In this episode of Stock Shot Secrets, host Kyle Morris delves into the lessons and insights he gained from the legendary golf pro, Stan Utley. The focus of this episode is on Stan Utley's exceptional short game and the valuable tidbits that players of all levels can apply to improve their performance on the golf course.
Morris begins by praising the legends of golf, highlighting the impact and contributions of golf pros who have significantly influenced the world of golf instruction. He expresses his gratitude for having had the opportunity to learn from three out of five of these pros, including Stan Utley. Utley, renowned for his short game prowess, is lauded by Morris for his unbelievable skills, which have left a lasting impression on his students.
Stan Utley's approach to putting is the first topic Morris delves into. He shares a valuable lesson learned from Utley, emphasizing the idea that putting should resemble the technique used in table tennis top shots. Utley's comparison of the desired spin on a golf ball to that on a table tennis ball provides a fresh perspective on the putting technique. The focus on feeling like one is "drawing" putts instead of hitting them straight lends a touch of artistry to the game.
Utley's unconventional yet effective approach to putting is brought to life through a vivid description of how Morris was instructed to hook 3 irons to develop the feel of drawing putts. This unique method enabled Morris to perceive putting as an art, requiring a soft and balanced motion that involves more than just the rigid triangular structure typically associated with putting techniques. Utley's wisdom encourages golfers to embrace their creativity and feel the stroke, much like an artist with a paintbrush.
The episode progresses as Morris delves into Stan Utley's teachings on utilizing bounce with a wedge. Utley’s approach to the use of bounce, the underside of the wedge, challenges traditional techniques. He encouraged Morris to clear the greens of all balls - a practice Morrison initially found peculiar, but that ultimately brought about a significant revelation in his approach to chipping. By focusing on perfect contact and the utilization of bounce, Utley's method helped Morris better understand how to control the low point of his chipping.
Utley’s emphasis on the importance of mastering solid contact as the initial step toward achieving a proficient chipping game correlates with the insights Morris gained from another legend, Tom Lehman. This consistent message from seasoned professionals enforces the notion that developing a reliable short game requires an artistic approach and a deep understanding of how to achieve consistent results through control of the low point.
The episode concludes with Morris emphasizing the artistic nature of the short game, encouraging listeners to let go of the traditional mental constructs and instead engage in a kinesthetic approach to their short game and putting. He urges them to implement the drawing method they learned from Utley, for instance, and advises on how to actively incorporate these insights into their own game.
Overall, this episode sheds light on the innovative teachings of Stan Utley and the enduring impact of his methods on golf instruction. The shift in perspective from traditional to artistic, encouraged by Utley's approach, is a catalyst for improved performance in the short game. Listeners are left with a profound understanding of the artistry inherent in the game of golf, gained from the profound insights shared by Kyle Morris.
00:00 Stan Utley, renowned for exceptional short game.
04:12 Golfer learns new technique, soft and still.
09:34 Practice chipping motion with coach to improve.
10:13 Solid contact is key for a good chip.
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Copyright 2025 Kyle Morris