Use this nifty 9-iron shot to get up and down around greens

Look, I know I’m not the voice for every amateur golfer out there, but in my opinion, the most-feared shot on the golf course is anything within 30 yards of the putting surface — and I’ll tell you why.

First, there’s so much that goes into hitting a great shot from this type of yardage. Not only do you need to choose the right club, but you have to be nearly perfect while hitting it, making sure you dial in your distance control to leave it as close to the pin as possible.

Along those lines, there’s so much bad that can happen in the short game that it can get into your head, which, in effect, ruins any confidence and chance of success. I’m not sure about you, but I can’t help but let negative thoughts creep in, imagining the worst outcome possible — like a chunk or skulled chip shot.

Finally, even when you have the right club, the ideal setup and perfect contact still doesn’t guarantee success, as the type of shot you hit dictates the final result. Hit it too high, and the ball might just stick on the green. Hit it low with too much speed, and the ball can catch the wrong slope and roll more than you think, leaving you with a long putt.

So, yeah, if you can’t tell, I’ve sort of lost confidence in my short game at the moment.

But GOLF Teacher to Watch Adam Smith offers up some help for players like me and provides an alternative short-game shot that can grow your confidence and leave you in better spots to get up and down. Check out his tips below.

How to execute the 9-iron scooter shot

“Many golfers get frustrated when they chunk or blade a shot near the green, with those small mistakes really adding strokes to the scorecard and, potentially, destroying a player’s psyche,” Smith says.

But to help instill confidence and see more success getting up and down, Smith suggests trying a “scooter shot” with your 9-iron, which he says can become your go-to shot in these types of situations.

“Basically, you’re going to hit a chip shot using your 9-iron, since this club’s loft is stronger than any of your other wedges,” Smith says. “Also, the visual profile of your 9-iron can help make you think of sweeping the ball off the grass instead of digging into the turf, which might happen when you look down at a wedge with more loft on it. By using this stronger loft on the 9-iron, it’ll help you roll the ball to the hole, too.”

So how can you hit this scooter shot? Smith explains below, and includes photos to execute it to perfection.

“Simply use your putting stroke with the 9-iron, and feel as if you’re putting the ball off the turf with a soft, sweeping stroke,” he says. “Make sure to use soft grip pressure, too, just like you do while putting.”

To really get this 9-iron shot scooting toward the target, here’s how to set up:

Naturally, this type of shot takes some adjusting and practice to master. But Smith says that the most important thing in order to execute it properly is to dial in the motion of your stroke, which needs to mimic what you use with your putter. He offers some tips to do so.

“Position the 9-iron with the clubface square to your target, and keep the clubhead low to the ground while going back and while coming through impact,” he says. “Avoid any wrist movement — which can cause chunking or blading shots — and simply swing your shoulders, arms, and the club together like a pendulum.

“This shot should feel like you’re sweeping leaves off the front porch with a broom, so just let the clubhead sweep the grass underneath the ball.”

By incorporating this 9-iron scooter shot into your repertoire around the green, you can save strokes, build up your confidence, and shoot lower scores. So give it a try to see better results in no time.

Rukket Sports Haack Golf Chipper XL

$49.99

Our original golf chipping net is a staple of the modern golfer and now we’ve made it XL! Perfect for indoor and outdoor practice or playing a game. Multiple targets for pitching into and super strong netting make this the best short game tool you’ll ever use!
Features

PRACTICE FROM HOME: Our original golf chipping net is a staple of the modern golfer and now we’ve made it XL! Perfect for indoor and outdoor practice or playing a game. Multiple targets for pitching into and super strong netting make this the best short game tool you’ll ever use!
TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL: Multiple pockets and targets allow for rigorous practice sessions challenging yourself with each shot. New extra large net allows you to practice from further away so your approach game gets better with each session. Makes the perfect gift for dad, mom, other family, or friends!
INCREDIBLE PORTABILITY: Rukket has always created the most portable and durable sports products on the market. The Haack Chipping Net XL is no exception; it sets up and breaks down within seconds and comes with the perfect travel bag to take with you anywhere.
TAKE IT ON THE ROAD: Perfect for tailgates and sporting events. Compete with your family and friends with our innovative target system. Improve your swing and short game while having fun at the same time! It will be the talk of the party and you won’t have to worry about any stray shots with our Rukket Practice Balls.

What’s in the Box

(1) Rukket XL Pop Up Golf Chipping Net,
(1) Carry Bag
(12) Rukket Sports Foam Practice Balls
(4) metal stakes

Product Specs

3ft x 3ft

RUKKET FAIR PLAY GUARANTEE & LIFETIME WARRANTY: At Rukket Sports we know you came to win. We also understand that in order to win you need to train hard, so that’s why we’re proud to offer the Rukket Fair Play Guarantee & Lifetime Warranty for no-risk purchasing plus outstanding USA-based customer service!

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