Azaleas are in full bloom in Augusta, Ga., that is Masters it is upon us.
Golf fans are getting a sneak peak at Augusta National today as the ladies play the final round of the ANWA, while the men arrive early next week to prepare for the 90th Masters.
If nearly a century of competitive golf being contested at Augusta National has taught us anything, it’s that there may be no better stage in the game to crown a champion.
Below are the three shots competing at Augusta MUST have in their repertoire – and some tips on how to beat them yourself.
Needed 3 strokes to compete at Augusta National
1. Bump-and-check
Why is it necessary: The bump and run is one of the most basic short game strokes in golf. But to compete at Augusta, you have to put a little twist on it. Instead of the ball being released immediately upon hitting the green, he must hit, check and then roll over.
“Think long about the number 15,” it says GOLF Top 100 Teachers Parker McLachlin. “You have to hit it on the hill, but it can’t be a hit and run. If it is, it’s going to roll into the water on the other side. And you can’t hit it up and stop it because you’re in the grain and you can’t roll it that much and land on a slope. So you have to control a crash with one a little bit.”
How to hit it: Hitting this kick is similar to the traditional kick, but with a few key adjustments. Play the ball slightly back into your stance with your weight and club grip bent forward. Open the clubface slightly and then take an in-out swing path. If you catch it well, it should come out a little lower and check the second bounce.
2. High, soft turn
Why is it necessary: If you’ve watched the pros play Augusta, you know there are plenty of bad places to miss around the green. When you find yourself in these spots (especially when you’re short-sided), you need to know how to hit a pitch that rises and lands softly.
How to hit it: of the key to hitting a high tempo that soft ground is combining a steep angle of attack with an open club face. Grab a high pitched wedge and place it with the face slightly open. Maintain a neutral shaft angle and then focus on swinging slightly longer than normal with a slightly longer than normal wrist hinge. As you drive through the hitting zone, keep the clubhead moving with a little speed. When you catch it clean, the ball will bounce up and come down soft with a few spins.
3. High iron
Why is it necessary: With the speed and consistency of Augusta’s greens, you should be able to hit your approaches high and soften them up. If you can’t do this, accessing many of the pins is difficult.
