Finesse it when you come up short!

You've got the power to go for par 5's in two, but what happens when you come up short? You need a finesse shot to get up and down for a birdie or at least save par. When you're 20 yards or so from the hole in a nice fairway lie, use the full loft of your sand wedge to get the ball close. The key to doing this is something you'll find familiar. Here's how.

Swing smooth and syrupy!

Start planning this shot by picturing the loose tempo of Fred Couples or Ernie Els. This isn't a shot that requires anything quick. Play the ball in the middle of your stance, and keep your grip nice and light. You shouldn't feel like your squeezing the club at all, because that will prevent a good wrist hinge.

Have just this one downswing thought: Brush the grass with the bottom of your club. This motion should come naturally to you, as it's similar to sweeping the ball off the turf with your fairway woods. Let your hands drop down to the ball like a pendulum. The weight of the clubhead should control the speed of the acceleration to the ball - you don't need to force the issue.

Let the finish happen!

Don't think about the follow-through. By brushing yoour club along the grass, momentum will take the club to it's eventual finishing point. If your club is stopping quickly after impact, you're holding on too tightly. Practice for 10 minutes, shaking your arms and re-gripping the club lightly between each shot. You'll see better results right away.