Attack Pins with Your Irons Like Scheffler: 3 Shots
Whether the flag is on the right, the left, or at the back, Scottie Scheffler doesn't play the same shot—even from the same distance. From the fairway, he explains how he chooses his club and spin to bring the ball from the center of the green toward the hole and set himself up for a putt.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
The Scheffler Principle: Playing the shot with the highest percentage, the one that leaves it, at worst, on the green, by making the ball roll from the center of the green toward the flag. With the flag 161 yards to the right—a distance between two clubs—he chooses the 9-iron over the pitching wedge: it’s easier to take distance off than to add it, and adding distance would result in a draw that would curve to the right. He shortens his grip slightly, takes a slightly smaller swing, and hits a slight fade.
On the same 161-yard shot toward a flag on the left, with about a 10-yard tailwind, he instead sees a pitching wedge on a draw shot (His standard pitching shot is about 142 yards, 161 with a 9-iron), by “flattening” the loft to gain six to seven yards. For the back flag, positioned on a plateau at 174 yards, he aims for a landing spot just above the step with a standard 9-iron: it’s better to land in the center than to run off the green. Once he’s made up his mind, he focuses solely on executing the shot.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Note the flag's position and the side of the green where you might miss the shot.
- Calculate the distance played with the wind (Scheffler subtracts about 10 yards for a tailwind).
- Flag on the right between two clubs: choose the longer one, shorten your grip slightly, and take a slightly smaller fade swing.
- Flag on the left: Use a shorter club and hit a draw by squaring the clubface to gain a few yards.
- Flag in the background on a platform: Choose a landing spot just above the step rather than the flag.
- Set your finish line right next to the flag, on the center side of the green.
- Get into it and hit the ball without thinking about anything else.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Aim directly at a flag placed at the edge of the green.
- Having to hit the ball farther with a club that's too short.
- Hit the ball toward the edge of the green so it rolls back.
- Being too aggressive on a back-nine hole and reaching the green in one shot.
- Aim for the perfect uphill putt instead of just a birdie putt.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Three targets at the same distance—one on the right, one on the left, and one in the back
- Same distance with two clubs: the longer one with a fade, the shorter one with a draw
- A shorter grip and a smaller swing to lose a few yards
- For each shot, note whether it landed on the center part of the green.
Your Questions
Why does Scheffler choose the longest club when he's deciding between two clubs?
Because it's easier to reduce distance than to add it. To add distance, you need a draw, which means you have to start off to the right when the flag is on the right.
How does he take a few yards off his 9-iron?
He shortens his grip slightly, takes a slightly smaller swing, and hits a slight fade that curves from the center of the green toward the flag.
How does he gain six to seven yards with a pitching wedge?
He hits a draw by flattening the clubface: the ball flies lower and rolls farther, taking him to the left flag.
Which target does he choose for a flag placed on a tray?
A landing spot just above the step. If the ball rolls back toward the center, it's no big deal; if it flies past the green, he's in trouble.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Scottie Scheffler). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.