One problem I see with amateur players is they lack creativity around the greens. Using a sand or lob wedge for every greenside shot is not always the answer or low-risk play for getting up and down.
Here we have a situation where the ball has landed short of the green on a par-5. The lie is good, but if anything, it is a little too good. It is sitting tight on the couch surface so attempting a very precise nip off the top of the grass with a sand iron presents a high possibility of a mis-hit.
The answer is to use a 3-wood for the shot. A 3-wood is ideal from this lie as it gets the ball running straight away and, when played properly, will result in an easy up-and-down in two shots. This shot lets you take a shorter, slower, and therefore a more controlled swing, which is something you would not have with a wedge in hand.
Your swing should feel more like you are putting. Choke down on the grip and align your hands with clubface, much like you would when putting. In fact, I use my putting grip for this shot (pic 1).
Place the ball between your forward heel and the middle of your stance. Stand a little more upright than you would when putting. Keep a slightly open and narrow stance. To help lift the ball over the apron, your downswing should be a level pendulum motion by moving your arms and shoulders only with no movement in your wrists (pic 2). Your follow-through should be similar to a putting stroke and will help determine the length of your shot (pics 3 & 4).
NIKKI GARRETT is a member of the ALPG and is a two-time winner on the Ladies European Tour, having won the 2007 Tenerife Ladies Open and the Open de Espana.