Pampling connects with short-game guru

AUSTRALIAN golfing stalwart Rod Pampling has turned to a Gold Coast short-game expert in a bid to wind back the clock on his decorated career.

Pampling, has teamed with Sanctuary Cove Golf Club professional and respected shortgame coach Matthew Ballard after the pair caught up at Hamilton Island last week, where Ballard was playing the PGA Professionals Championship.

The 2008 Australian Masters champion and three-time PGA Tour winner is tied 33rd at the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Pines after a one-under par third round.

Pampling was intrigued by initial discussions with Ballard, who he phoned for guidance with the flat stick this week.

“I got chatting to him there and was just asking his thoughts about putting,” Pampling said.

“Golf is a never ending story where you are trying to improve, so I thought since we came to the Gold Coast we would get together and see what he has to say.

“So far it’s been good and I just have to perform with it. It’s a trusting thing.

“I like what he had to say so we are going to keep going with that.”

Pampling said the partnership could extend beyond the Australian PGA.

“We are going to sit down at the end of it and see what happens. At this stage I couldn’t say either way but so far it’s been good,” Pampling said.

Ballard has worked with other pros, including 2013 Masters champ Adam Scott.