When Brad Faxon played on tour, winning eight times, most recently the 2005 Buick Championship, he was known for having a spectacular short game and quite possibly the silkiest putting stroke until Tiger came along.
Today, in addition to providing color commentary for NBC golf broadcasts, Faxon now moonlights as a coach for some of the best players teeing it up in the tournaments he calls.
In the video we share below, sponsored by Titleist, Faxon shares his thoughts and tips for hitting solid pitch shots and chip shots with his lobber from the same spot right off the green. For us golf nerds, his insights are spot-on and worthy of jotting down on a Post-It to take to the practice green for a short-game practice grinding session.
Here’s a recap of what he shares:
With chip shots:
- Weight forward
- Square face
- Decending blow
- Less hinge
- Minimum air, maximum roll
With pitch shots:
- Weight more balanced with a shift back and through
- Slightly open face (engage the bounce)
- Ball farther away
- Let the clubhead pass the hands and ball
- More air, less roll
In the video below, Faxon makes it clear that players must practice both of these types of shots to gain confidence in each approach.
Watch the video, practice Faxon’s tips, and then take to the course a better, more functional short game!