[Kim Ha-neul's FunFun Golf] 'Control Shot'

Two Methods: Club Length and Swing Size
Hold 1 Inch Lower, Feel Like Watching the Ball Longer
At the Top of the Backswing, Be Relaxed but Keep the Same Speed

Weekend golfers often struggle with control shots. This is because they frequently make mistakes due to not understanding the simple principles. To manage your score on the course, it is essential to master control shots.

Control shots can be broadly divided into two types. The first is adjusting the distance by the length of the club. This involves gripping the club lower and swinging. The ball position and address do not change at all. You simply grip the club about 1 inch (approximately 2.54 cm) shorter than usual and swing. Although the loft does not change, the shorter club length results in a shorter carry distance.

I usually grip about 1 inch shorter, which places my right thumb just above the club logo. There is a point to be careful about when swinging. More than 90% of golfers top the ball when gripping the club shorter. This happens because they forget they are holding the club shorter and swing as usual. You should swing with the mindset of watching the ball a little longer. This helps overcome the difference between the shortened club and your swing center.

The next method is controlling the shot by the size of the swing. You may have heard terms like half swing or three-quarter swing. Tour players often control their shots by adjusting the swing size. When doing a half swing, the backswing naturally shortens as well. The point to be careful about here is that if you swing at your usual tempo, it can become too fast. You need to allow more time proportional to the shortened backswing. Play with the feeling of slightly holding back at the top of the backswing. Start the downswing with a slightly relaxed timing. This way, you can maintain your original swing tempo.

There is a common mistake when adjusting distance by swing size. Some amateur golfers reduce their swing speed as well. This can lead to major mishits. Even when making control shots, the swing speed should always be as fast as a full swing.

Weekend golfers must choose one of these two methods when making control shots. At the practice range, find out which technique suits you best. The full-fledged autumn golf season has begun. I hope you achieve your best score with precise control shots. A former Hanil Tour 14-time winner and sportainer

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.