PGA of America Golf Professionals are the experts in golf performance, so we’re asking a new performance-related question each month and sharing the answers to with our readers. This month’s question is:
“The most impactful change I can help golfers make to play better is to calibrate their short games. Divide the short game into two sections – chipping (more roll than carry) and pitching (more carry than roll). Chipping should be a smaller stroke that stays relatively consistent in size, changing the club used to control total distance, including roll. Determine how far each iron and wedge travels and write that down in a chart for your student. Next, determine how big of a swing they need with their most lofted wedges to carry the ball at 10-yard increments. Charting out the short game for them will save strokes and decision-making time, as well.”
– Kellie Stenzel, PGAPGA Master Professional,PGA of America Golf Instructor,Dutchman’s Pipe Club,West Palm Beach, Florida2025 South Florida PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year
“Helping your students understand course management is imperative to playing and maintaining better golf. Course management as a term gets thrown around a lot in the world of teaching and coaching, but implementing it is a completely different story. Valuing the center of the green, laying up to trusted yardages, trusting shot shapes and – most importantly – playing within yourself are big factors in playing better and more consistent golf.”
– Zach Abels, PGAPGA of America Head Golf Professional,Canyon Springs Golf Course,Twin Falls, Idaho2020 and 2022 Rocky Mountain PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year
”At Golf Garage, our philosophy is centered on comprehensive player support. We facilitate change through a holistic process that includes teaching, coaching, clubfitting and a year-round training methodology. We treat every student as a touring professional: If they are committed to that level of engagement, we provide the corresponding elite-level support. While the specifics of progress vary by individual, the experience of growth is universal. Our company mantra – Your Partner in Golf – guides our daily approach to student development.”
– David Jankowski, PGAPGA Owner,Golf Garage Vermont,Burlington, Vermont2024 New England PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year
