[Yoda]

This is too good an invitation to pass up. Thanks for the opportunity.

What are the principles of the Cut Shot and how do you apply them?

In The Golfing Machine, a Cut Shot is any Stroke using Vertical Hinge Action through Impact. Vertical Hinging is defined as keeping the Flat Left Wrist vertical (perpendicular) to the Vertical Plane from Impact to the end of the Follow-Through (Both Arms Straight position).

This action Feels like a Reverse Roll and produces a No Roll of the Clubface. In other words, the Clubface does not Close during Impact; instead, it remains Square to the Plane Line and only Lays Back. The result is a higher Ball flight and better 'bite' than either of the other two Hinge Actions: Namely, Horizontal (Closing Only Clubface) and Angled (simultaneous Close-and-Layback). These two characteristics make the Cut Shot ideal for many Short Game applications, particularly Pitch Shots from Fairway, Rough and Sand.

Using the above definition -- any Shot using Vertical Hinging -- the Cut Shot can be played while Tracing (with the Right Forearm and #3 Pressure Point for Clubshaft and Clubhead Line-of-Flight control) any one of the three Plane Lines (Square, Open or Closed). Further, any one of the three Stance Lines (Square, Open or Closed) can used with any one of the three Plane Lines (giving nine different Plane Line-Stance Line Combinations). The same holds true of the Lob Shot -- a Cut Shot played with the Ball located at Low Point.

Conventionally, however, the Cut Shot is played as follows:

-- Plane Line and Stance Line Open to the Target Line.

-- Clubface Open to the Plane Line at Impact Fix (but still slightly left of the Target Line).

The Club, as always, is swung along the Plane Line (which, as stated, is in this case well left of the Target Line). This produces a Slice Spin, and where there is sufficient air-time for the Venturi Effect to operate, a slight Left-to-Right Ball Flight (and a tendency to spin to the right upon landing).

There are many variations of the Cut Shot. To mention a few: Lower or higher; more or less Lag Pressure; more or less spin; with and without the #3 Accumulator; with and without Wristcock; and with and without Finish Swivel. Obviously, any 'verbal only' explanation of the Basic Cut Shot and its Variations is inadequate. There must be demonstration, ideally in person or, lacking that advantage, via video.

I'll put up a couple of free clips soon that will demonstrate the Basic Motion and several variations. Later, I'll make available a more detailed commercial product.