Golf Games: Play Links Style

With the British Open this week, perhaps it would be a fun suggestion to try out some links style shots in your next round.  As we hear all the time, American golf is a game mostly played in the air while links golf is played mostly on the ground. Around the greens Rather than choosing your lob wedge on every short shot like most American players do, try some low punch shots, bump and run shots or even putts if the conditions will allow. Take an 8 or 7-iron when off the green, put the ball back in your stance a bit and put a putting stroke on it.  If you can, try putting or using a "Texas wedge" from off the green. Off the tee Lately I've been hitting some low punch shots off the tee on par-3 holes.  Surprisingly I've been hitting more greens that way than with full high shots. Let's say you are on a par-3 hole which would normally be a full, high 8-iron.  Rather than hitting that shot, tee up a 6 or 7-iron.  Put the ball back in your stance, take a short back swing and use a short and low release.  The ball will come out low and straight (hopefully). Teeing off on par-4 or par-5 holes links style can be fun and possibly help fairways hit stats too.  A punch style shot with a long iron, hybrid, fairway wood or even a driver can be very effective.  Tee it back, shorten the swing and finish low. Approach shots Just like the par-3 analogy above, try hitting approach shots with more club and a lower, more punch style swing. If conditions allow Naturally any of these shots should not be attempted if the conditions or course design call for a high soft shot.  A long par-3 over water or a shot over a bunker would obviously not be an appropriate time to try a running shot!