Master those tough approach shots

Chris Jenkins — approach shots

THE fear factor rises when you‘re playing to a well-protected green and this often contributes to a poor strategy or swing that can get you into a lot of trouble. You stand your best chance of success, says Chris Jenkins, England east region under-16 coach, when you see the execution of the shot merely as the last part of a process designed to help you select the right shot, focus your attention in the right areas and give you the confidence to pull it off.

Make sure you stay down on the shot. Anxiety can cause you to look up early to check your success, but this always creates a mis-strike that leads to disaster. Instead, let the momentum of the swing pull you through and up.