This is my secret to sinking long shots

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 return to our April 1985 issue, where Ben Crenshaw explained his procrastination secrets. 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.

Of course, we’d all like to hit it close to the pin every time we find the green, but unfortunately, that’s just not possible. This is why it is essential that you become one competent delay driver.

Being a great long range shooter is hugely beneficial to your scorecard. If you can eliminate the three-shot, you’ll be surprised how quickly your scores drop. Plus, without the stress of weaving around on all fours all day, it makes the game so much more enjoyable.

When faced with these long shots, it is important to make some key adjustments to your stroke to find success. For more on this, we look back at the April 1985 issue of GOLF magazine where two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw shared his secrets.

Ben Crenshaw’s delay in setting the keys

When you have a very long putt, stay higher to the ball. This increases the width of your swing arc so you can develop the extra strength needed for the shot without swinging faster or using too much wrist action.

Take a wider stance, which will allow you to hit a longer shot without moving your head off the ball. Also, as you will see later, there should be some footwork on long shots. A wider stance allows you to move your feet properly without swaying, a flaw that makes a hard shot difficult.

In a very long shot, don’t be too conscious. What is more important is the pace of the shot. The more of these shots you can get within a foot of the hole, the more you will open.

To help you do this, imagine a circle with a four-foot radius around the hole. Then try to make the ball end up inside the circle.

Below is a step-by-step guide to my delay technique.

Going back

Swing the shooter back with your arms. Allow your shoulders to respond to the swing of the arm so they turn, bringing the club back to the inside. Note that the throwing blade opens relative to the target line. However, this is not something you should try to do; it results naturally from the curve of the shoulder.

Use just enough wrist action to keep the action fluid. You’ll also find that a little wrist action helps you make a smooth transition from back to back.

Regarding backswing length, Bobby Jones made a good point when he said always get a backswing that is “long enough”. A long backstroke gives you enough power in the movement without having to change pace. A consistent rhythm on all shots is essential for good touch. A long backstroke also gives you a smooth shot.

The foot action on the backswing is similar to that of a chip shot of the same length. There is only a slight shift of weight to the right leg, with the right leg staying strong.

Landing and impact

On the downswing, key to swing your arms and club through the ball. The shoulders respond to this action, bringing the club back inward to the ball and then back to the inside following.

In the same way, the shoulder turn opened the blade on the backswing, so the shoulder turn closes the blade through the ball. At impact, the blade is in the process of closing, so it is turning very slightly on the ball. I catch the ball just above the equator and it starts spinning immediately. If you hit too low the ball will slide too far before it starts to spin.

With such a long stroke, you need a little leg action during the forward movement. If you tried to keep your feet still, you would hit the ball instead of making a smooth shot. By releasing the right foot to the left, there is no chance to turn the ball with the wrists and pull the ball to the left of the target.

Follow

If you compare the length of my follow through on this putt to the length of my backswing, you will see that they are mirror images. This is intentional.

When I’m stroking a putt, I try to feel like I’m part of a metronome: back to a count of “One,” to a count of “Two.” This slow, even beat keeps my stroke smooth and rhythmic.

Conversely, if you try to accelerate the putter through the ball, you shorten the backswing and speed up the forward motion. In short throws, you can sometimes get away with this. But it is fatal in long shots. You lose your natural pace and your touch, leaving the ball short or going past the hole.

A quick summary. On long legs, stand a little longer and wider. Aim for a four-foot circle. Lean back with your arms and shoulders. Use a “long enough” twist with just one small hand. Then cross your arms and shoulders, letting your right knee relax. Keep the swing as smooth as possible to the beat of the metronome. Then you too will kill your share of “monsters”.

Zephyr Melton

Editor of Golf.com

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the GOLF team, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with the Texas Golf Association, Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists with all lessons and covers amateur and women’s golf. He can be reached at zephyr_melton@golf.com.