[Kim Haneul's FunFun Golf] "Rolling Rather Than Lifting"

Tips for Green-Side Approach: Know-How to Lower Your Score
Mistakes in Lofted Shots... Need to Manage Performance by Rolling

The full-fledged golf season is approaching. The grass sprouts at golf courses are beginning to appear. Just thinking about playing on the field already makes me feel good. However, the golf courses are not yet in 100% condition. Especially around the greens, the grass is either short or there are bare patches, so this should be taken into account when making approach shots.

Amateur golfers tend to focus only on the teeing ground. However, the play around the green determines the score. Weekend golfers often find it difficult to hit clean shots. Mistakes such as hitting behind the ball or topping the ball occur during approach shots. To reduce risk, rolling approach shots are better than lofted ones.

When making a rolling approach shot, there should be enough distance between the ball and the pin. The slope of the green should not be too steep to be effective. Position the ball in front of your right foot. Do not open the clubface too much. Narrow your stance and hold the club slightly lower. Do not use your wrists; approach the shot as if putting. To emphasize again, in March, the grass around the green is still undergrown. It is not easy to make lofted approach shots with a wedge.

Various clubs can be used for rolling approach shots around the green. In professional tournaments, you can even see shots using woods or long irons. If you are not confident, holding a putter and rolling the ball from outside the green is also a good method. However, you should attempt this only after sufficient practice on the practice green.

When the distance between the ball and the pin is close, you should make a lofted shot rather than a rolling one. Position the ball slightly to the left of center. Open the clubface. Keep the clubhead low and take a long backswing. Do not use your wrists excessively and focus on good contact. A wide stance helps maintain a stable swing. Remember the saying, "One stroke on the drive shot, one stroke on the approach around the green." You will notice your score improving significantly.

Sportainer and former 14-time winner on the Korea-Japan Tour

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