How do professionals deal with short cuts? Here is Will Zalatoris’ method

There are plenty of tricky shots for beginners on the golf course, but one spot that always gives players a fair shot is the 100-yard approach shot.

On the surface, this shouldn’t be too difficult – just grab your trusty wedge and hit your ball somewhere on the green. But as everyone reading this knows, it’s more complicated than that.

These short shots require not only confidence in a particular club, but an understanding of your yardage and swing length. Even if you’re sold on those two things, making a shot can be difficult, with other factors playing a role in the outcome as well – such as weather, course management skills and, of course, the quality of communication.

But finding a program that will help you manage your swing length should be your first task.

To do that, check out some tips from Will Zalatoris below (courtesy of Titleist’s YouTube channel), who presents a unique strategy on how to master the 100-yard shot.

How will Zalatoris dial in shots from 100 yards and inside

What is the best way to hear different distances from 100 yards and in? Many top instructors preach the clock system — where golfers treat their swing lengths like clockwork — but Zalatoris says he prefers a different approach, and getting there is more about feeling.

“For me, I have four or five different swings for each wedge, which [kind of gives me] late numbers,” he said.

So what does that really mean? Zalatoris explains that it’s a way for his mind to visualize the situation before hitting a particular shot. It comes from work at the range, which he and other pros often mix up their practice to get the feel needed to hit their distances — especially on approach shots from 100 yards and inside.

“A lot of guys on Tour are doing a little distance work, or they’re doing block work — where they’re working on swinging their game,” Zalatoris said.

Zalatoris prefers to use a few different swings with each wedge, as it allows him to “get that feel for how far I should bring the club back and how far it is. [each shot] you’re leaving.”

“Let’s say I blind you and you’re 78 yards and you need to hit the sand, how do you hit that?” he asks. With enough repetition, his body uses muscle memory and his running takes over.

So how can you use something like this in your next range session? An easy way would be to hit different types of shots with the same wedge, which helps you feel the length of each swing, and see the trajectory of the ball.

For example, do you hit a high drive to reach that 78-yard mark, or do you need to fade your ball near a tree? These aren’t the typical shots that beginners practice at the range, but they should be so that you have an idea of ​​what to do when you’re on the course.

While having a good barometer of your swing length is important for controlling distance, Zalatoris reminds players that flexibility is even more important.

“If I’m trying to hit something 78 yards and I hit it 82 yards, the pins are a lot harder on Tour, so that can be the difference between a 10-foot birdie and me trying to get par,” he said.

By using the unique Zalatoris technique during practice, you can rethink how to use each club in your bag within 100 yards, giving you a higher percentage of shots in your next round.

Former Titleist Vokey SM10 Nickel Wedge w/ Dynamic Gold R300

$130

Unboxed Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge in Nickel Finish. CONDITION Very Good (9.5/10) # of Rounds Played: 0-2 Mint condition SPECS Dexterity RH Lofts/Grind Available 50.08 F, 54.10 S Shaft Dynamic Golf R300 Grip Golf Pride MCC Black/Black STD Length +.5″ Standard Lie Standard

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