Dave Pelz, a renowned short-game coach, passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of golf instruction that has stood the test of time. Pelz was known for his research and theories on putting and wedge play, which have helped numerous players improve their game. One of his most successful students, Phil Mickelson, paid tribute to Pelz, acknowledging the impact he had on his career and sharing the insights he gained from his teachings with others.
In August 2006, Dave Pelz shared some of his best short-game tips in GOLF Magazine. These tips, designed to help golfers improve their scoring game, are based on decades of research and experience. Pelz emphasized the importance of focusing on weaknesses rather than strengths to improve scores. He highlighted key elements of creating Tour-like touch from 100 yards and in, providing valuable insights that can benefit players of all skill levels.
One of Pelz’s key tips was to let the putterface be your guide when putting. He emphasized the importance of face angle at impact in determining the direction of the ball, with face angle playing a significant role in starting putts on line. Pelz also recommended using a “chip putt” technique on long lags to improve distance control and avoid leaving putts short. By adding a chipping motion to the putting stroke, players can achieve better results on longer putts.
Pelz also shared strategies for achieving the perfect speed on putts and eliminating three-putts. By rolling putts 17 inches past the hole when they miss, players can increase their chances of holing putts. Pelz’s advice on controlling wedge distance with backswing length offered a systematic approach to achieving consistent distances with wedge shots. By adjusting the length of the backswing, players can control how far their shots fly, leading to more predictable results.
Pelz’s tips also covered the benefits of carrying multiple wedges, avoiding wrist hinge in chipping, and learning specialty shots like the cut-lob shot and escaping from buried lies in bunkers. His emphasis on proper technique and practice drills, such as drawing lines in the sand to improve bunker play, showcased his commitment to helping golfers improve their short game skills. Pelz’s legacy as a short-game genius lives on through his timeless advice and teachings, which continue to benefit players seeking to lower their scores and improve their performance on the course.
