“I like doing it (practice routine) either in my yard at home where I built a practice facility or some of the local clubs or when I’m on the road at a different club. But I practice flying my wedges to a specific yardage three days a week.” said Phil Mickelson. “I hit over 1,500 golf balls and try to fly it within a yard or hit a target, and, for the most part, I’m able to fly it within a yard 90% of the time.”

“So the fact that it landed close to the hole (last year at the 2011 Farmers Insurance Open), it was supposed to. I mean, I work at that. That’s what I practice. It’s not an accident that my wedge game is what it is, because I sit there and work on it. I just don’t do it out here for everybody to see.”

According to Phil Mickelson, he hits the pin with a wedge about a dozen times a year, which often causes a worse result than not hitting the pin. “(Short-game guru Dave) Pelz wants me to have the pin removed on every wedge shot, which I won’t do because it just looks bad. But the fact is that I hit the pin a dozen times a year, and probably 11 out of those 12, the ball ends up in a worse spot because of it. So two things. I wanted to give it two chances to get in. One, trying to fly it in, and two, trying to back it up back into the hole, and it came close. It didn’t go in, so what does it matter, but it came close.”

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The Secret of Phil Mickelson’s Chip Shots

Phil Mickelson’s DVD “Secrets of the Short Game” wasn’t the first short game video series and it won’t be the last. But it just might be the best production that can truly change your game and improve your technique around the greens immediately.

Yes, I’m a long time Dave Pelz fan and so is Phil. However, the quality and quantity of tips, technique and tricks in this two DVD set is worth its weight in gold. In fact, it’s often surprising at not only the content, but the candor Mickelson has while teaching and demonstrating the various shots in front of the camera. His personality and confidence shines through brightly in this DVD series which was produced and directed by Terry Jastrow, a seven-time Emmy award winner whose credits include Producer/Director of six previous Olympic Opening Ceremonies, Super Bowl XIX, 68 Golf Majors and events ranging from an Indianapolis 500 and Kentucky Derby.

The first “Secrets of the Short Game” disc focuses on putting and chipping while the second disc includes a flop shot section, bunker play and specialty shots such as buried lies and longer bumker shots.

Phil’s putting approach can be at times analytical, but almost always makes simple sense. One of the main suggestions that I took away from this section was the Jackie Burke 25/75 concept. Burke suggests that your backswing swing should be 25 percent and your swing through the ball should be 75 percent. This should allow you to hit the ball aggressively while accelerating through the shot and creating a smooth rhythm.

The chipping section is quite blunt – there is only one effective way to chip. In fact, Phil is quite honest in saying anyone who doesn’t subscribe to this theory is nuts. Here Mickleson teaches to break your wrist immediately when going back on a chip, then hold on and accelerate toward the hole. After watching him demonstrate this simple technique, it’s hard to imagine why you would want to do anything else.

Another highlight of the series is Phil’s precise explanation of his famous flop shot. The amateur golfer might actually be a bit frightened from trying this type of shot after learning about how much thought and preparation Phil puts in even before attempting such a shot. But this knowledge is priceless and Mickelson’s in-depth explanation of matching the shot with the lie can only help golfers of all experience levels.

Can Phil Mickelson’s “Secrets of the Short Game” help your game?  Yes, most definitely. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find more quality golf short game instruction content packed into a more entertaining and easy to watch format. Phil Mickelson’s “Secrets of the Short Game” retails for $49.95 and is available from several online retailers including Amazon.com.

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Review: Phil Mickelson DVD Secrets of the Short Game

Golf professional Kent Smith explains how to use the bounce and loft of the golf club to escape from difficult lies and save shots around the green.

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How to Save Shots Around the Greens

Ron del Barrios teaches how to use a simple drop and turn movement to produce consistent chip shots.

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Drop & Turn for Consistent Chip Shots

Golf professional Shawn Clement shows you how to get the feel for the short chip shot close to the green.

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Maintaining Momentum for Solid Chip Shots

PGA Professional Derek Hooper from Lake of Isles in Connecticut, shows you the secret to solid, consistent chipping.

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The Secret to Solid Chip Shots