Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler, two of the world’s top golfers and both on team Taylormade, recently shared their expertise in a short game masterclass. In this class, they discussed the importance of assessing the lie, using the bounce or leading edge, and setting up the stance. They also shared their tips for hitting shots out of the rough and off the toe.

Why is short game so important?  As these two golf icons will agree, the scoring in the game all happens within 100 yards of the pin. Being able to get your second or third shot around the green near the pin, increases your chance of a par dramatically. So working on all of the short game shots is critical to getting better at the game of golf.

Assessing the Lie

The first step in any short game shot is assessing the lie. As Woods and Scheffler discussed, if the lie is good, they prefer to go up in the air. However, if the lie is not great, they opt to go low. Scottie mentioned that he will always prefer to go low first if it is available depending on the pin location. Using the Bounce or Leading Edge

Woods and Scheffler also discussed the importance of using the bounce or leading edge. Both players prefer to use the bounce, as opposed to their friend on tour Jorden Spieth who prefers to use the leading edge. They both agreed that if the lie is not great, you should use the bounce.  They also feel that most average players should use the bounce of the wedge as much as possible.  Wedges are created with bounce and it is important to learn about different wedge grinds to choose the best bounce for your ability and the type of grass conditions you play most of the time.

Setting Up the Stance

Woods and Scheffler also discussed the importance of setting up the golf stance in your wedge shot. Woods said that he likes to get the heel of his wedge as high as he can, almost feeling the handle up above his hands, while Scheffler said that he likes to stand as close as he can to the ball. They both agreed that it is important to shallow out the swing a bit.

Hitting Shots Out of the Rough

During the Short Game Masterclass, Woods and Scheffler also discussed their tips for hitting shots out of the rough. Scheffler said that he likes to hit off the toe, as it comes off softer, so he can feel like he can almost swing harder. Woods shook that off quickly stating that he likes to hit off the middle of the clubface, as it gives him more control.  With a lie sitting down in the rough, Tiger emphasized that he would really be trying to get the toe in the grass and hook the golf ball more.  Both players stated that in rough, like Bermuda grass on courses in Florida, they would always attempt to go low with their shots, because it is so hard to get a consistent shot.

Hitting Shots with the Toe Down

Woods and Scheffler also discussed their tips for hitting shots with the toe of the wedge lower and a “high handle”. Tiger said that Raymond Floyd always use to tell him to get the heel of the club as high he can. Scottie agreed, by saying, “You just hit little baby hooks.” Woods agreed, “yeah, basically”.

Hitting to a Deeper Pin

Tiger asked Scottie what he would do when hitting to a farther flag and how would he get the golf ball to spin on the shot.  Scheffler mentions that he would use more of a cut, based on the terrain and the predominant wind direction.  To hit this shot, you would use an open stance, little bit of an open face to the wedge. Scottie says he would still “feel a slight hook”, although he states the ball will still cut.  Tiger asked Scottie if he ever hits the ball off the toe, stating that he can’t stand to hit the ball of the toe.  Scottie said he does hit off the toe, but only when the ball is in the rough.

Conclusion

Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler’s short game masterclass was an insightful look into the minds of two of the world’s top golfers. They discussed the importance of assessing the lie, using the bounce or leading edge, and setting up the stance. They also shared their tips for hitting shots out of the rough and off the toe in this advanced short game lesson. With their expert advice, golfers of all levels can improve their short game.  You can see more video golf tips – youtube

Visit our lessons for more golf tips.