Monday, January 17, 2011

The Art of Scoring - Stan Utley

I just finished reading "The Art of Scoring" by Stan Utley.  The book presents a guide on great ways to lower your score utilizing various approaches to strategies, decision-making, and management for every part of your short game..where it counts right?

We have all heard of Stan Utley and his breakthrough short game and putting techniques have made him one of the most sought-after golf instructors in America..ask Sergio Garcia, Jay Haas, Darren Clarke and Paige MacKenzie.  Stan also holds the PGA Tour record for fewest putts in nine holes with six at the 2002 Air Canada Championship.

Utley's sole PGA Tour victory came in 1989 at the Chattanooga Classic. He lost his PGA Tour card in 1992 and decided to play on the Nike Tour (now known as the Nationwide Tour). In the 1990s, he played primarily in this venue.  As his touring career was winding down, Utley began to develop new career strategies for taking advantage of his reputation as one of the best chippers and putters in the game. He began a transition into teaching and writing with special focus on his specialty - the short game. Utley has risen to prominence as one of the best instructors in golf. Golf Digest has called him one of America's 50 greatest teachers.

The key components that Stan wants you to leave with after reading (..and for me re-reading) are:

Four Keys to Success

Get to the Green: Stan Utley’s techniques show you how to keep the ball in play, and make the most of your individual skills. Stan shows you how to reduce your risks, stay out of trouble, and play within yourself to get to the green with a minimum amount of pain and frustration. 

Wedge Game: Learn the techniques of consistent wedge play around the green. Stan Utley will show you how to hit your wedges consistently and the easiest way to cut down the number of putts you make. Learn proper techniques for shots around the green and then learn to pick the best strategy for each situation. 

Rediscover the Lost Art of Putting: How can you blow a knee-knocker from 8 inches, but backhand a “gimmee” from two feet? Consistent putting requires a good eye and steady hand. Stan Utley’s techniques let you rediscover the lost art of putting.

Bouncing Your Way Out of the Sand: Even the highest skilled golfer gets sweaty palms when faced with a digging the ball out of a bunker. When should you blast? When should you try to pick it cleanly? With a few easy-to-learn techniques, Stan Utley can prove that there are worse places to end up than on the beach.

It is a very easy book to follow along and worth every penny..the perfect golf reference book for us everyday golfers.

1 comment:

Alex Whittet said...

This looks a fantastic read. The majority of instructors only give you 'basic' shots round the green, but it's fantastic to get the tour insight on how the pros play those control shots around the green. I'll definitely be looking to purchase the book.