Big Play With Tom Patri

WHO: Phil Mickelson

WHAT: 48-yard wedge to four feet for a birdie

WHERE: 535-yard, par-5 11th hole at TPC Sawgrass

WHEN: Final round of the Players

WHY
Shortening the driver swing should be easier for Mickelson because of his wedge game. Mickelson has unrivaled feel and distance control with his wedges because he perfectly manipulates the length of his swings. He demonstrated that with his low punch at 11 to set up the birdie that gave him a two-shot lead. Now with Butch Harmon's help, Mickelson simply has to transfer his wedge skill to his driver swing. Mickelson's driver swing looked more compact, but the real test of his progress will come during the U.S. Open at Oakmont.

TOM'S TIP

Dial in Your Distance Control

To gain distance control, hit practice shots with quarter-, half- and three-quarter-length backswings (below) and note how far the ball travels with each. To make sure your swing length is accurate and consistent, stand facing a mirror or, with the sun behind you, use your shadow--don't trust your instincts--until you get a feel for each position.

Tom Patri teaches at Friar's Head in Baiting Hollow, N.Y.

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