Complete the swing by ensuring your arms are structured and you maintain good posture throughout the follow-through. Your finish should be balanced and reflect the proper alignment and rotation.

Benefits: Practicing these slow-motion movements helps in ingraining the new swing patterns and developing a better understanding of how your body should move during the swing.