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Stan Utley: Master Short Game Instructor b y To m F i t z p a t r i c k S tan Utley was recently on 30-A to host a short game clinic at Sharks Tooth. Based out of Scottsdale and Aspen, Stan played the pro tour in
being flippy. Pros speed the head up at impact by slowing the grip where it becomes vertical and almost pulling back. That’s a fantastic way to visualize the putter releasing at impact. A great drill is to rotate the putter 90 degrees so the toe end is aimed at the hole. Hit putts with the toe and you’ll feel the putter release! Stan Utley on Pitching: Stan had us hit chips using a 3 wood to sense the pendulum motion. “Accelerate the club head early down the plane line by using the wrists,” Stan states. Through the impact you actually want to stand up on the shot (photo 3) . Stan quips, “When I stand up the club snaps down.” That helps the grip get vertical at impact, bringing the bounce into play - no more fat or bladed pitches. He continues, “For a low drawing pitch take the face back shut then rotate the forearms thru from a forward ball position.” Throwing the clubhead first on the downswing makes it much easier for the club to make it around the corner after impact. That was the thought that propelled Nick Price’s career. Drill: Hold the hosel with your right hand and tap a ball with the grip. The ball only moves when you use your wrist correctly. As you pivot through, keep your right elbow tucked into your side. Bunker: Push your hips down and back with your feet square. Now lean towards your front foot. In the backswing rotate your right forearm open, then “dead weight” drop the club two inches behind the ball using the back flange. Don’t dig! (photo 4)
the 90s. He began offering advice to fellow tour pros and a second career ensued as a great teacher and as an advisor to the popular Orange Whip training brand. Stan’s short game theme is that it’s easier to focus on swinging the clubhead and less on the grip end. When we drag the handle through impact the club head fails to properly release. He often makes reference to why the USGA banned putter anchoring—because it works! Anchoring the grip against your shirt buttons allows the clubhead to easily swing. It’s similar to a rotating car tire: the outer part of the tire travels on a larger circle while the center axle travels on a smaller circle. That’s best done by swinging with your wrists and elbows, he says. Stan Utley on Putting: It’s vital to get into a solid putting posture (photos 1& 2) . Start by standing tall and holding the putter straight out with the grip pointed at your sternum. Push your hip joints down and back—this will force your chest lower and get your eyes positioned over the ball. Stan says “most people struggle in putting because their arms are straight. Bending from the hips creates soft elbows”. For the backstroke, load the club by working the right wrist and elbow behind you. Start the downstroke by moving the putter face down first while the grip stays in place. A common mistake is to drag the handle thru impact preventing the putter from properly releasing. Use your wrists without
Stan Utley
Hold the club out then bend from hip joints.
Chest and eyes are pointed at the ball.
Stand up at finish to release club.
Bounce the flange, don’t dig.
Tom Fitzpatrick is a David Leadbetter certified instructor and an active realtor with Scenic Sotheby’s Intl Realty. Contact him at (850) 225- 4674 or tom@scenicsir.com
Tom Fitzpatrick
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