Seve Ballesteros’ 3 approach shots to master for making more birdies

Golf instruction is ever-evolving, but the best advice stands the test of time. In GOLF.com’s new series, Timeless Tips, we’re highlighting some of the greatest advice teachers and players have dispensed in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today we look back at some ball-striking advice from Seve Ballesteros from our July 1985 issue. For unlimited access to the full GOLF Magazine digital archive, join InsideGOLF today; you’ll enjoy $140 of value for only $39.99/year.

Knowing the exact shape and trajectory of a standard shot is a great skill to have. If you can’t hit stock shots with every club, your ceiling in this game will be severely limited. There’s more to being a great ball striker than hitting full shots off of level lies, though. And if you want to maximize your chance at making birdie, you’ll need to learn how to get creative with your approach shots.

Seve Ballesteros was a master at this, as evidenced by his success in the Open Championship. On links courses — where shot-making comes at a premium — Ballesteros was a king. Three of his five major titles came at the Open, and much of that success can be credited to his creativity with an iron in his hands.

Back in 1985, Ballesteros shared some of his secrets for shot-making with GOLF Magazine, which you can read below. Follow his advice and you’ll soon be more equipped than ever to make birdies in bunches.

Seve’s shot-making secrets

One secret to scoring is sticking to a simple, consistent setup and swing. After hours of practice, I’ve learned to play a variety of shots with a single technique, basically changing only the length of my backswing to fit the situation. Because the swings only go back part of the way, these are often called “part” shots.

For all “part” shots, I stand open, play the ball in the middle of my feet, with my hands ahead, and put most of my weight on the left foot. 

Then, depending on the type of shot and the distance to the flag, I’ll use either a quarter, half or three-quarter backswing, with the corresponding follow-through.

Below are situations that call for varying the length of your swing, plus keys to making each shot work.

1/4 swing

Situation 1: Good lie in the fairway. Pin is cut close to the green’s edge, behind a bunker with a relatively low lip. You’re 20 yards from the hole.

Shot: “Runner” (4-iron)

How to hit it: Put 70 percent of your weight on the left foot. Keep your lower body “quiet” as you swing the club back to the one-quarter position with very little wrist cock.

Instruction

In the downswing, drive both knees toward the target and pull the clubface into the back of the ball. Mirror the one-quarter position at the finish. 

The ball flies low, running through the trap and over the lip. Slowed down by sand and fringe, the ball “dies” as it rolls toward the hole.

1/2 swing

Situation 2: Ball sitting up in fairway grass. You’re hitting to a flag 100 yards away, cut on the top tier of a fast green.

Shot: “Hit-and-run” 7-iron

How to hit it: Leave most of your weight on the left foot. Keep your left arm straight as you swing up to the halfway position. Your left foot should stay planted throughout the swing to prevent swaying. 

Pull the club down with your hands and arms. Finish the swing in the mirror image of the halfway position, hands at shoulder height, with your stomach facing the target. 

The ball hits on the front of the green, bounces once or twice and rolls toward the flag.

3/4 swing

Situation 3: Excellent lie in the fairway. Ball is 150 yards from green, and a 20 mph wind is in your face. There are no hazards in front of the green.

Shot: “Soft punch” (5-iron)

How to hit it: Look down at the ball with your left eye. Make a smooth one-piece takeaway and, while turning your hips and shoulders and activating your knees, swing the club up to the three-quarter position. 

At the start of the downswing, grip more tightly with both hands. You want to delay the release and drive the clubhead at the target, so keep your head down through impact. Swing the club through to the three-quarter position. The ball pierces the wind and finishes on the green.