How to Make More Birdies

HOW TO BIRDIE MORE PAR 5s

Over four rounds at Augusta National, I birdied 11 of the 16 par 5s I played, and I laid up every time. I executed that strategy with confidence because I knew I could get the ball close to the hole with one of my two basic lob-wedge shots: (1) a low- to medium-height shot with maximum spin to attack middle and back pins, and (2) a high, soft ball to front hole locations.

SHOT 1: Low to medium-height spinner Play it when the pin is middle or back
Patrik Giordino Play the ball off your right foot.	Patrik Giordino Match left arm going back to right arm on follow-through.
CHECKPOINT: How to find your lay-up distance Lay up to a distance where you can make a controlled 3/4 swing. For me, that's 50-75 yards. To determine your distance, drop 10 balls at the 100-yard marker on a hole (when the course is empty) and make 3/4 swings with your favorite wedge. Take the average distance of the 10, and that's your lay-up distance.
Patrik Giordino Hands lead the clubhead through the ball.	Patrik Giordino Turn full to target and finish low.

No! Too upright, outside.	Yes! Swing the club around you.
Patrik Giordino	Patrik Giordino

SHOT 2: High, soft wedge shot Play it when you can't get spin (that is, from the rough) to front pins and to super-firm greens that won't hold
Patrik Giordino Play the ball in the middle of your stance.	Patrik Giordino More wrist action and a bigger turn.
CHECKPOINT: How to find your lay-up distance Lay up to a distance where you can make a controlled 3/4 swing. For me, that's 50-75 yards. To determine your distance, drop 10 balls at the 100-yard marker on a hole (when the course is empty) and make 3/4 swings with your favorite wedge. Take the average distance of the 10, and that's your lay-up distance.
Patrik Giordino Hands still lead, but not as much.	Patrik Giordino Finish with arms and club higher.