Question on Open Stance for Short Shots

O.P.H

I have a question about the application of the open stance for all short shots, lets say 60 yards and in, when using wedges etc. Now I do open my stance for these shots as its the done thing but I find when I apply the normal approach of standing square to the target line with my feet parallel to the line I get much more accurate shots when it comes to target line etc. So if I was hitting a lob wedge lets say 40 yards, I'd get the feel for the distance first, then line up the shot and stand square to the line, feet maybe a foot apart, ball positioned between my feet and if I want more loft move the ball more left etc. I know its not conventional but it works really well, always get the right line because my feet lined up act as a guide for the right line, but when my stance is open I often dont hit my intended line. I find this works for shorts shot off the green too as again your lined up feet as a guide for the right line. So is there a need for the open stance or not, sorry for the waffle

Swinging Looney

I was told during a lesson recently that modern clubs no longer require an open stance for pitching. The explanation was that older clubs do not have the same capacity for creating spin and the open stance allowed a higher shot with more spin for a given distance. Modern clubs apparently manage to do the same with a square stance.

The stance should be quite narrow, but nonetheless square with the left foot pointing outwards a little more than usual to help the hips rotate out of the way when striking the ball. This removes the need for a high level of 'feel' which is a prerequisite for the open stance, as it involves cutting across the ball with an open clubface in the hope that both of these facts will cancel eachother out and result in a straight ball flight. A square stance is much more repeatable and the swing then becomes nothing more than a short version of the full swing. The key for me has been to be sure that I try to turn my hips through as I strike the ball. I can get very 'army' and 'wristy' if I'm not careful and end up with lots of fat pitches where the divot goes further than the ball!

Anyhoo, that's what I was told by a pro, so perhaps it may not be as unconventional as you think.....

lilfish

think this explains why an open stance is good on pitch shots....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ona3KgfjWjg

Swinging Looney

Jaysus that's brilliant! No wonder I was having so much trouble getting my hips out of the way. :mad:

Just goes to show you can't believe everything you hear!!! (or read)

Ignore what I said. Go with that guy!

lilfish

i find the guy fantastic. He has a whole series, all of which i find very helpful

O.P.H

Thanks thats very helpful

Golf Ninja

http://www.bpga.ie

Check this out guys brilliant method of the short game feet together i am getting a lesson from the guy next week.

It fealt a bit strange at first i was one for the open stance always but no more. Great site all free just go into the free video golf tip section.

bpga.ie