Seve Ballestero’s 3 shots to own to make more birdies

Golf instruction is always evolving, but the best tips stand the test of time. In GOLF.com’s new series, Lifetime Tips, we’re highlighting some of the greatest advice that teachers and players have shared in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today we look back at some amazing tips from Seve Ballesteros from our July 1985 issue. For unlimited access to the complete digital archive of GOLF Magazine, join Inside GOLF tODAY; you’ll enjoy $140 worth of value for just $39.99 per year.

Knowing the correct form and trajectory of a standard shot is a great skill to have. If you can’t hit with every club, your ceiling in this game will be very limited. However, there is more to being a great ball hitter than hitting full putts from par lies. And if you want to maximize your chance of making birdie, you’ll need to learn how to get creative with your approach shots.

Seve Ballesteros was a master at it, as evidenced by his success at the Open Championship. On the links courses – where making shots comes at a premium – Ballesteros was a king. Three of his five major titles came at the Open, and much of that success can be credited to his creativity with an iron.

In 1985, Ballesteros shared some of his filming secrets GOLF magazinewhich you can read below. Follow his advice and you’ll soon be more equipped than ever make birdies in bunches.

Seve’s shooting secrets

One secret to scoring is to stick to a simple and consistent setup and swing. After hours of practice, I’ve learned to play a variety of shots with a single technique, essentially just changing the length of my swing to suit the situation. Because the swing returns only part of the way, these are often called “part” shots.

For all “part” shots, I stand open, play the ball between my legs, hands in front, and put most of my weight on my left foot.

Then, depending on the type of shot and the distance from the flag, I will use a quarter, half or three-quarter backhand, with the appropriate follow through.

Below are the situations that call for changing your swing length, plus the keys to making each shot work.

1/4 swing

Situation 1: Good freeway lie. The pin is cut close to the edge of the green, behind a bunker with a relatively low edge. You are 20 yards from the hole.

Shot: “Runner” (4-iron)

How to hit it: Put 70 percent of your weight on your left leg. Keep your lower body “still” as you return the club to a quarter position with very little wrist cock.

On the downswing, drive both knees toward the target and pull the clubface to the back of the ball. Mirror the position of a quarter at the end.

The ball flies low, goes through the trap and over the rim. Slowed down by the sand and edge, the ball “dies” as it rolls toward the hole.

1/2 swing

Situation 2: Ball sitting on fairway grass. You are hitting a flag 100 yards away, cut into the upper level of a fast green.

Shot: Hit-and-run 7-iron

How to hit it: Put most of your weight on your left leg. Keep your left arm straight as you move up to the halfway position. Your left leg should stay planted throughout the swing to prevent swinging.

Pull the club down with your hands and arms. Finish the swing in the mirror image of the halfway position, hands at shoulder height, stomach facing the target.

The ball hits the front of the green, bounces once or twice and rolls toward the flag.

3/4 swing

Situation 3: Great freeway lie. The ball is 150 yards from the green and a 20 mph wind is in your face. There is no danger before the green.

Shot: “Soft Fist” (5-iron)

How to hit it: Look down at the ball with your left eye. Take a smooth one-part catch and, while turning your hips and shoulders and activating your knees, move the ball up to the three-quarter position.

At the beginning of the rotation, grip tighter with both hands. You want to delay release and get the clubhead on target, so keep your head down during the shot. Swing the club in the three-quarters position. The ball pierces the wind and ends up on the green.