Amazon.co.uk Review
At the beginning of
Short and Sweet--Secrets of the Short Game, Butch Harmon says that his most famous pupil, Tiger Woods, spends 70 per cent of his practice time on shots from under 100 yards. It's a lesson handicap golfers obsessed with length off the tee find hard to implement, but Harmon's aim is to establish a handful of generally applicable short-game techniques, and leave the rest to you. Beginners be warned: you'll need to be familiar with the language of golf tuition--what's a chip, what's a pitch--and have an awareness of the fundamentals of grip, stance, swing speed, etc., to really appreciate this video. Scratch golfers and advanced students (16 handicap and under) may find it a bit repetitive, and light on the "science" of swing planes, angle of attack, gripping down the shaft, etc. But Butch himself has an easy, engaging authority, and is at pains to (a) keep things very simple with key-point summaries, and (b) remind you that the real "secret" of the short game is to practice. Overall, the techniques look well suited to 16-24 handicappers who need pointers on simplifying and stabilising their approach.
The video is slick, well produced and short--45 mins or so, including plenty of filler--with only half a dozen types of shot covered in any real detail, and techniques like the famous Woods three-wood chip really only touched on. But the overall impact is positive--this programme stands up to repeat viewings. You'll actually want to practice ... --Alex Hankin
Synopsis
Coach to the golf majors, Butch Harmon, reveals his tips and techniques for success. Features hints on improving wedge play, bunker shots and putting.