HOW TO PLAY GOLF

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21325, 20 April 1939, Page 12

HOW TO PLAY GOLF

Hints Ey Bobby Locke

Explosive Shot Risky

The acquisition of a strong short game is one that should be sought by players of all standards, for during my career I have found that the “boiling down” of three shots into two gives one an enormous advantage, and generally turns the scale, writes Bobby Locke.

To be able to get down in two shots from off the green means much, for on the long par 5 holes it may mean the capturing of a birdie. On the par four holes it will give the player who has missed the green a chance of securing a par, and thus saving a stroke. The American professionals are masters in saving strokes, and the lessons they taught the British professionals have greatly improved the standard.

The chip shot or the pitch shot is not difficult, but these strokes must be practised if the player wishes to improve his game. Touch is essential for this shot, for though it is an easy matter to hit a drive over 200 yards, the "chip shot or pitch shot calls for greater accuracy if the ball is to finish near the flag. The principal thing to remember with this type of shot is to keep the body still, for there is no body move-

ment, the hands being responsible for the stroke, with the right hand playing the leading role. I use a No. 7 club for this shot, pitching the ball to the edge of the green, so that the ball moves on to the green. This would be from a range of 40 yards, though as the distance decreases I may use less lofted irons, provided of course there are no bunkers or rough to be avoided. From 10 yards or so, I prefer a No. 4 or No. 5 iron. But from a range of 80 to 120 yards I play boldly for the pin with a No. 8 iron. I use the same grip and same stance for all shots. I have found this the simplest way of playing, and with the grip and stance standardised, as it were, there only remains the task of hitting the ball. Putting Putting is regarded by many as the most difficult part of the game. For a start, one must feel comfortable and relaxed if the best results are to be obtained. For my part, I have the same grip as for all my other shots. In my stance the ball is about six inches from my left toe. The stroke is back and forward, with the blade of the club facing where you want the ball to go. Any tenseness must be banished from the stroke. Confidence is most essential in putting, and this can best be acquired by hitting and playing the simplest way. Complicated stances and methods of stroking the ball may bring results on occasions, but throughout my career I have endeavoured to make every movement as simple and as natural as possible. In practising putting—and this is most essential, for without it the sense of touch which means so much is missing—I have found it best to concentrate on getting down six-foot putts. Once a player feels confident of getting down six-footers, he need have no fears, for even an approach putt from the edge of the green should finish at least six feet from the pin.

A Fascinating Feature

To me putting is one of the most fascinating features of the game. So many things have to be taken into consideration. There is the pace of the green, which can be influenced by atmospheric conditions, wind, rain, and heat, and the contour of the green. Gauging the amount of the fall on a putt calls for nicety of judgment, and to a certain extent of luck, or “jam,” as we say in the Transvaal. On fast greens more can be allowed. On heavy greens there is not so much fall. These are problems that tend to make the game interesting. But I cannot go further than to remark that confidence is the first essential. Without it, one will never sink the putts. It is better to approach the problem in this frame of mind, than with the idea that “I don’t think I will hole this putt.” You have all heard the remark of an opponent in a friendly four ball, when after you or your partner has got an approach four feet from the pin (“How generous Locke is” I hear you murmur), he plants the first seeds of of creating lack of confidence in your putting powers, by remarking confidentially to his partner. “Don't worry, he’s such a weak putter.” He is possibly a student of human nature. Forget him. Stroke that putt as easily as you would a cat. Don't become tense, but smile sweetly at him when you do get the putt down. Bunker Play I have some rather startling ideas on bunker play. For years the world has been told that the safest shot out of any bunker is the explosive shot. Now I am going to say that the explosive shot is the riskiest in golf. Why? Simply because there are so many factors with which to contend. The texture of the sand, the position of the flag, the size and shape of the bunkers, are a few. I prefer a firmly played chip shot when such a shot is possible.

There are times when a chip shot is out of the question. Then, and then only, do I advocate the playing of an explosive shot. If the ball is lying

burled it can be cut-out with the explosive shot, when the club comes into contact with the sand an inch or so behind the ball. Great skill is required to escape from some bunkers, but none is more difficult than the Hell bunker at St. Andrew's. This is unfair. Bunker play is fascinating, but one needs to practise. Confidence is most essential when in a bunker, and this can best be obtained by practising bunker shots from good lies. This will enable a player to acquire confidence, and the battle is half won, and the more difficult shots can be attempted.