Justin Rose's Approach to Short Game Play
From the bunker to the lob shot, the chip shot, and finally the putting stroke, Justin Rose explains the principles that guide his short game and compares two masters with contrasting approaches: Seve Ballesteros and Phil Mickelson.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
In the bunker, Justin Rose opens the clubface wide and uses the bounce, which he considers essential for controlling distance. He significantly widens his stance: the narrower it is, the steeper the angle of attack. For a lob shot from a bad lie, he changes his approach, Mickelson-style: face wide open, weight heavily on the left, leading edge dug into the ground. When chipping, his key reference point: the ball’s position is judged relative to the upper body, not at the feet. The club's lowest point is located under the left armpit; with the ball positioned behind this point, the clubhead still moves downward at impact, ensuring solid contact.
He then compares two methods. Seve Ballesteros looked for soft balls that roll like a putt, using only a 56° wedge, adding loft, and holding the club very lightly. Mickelson hits down on the ball, pinching it. For those afraid of hitting the ground, Rose suggests the simplest shot: ball on the back foot, clubface square. His principle for distance: a longbow, left arm outstretched, holding a flag in the background; a short bow, bending his left elbow to position the flagstick in front of him. When putting, he engages his chest and left upper arm together, mentally traces a starting “corridor,” and then keeps his eyes on the ball while focusing his attention on the hole.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- In the bunker, open the clubface and widen your stance for a flatter angle of attack.
- On the chip, locate your lowest point: under the left armpit.
- Place the ball slightly behind that point so that the club still comes down at impact.
- If you're afraid of contact, place the ball on your back foot and face the ball squarely: this is the easiest shot.
- For a flag at the back, keep your left arm extended and your swing wide.
- To make a flag in front, shorten the arc while keeping your left elbow bent.
- When putting, mentally visualize the line of the putt, then keep your eyes on the ball during the stroke.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- A narrow stance in the bunker: the angle of attack becomes too steep.
- Judge the ball's position solely in relation to your feet.
- Place the ball in front of the low point when making contact is difficult.
- Keep the same arc length for both a short flag and a long flag.
- Analyze every sensation of the putter.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Bunker: Compare a narrow stance and a wide stance, with an open face
- Chip: same shots with a long arc and then a short arc, toward two flags
- Security chip: ball on the back foot, square face
- Putting: Keep your eyes on the ball, focus on the hole
Your Questions
Where does Justin Rose think the club's weak point is when chipping?
Under the left armpit, where the club is longest relative to the left arm. By placing the ball slightly behind this point, the club still comes down when it makes contact with the ball.
Why should you widen your stance in the bunker?
Rose explains that the narrower his stance, the steeper his angle of attack. A wide stance gives him a flatter swing, which is useful for delicate shots with little sand.
How can you adjust the distance of a chip shot without changing clubs?
Depending on the length of the arc: a long left arm and a wide arc for a flag in the background, and a bent left elbow and a shorter radius for a flag in the foreground.
What's the difference between Seve Ballesteros and Phil Mickelson?
Seve was looking for soft, rolling balls with a 56° loft and very weak grip. Mickelson hits the ball down by pinching it with a more open wedge. Rose uses both approaches depending on the shot.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Justin Rose). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.