Phil Mickelson: Secrets of the Short Game (2009)

Phil Mickelson, winner of 34 PGA Tour events, teams with Emmy Award-winning producer-director Terry Jastrow for Secrets of the Short Game, a two-disc DVD focusing on all shots played from 50 yards. "The goal here," says Mickelson, "is to help golfers build a foundation so that their practice time directly correlates to improved scoring on the golf course." The DVD set includes sections on putting, chipping, sand shots, and the flop shot Mickelson popularized soon after he joined the PGA Tour in 1992. Two discs focusing on the short game of golf: Features interactive menus and scene selection. Running Time: 105 minutes.

Arnold Palmer has one. Jack Nicklaus has one. And now, Phil Mickelson has one. No, we're not talking about the Masters championships (although Mickelson has three of those), but a golf instruction video. Emmy-winner Terry Jastrow, who produced Palmer's and Nicklaus' own bestselling videos, brings his keen eye to this master class that concentrates on what Mickelson calls "the most important part of the game" (half of all shots played take place inside 50 yards, he states). Over the course of this nearly two-hour program, Mickelson demonstrates putting, chipping using his advocated "hinge and hold" method, bunker play, and his signature "flop shot." In an entertaining segment, he also demonstrates two specialty shots, a "Two Balls in Bunker" shot (don't try this at home) and the "Backward Over-the-Head" shot. The demonstrations are repeated in slow-motion and seen from a variety of angles. This program is for the serious golfer, but beginners need not feel too intimidated. Mickelson is a natural in front of the camera and is able to impart a lot of information in a relaxed style that makes even the most advanced concepts accessible. As one golf commentator exults during one of the dramatic highlights clips included as a bonus feature, this is as good as it gets. --Donald Liebenson

Phil Mickelson: Secrets of the Short Game (2009) I found this DVD full of simple and practical short game tips I could put to immediate use. The best has to be Phil's famous flop shot. Great value and recommended for any golfers collection.

I always had a half decent short game but came across this DVD and got it. Who wouldn't want to have a short game like Phil! I've watched this DVD several times and practiced different shots on several occasions. On the course, not only has this DVD improved my short game around the green, but most importantly I can hit bunker shots and have confidence on my short game from inside 100 yards! Phil gives some great insight on putting. He's 100% correct that all amateur's cant read a break (or line) and think it's closer than it is. I've learned to read my breaks farther from the cup and get within 3 feet more than I ever had. I love when my friends say I had an amazing read on the green! Too bad they don't know about this DVD.

I found some useful ideas and techniques here, but given Phil is the king of the short game, I really thought the materials would go deeper into how to build a solid short game. The real depth is focused on putting and how to practice putting to improve. The rest of the materials are useful, but kind of like a video version of a Golf Digest tips article.

When I look at a two-disc set, I expect two discs full of instruction. Well, Disc 1 does present lots of tips for putting and chipping. But Disc 2, except for a brief segment on bunker play, is mainly an infomercial for the set, 2/3s of the disc devoted to great short game shots Phil hit during tournament play and some behind the scenes, self-promoting footage. Just be aware that you're really only getting one disc of instruction for your money.

I've watched many golf videos but this one was the best of all the ones I've watched. Phil keeps it simple but gives you the fundamentals for developing a great short game. Shaved many stroked off my game in just a few weeks!