Tour winner has 4 big tips for becoming a lethal money-game golfer

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 feature five tips from Chris DiMarco on becoming a better money-game player, originally published in our August 2005 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.

Most of us will never experience the nerves that come with competing on the PGA Tour, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some pressure-packed matches between average joes every weekend. At just about every club around the world, high-stakes money games take place on a daily basis.

Sure, the stakes aren’t as high as they are on Tour, but they still produce plenty of adrenaline — and if you don’t know how to handle yourself, it can be hard to perform. If this sounds like you and you’re looking to become a better money-game player, you’ve come to the right place.

Back in 2005, Chris DiMarco — fresh off back-to-back major championship runner-ups — joined GOLF Magazine to share some of his best tips for becoming a lethal money-game performer. Check ’em out below and you’ll soon be pocketing your friends’ cash every weekend.

Chris DiMarco’s money shots

I’m not a range rat. Just like you, I’d rather be out on the course than spend hours on the driving range. So how do you prepare yourself to go out there and score your best? I focus on my money shots — short approaches, a reliable tee shot and mid-length putts. Those are the same shots that will make or break your round. If you execute them well, you will score well.

For me, they’re the difference between ordinary rounds and the kind that end with me holding an oversized check. For you, they can be the foundation of a career number or for consistently smashing a scoring barrier that’s been your goal. Follow the advice here and the only two words you’ll ever use again are “cha” and “ching.”

1. Fire darts with your short irons

Just like you, I want to hit my short approaches close to set up scoring chances. You shouldn’t think too much about mechanics when you swing, but I find this thought helpful when I’m in attack mode with scoring irons: As the clubhead approaches impact, feel like you’re pulling it all the way through with your left hand. Step aside from the ball and make practice swings with this thought in mind. This will help you make ball-first contact, and that helps distance control. Many players struggle with short irons because the right-hand takes over to try to add loft. Lead with the left, and your approaches will track to the pin.

Big tip: To hit any shot flush, you have to accelerate into a full-finish position. Watch any Tour player, and you’ll see us take much shorter backswings than a lot of amateurs. It’s much better to be long on the follow-through than on the backswing. That also goes for when you’ve got a yardage that puts you in between clubs. In those cases, take the longer club, but rather than trying to let up a bit on the speed of your swing, you should grip down an inch or so and swing full throttle.

2. Learn to draw a 3-wood

I find today’s larger clubheads difficult to turn over from right to left, so when a hole calls for a draw, I pull out a 3-wood. You should consider this, too: The clubhead is much smaller than a driver’s and therefore easier to square up and close through impact. I like to draw the ball to take advantage of firm fairways and get more roll. Align your feet about 15 to 20 yards right of your ultimate target and point the clubface slightly closed, or at your target (right). As you swing down to the ball, think about rotating the clubhead around to your left (above). That will help you close the face to produce the spin you need to hit a pro-caliber draw. Even though you’re hitting a 3-wood, you might end up getting more yards than you would with a straight driver.

Big tip: If your normal shot shape doesn’t fit a particular hole, there’s no point trying to force it. Gear down and keep your driver in the bag — you’ll be better off sacrificing some distance than making an unsure swing with the big stick.

3. Drain the 15-footers

Whether it’s for birdie or to save par, draining one or two from 15 feet is always a big boost. The first key is to stay steady over the ball. Keep your head as still as possible from address until well past impact, which will help prevent you from twisting the putter face open. There will be plenty of time to look up and watch the putt rolling.

No matter which putting grip you use, feel like the left hand is controlling the motion. This will help you avoid the wrist breakdown that contributes to poor contact and distance control. I spend time at home putting with only my left hand on the club. This helps me strengthen the muscles of that hand so it’s the boss when I take my stroke.

Big tip: Putting can be nerve-racking, so don’t fight it. Instead, simulate pressure situations during casual rounds or on the practice green. For instance, tell yourself you’re not going to leave the practice green until you drain two out of three putts from 15 feet. It’s not easy, but doing it will make your putts during a match seem tame by comparison.

4. Perfect your pre-shot routine

It’s easy to gloss over a pre-shot routine. I’m a quick player as it is, and sometimes I get ahead of myself. That’s why my long rehearsal waggle, in which I practice a half-swing, has become so important. Try it out and it will help relax your muscles before the shot. 

Take your address position and make a small, slow turn, bringing your hands back to about waist height. The long waggle will help you set the club with your wrists the same way every time, which is a big factor in consistency. Watch the club go back and remember that image as you swing for real.

Big tip: I see amateurs glide through their pre-shot routines and then freeze over the ball as a million things go through their minds. That’s a confidence killer! The majority of your shot preparation — visualizing the trajectory, checking the wind, etc. — should be done before taking your stance