- Phil Mickelson - Secrets of the Short Game

It is challenging to learn anything golf related from books and it is best to learn from a good instructor, but as far as learning from a DVD goes I don't think it could be much easier.Phil shares his knowledge in a manner that is both educational and enjoyable to watch.In the putting segment he clearly states why he does what he does and provides some really effective drills.He also keeps the general putting principles as he moves into the short game so it is easy to transition from one to the other. The hinge and hold technique is very logical and can be learned with practice. Again he clearly states how he does it from ball position, to stance, to face angle, impact and follow through.One of the best secrets is his discussion of how to hit shots with indirect contact with the ball. This is something that I never realized in years of trying to perfect lob shots and bunker shots.In terms of bunker play Phil takes out a lot of the noise - eg) hit X inches behind the ball - and allows the golfer to focus more on variables that are easy to control including weight distribution and how that will effect approach angle and how the ball comes out of the bunker in different situations.The trick shot segment is fun and probably not super practical for most golfers but interesting to see.The most important aspects of improving your golf game are technique and practice. Phil provides some solid fundamentals, that with practice, can lead to an excellent putting stroke, chipping game and bunker play.Seeing him hit the various shots in real time is obviously something to aspire to - and although few to none of us will get there because there are too few hours in the day - it is brilliant to see his technique executed properly.

I found this DVD very helpful. It was easy to follow and understand. The techniques taught have improved my game considerably. I am especially happy that Phil Mickelson is left-handed. As someone who is left-handed myself, it was very easy put into practice. Most instructional videos that I have found are taught by right-handed golfers.

How this DVD can get anything less than 5 stars is beyond me. I've been watching this video for over a year, checking it out from our local library whenever I saw it on the shelf. Unfortunately it is usually checked out, so finally I decided to buy it for my own collection so that I can watch it whenever I want. I've played golf for 20+ years (high single digit handicapper) and have used different short game methods in the past. Instructional books used in the past include those by Dave Pelz and Stan Utley.Phil does a wonderful job describing his short game. Surprisingly, most of his shotmaking comes from one basic swing method, with adjustments made for various conditions. I think that this is beneficial for the amateur golfer, who should be able to implement Phil's method quickly. Phil's communication is effective and very energetic. I should add efficient as well, because the segments are concise and easy to follow.I've recommended this DVD to many golfing buddies, and I do so here on Amazon as well. This comes from a lifetime golfer and frequent viewer of this DVD. I highly recommend it.

This DVD Rocks, the putting drills and concepts alone are worth their weight in gold. In my humble opinion putting is the most overlooked, undeveloped part of the average golfer's game. Go to any course or driving range and you will fine very few golfers working on putting let alone short game. Atlas "you drive for show and put for dough" Just look at any major championship. Almost any golfer can tell you that the majority of the game is played for 130 yards and within, but the "Big Sick" gets all the love? Not sure the motivation behind some of the negative comments? Yes the second DVD is mostly fluff but there is more than enough meat in disc 1, as far as the price it's less than what you'd pay for a lesson with far more detail and insight. Not to mention you can revisit the lessons with Phil whenever you like! (try to put a price tag on that!) The button line is Phil is arguably the greatest short game player of all time! (This coming from a huge Tiger fan) if you can't learn anything from him my guess is you belong on tour or at least should be teaching.

I have been playing golf for 35 years and my index has been as low as 5.5. I may be headed back there from 9 or so (I hope) as the Mickelson DVD has vastly improved my putting, chipping and sand game almost instantly.PHIL MAKES IT SIMPLEPutting:I'm convinced that many of the golf gurus think their answer has to be complicated to make it worth the price of advice. Phil says 1/3 back 2/3 forward, don't let the club head get ahead of the arm, and try to get it in a 3-foot circle. There are a few more nuances, but that's about it -- and I have had Zero 3 putts in the 36 holes I've played post video. I know I'll 3-putt again, but I feel very confident about my stroke.Chipping:For twenty years I have carried the image of a Golf Digest cover with Ken Venturi showing a plaster cast on both wrists saying "Chip with your Wrists in a Cast." Wrong. Phil teaches "hinge and hold" with a quick wrist break and driving the arm to the target. Great slow mo video shows how this is the ONLY WAY that will work with modern wedges.The sand play section is spectacular.If you bet when you play golf, you will quickly pay for this video.

Phil, Phil, Phil....he is a funny guy.There is no doubting that Phil is, arguably, the best short game player in the world. This DVD instructional video really does show all of his short game thoughts and processes. I like it because it is technical. He focuses a lot of his time on the numbers. For example, his goal is to always get within 3 feet of the cup where 95% of the putts are made. He explains the percentage from 6 feet out + and how they, obviously, become lower. His hinge techinque makes sense and seems to simplify the short game for every stroke (from sand to pitch shots).He is unintentionally funny at points when offering his opinions about the other 'teachers' of the short game. He refers to some of their teaching methods as "crazy". Oh that Phil, he is a funny guy.Funny enough I got the DVD for pitch and sand shots but ended up learning the most about putting.Overall an excellent video, high end quality, and if you are having short game struggles or simply want to learn from the best, Phil's DVD is more than worth it. Plus, you get to learn some of his trick shots as well.

Up until this purchase I had never purchased a video of golf techniques. I think I might have saved the best for this purchase. As the world number 2 golfer, Phil Michelson is known for his great abilities and in this video he is sharing his short game with you. Of course you have to put in the practice time and make it work for your game but at least it is a great starting point. The flop shot has always been difficult for me. In this video it is all made crystal clear. If you have any concerns of Mr. Michelson being left handed and how it would relate to your game put them aside. You are so focused on his commentary and the display that it isn't an issue.

As per my review title, this is a very good instructional video.My only concern is that the video didn't play on my usual dvd player, and I had to watch it on my laptop. (I really wish that all dvds were made to play on all players.)That concern aside, it is highly entertaining how unassuming and personable Phil is on the video.Now all I have to do is put his instruction into practice. (Being April in Ontario, I'm still a few weeks away from the driving range being open...)

Die DVD von Phil ist phantastisch. Leicht verständlich erklärt er wie man sein kurzes Spiel deutlich verbessern kann. Die Trick-Shots kann man getrost ausblenden, so etwas schafft nur Phil und vielleicht eine handvoll Profigolfer. Trotzdem, für den Amateurspieler, der sich vor allem im kurzen Spiel verbessern möchte, hält das Produkt hervorragende Tips parat.Wie in der Überschrift erwähnt, ein must-have vor allem für Linkshänder, da es für uns als unterrrepräsentierte Spezies kaum Bücher und noch weniger Videos / DVD's gibt.

I had originally bought this for my boss after totally embarrassing him on a few courses last year.I have since come to regret my decision as his short game has really picked up...:(I took a quick look at it and it's definitely a good guide especially for any left handed golfers out there.Would recommend it to anyone looking for a game booster.