Stan Utley - The Art of the Short Game

thepete · Mar 27, 2011

Has anyone else read this? Quite an interesting book about his philosophy regarding technique, shots etc. His ideas about bunker play, chipping technique and pitching were quite different from how I would play the shots. Straight alignment in the bunker, letting the ball roll and not rely on spin for pitch shots and so on. What I like about his philosophy is that it's all about keeping the shots simple. It doesn't have to be complicated.

I'll definitely give it a try when I can get out there and start prepping my short game for this season.

Snap Hook · Mar 27, 2011

I use his putting book. Excellent stuff.

courtneygolfs1 · Mar 27, 2011

Yes, I have read it.

thepete · Mar 28, 2011

Snap Hook said:
I use his putting book. Excellent stuff.

What's his putting philosophy like? Been thinking of looking it up, but I dunno how compatible it'll be with my belly putter.

jnug · Mar 28, 2011

He is to the gated putting stroke what Peltz is to SBST.

Snap Hook · Mar 28, 2011

thepete said:
What's his putting philosophy like? Been thinking of looking it up, but I dunno how compatible it'll be with my belly putter.

jnug said:
He is to the gated putting stroke what Peltz is to SBST.

yup. the belly putter "could" work but it would be difficult.

Some poeple think he wants you to open and close the clubface. Its more of a steady shoulder turn around the spine. Since the club shaft isn't perfectly straight up and down and the club swings on a nonupright plane, the clubface appears to open then close.

All4's · Mar 28, 2011

A forward press is a big part of his (and Stockton's) approach to putting, so doubt it would work very well for you.

I read his short game book too and tried some of it and could see how it definitely works, but it just wasn't for me. I like using Phil's method in his DVD's.