Golf tip: A new swing can be a simple short game solution

Do you know the difference between a chip shot, pitch shot, flop shot, bump and run and a lob shot? How about the different ball positions, face angles, shaft leans and wrist actions required for each?

If you're like most amateur golfers, the differences between these shots can seem complicated, hard to remember and even harder to execute.

Fortunately, there's a simple and very effective solution. Forget all those different shot names, setups and swings and replace them with your new "short game swing." One setup and one swing that will get you up and down like Seve.

Here's how to pull it off:

• Place your feet very close together and put the ball in the middle of your stance. Set your sand wedge squarely behind the ball with the shaft in a neutral orientation. In other words, don't add or subtract loft from the club by changing the shaft lean. Let your weight favor your lead side and keep it there as you swing the club back and through an equal distance.

• The two keys to success on your new simple "short game swing" are to make sure the shaft of the club returns to a neutral position at impact, and to hit the ground under the ball. In order to return the shaft to the neutral position at impact, you'll need to let your wrists move naturally. Don't try to restrict their motion. A good feeling is that the club, hands and chest are all moving back and through in sync.

• Once you have the motion down, you should see consistent contact and a ball that lands softly. If you'd like the ball to roll more when it lands, use the same technique with a pitching wedge. If you would prefer to see it stop even faster, grab a wedge with more loft. To control distance, simply change the size of the swing, bigger swings for longer shots and smaller swings for shorter shots.

The next time you miss a green, keep it simple and use your new short game swing.

• Chris Green is a PGA Professional and Director of Instruction at the Glen View Club. He is listed as one of Golf Digest's Best Young Teachers in America. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @chrisgreengolf.