How to Improve Short Game Like Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson is regarded by many golf experts as the second-best professional golfer in the PGA and best rival to Tiger Woods. His short game however, is second to none. You, too, can shave valuable shots off your score by using Phil's strategy on the short game.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Practice with your wedges. Phil knows that two-thirds of all shots on the tour take place within 100 yards of the hole, so it only makes sense to practice with your wedges much more than your driver or irons.

2. Read the break when you putt. Mickelson's coach Dave Pelz feels that most PGA golfers don't read enough of the break. When Pelz works with Mickelson, they never work on his swing, they only try to read the greens. As a result, Phil doesn't leave nearly as many putts below the hole.

3. Aim for a spot past the green when you putt. When people miss putts, they often leave it short or long, not left or right. By aiming for a spot past the cup, you ensure that the ball has enough speed to make it to the hole.

4. Learn to master the "Phil Flop." This amazing shot is done when your ball is on a downward slope with an obstacle like a sand trap or water hazard between you and the green. Pick your wedge with the highest loft and approach the ball so your back is to the pin. Take a full swing and try to scoop the ball, making sure to have a full follow-through. If you did it right, the ball should fly backwards over your head and land safely on the green.

5. Keep the pin in. Unless your ball is completely on the green, keep the pin in because the ball is much more likely to fall in the hole instead of skipping over it.

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[edrhow]

on 6/26/2009 Good info. Here is some more. http://www.ehow.com/how_5126197_improve-game-practicing-short-game.html