The short game in golf is both beautiful and technical. The suspense of the shot keeps spectators on tenterhooks and players on their toes, as it often decides the shot and the championship. Peter Gustafsson, a former player on the European Tour, who is based at PG Golf & Academy in Atalaya, Marbella, has extensive experience on the greens and is well-versed in the short game. He’s passionate about the Costa del Sol, where he promotes the destination by sharing his knowledge and experience (and love for the short game) in excellent facilities populated by world-class professionals. Keep reading to find out more about Gustafsson and how to hit the perfect chip shot.
Gustafsson, a former pro now based in the province of Malaga
Though he may be Swedish by birth, he’s malagueño by choice. Peter Gustafsson will first capture your attention with the colourful bucket hats he wears around the PG Golf & Academy in Marbella. He started pro life in the late 1990s on the Nordic Golf Tour, and his career was plagued by injuries. He is currently based in Marbella (for now, at least) where he moved in 2004.
Gustafsson made a name for himself on the European Tour between 2005 and 2008, where he came second, twice. His performance at the time enabled him to get his hands on the 21st position of the Challenge Tour in 2009, a year in which he won Tour de las Américas, which served as a transition towards the Asian Tour and the US Nationwide Tour.
He is currently a coach for young players at the PG Experience Golf (his own company) training facilities at Atalaya Golf & Country Club. The combination of a spectacular backdrop with world-class professionals and attention to detail make this practice course a must-visit in the Costa del Sol if you want to work on your technique, improving your short game and your game as a whole.
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Fuente: Andalucía Golf
The chip shot: concept and technique
When we speak about the short game in golf, our minds almost instantly jump to the chip shot. This shot is used by players when they are close to the green. Essentially, chipping serves to overcome obstacles between the ball and the green, with the final aim of getting the ball in the hole.
Chip shots are the perfect way to control your distance without the bounce impacting the result you’re looking for. Like every shot in golf, practice and advice from teachers and professionals are key to improving your game. When chipping, you will need to touch the grass at the moment of impact, to give the ball the desired lift. The ball will then bounce on the green and then run towards the hole.
How to perfect your short game in golf
Videos can be of great help when it comes to perfecting your short game in golf. You can analyse everything in detail, from the movement and the stance to the backswing and even the grip, helping you master your technique for any situation you may find yourself in around the course. Beyond watching videos of your favourite players, you might find the following tips of use to help you improve your chipping:
- You don’t want to hit the ball too hard. Whether it’s a chip, a pitch, a putt or an approach shot, hitting the ball too hard and too fast won’t give you good results.
- Minimise the movement of your swing, you don’t want to exaggerate the shot.
- Concentration is key for this type of shot.
- Choose the right club for the situation (analyse the terrain and see if there are any obstacles or not) and get rid of any tension in your arms. A light and delicate touch is important in the short game.
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So how about it? Put these tips into practice on the course. The Costa del Golf offers all sorts of different options in inland province of Malaga and the main destinations in the area. The choice is up to you. But whichever course you choose, make sure you have fun on the greens and enjoy all the other wonders on offer in the Costa del Sol.
