In an ideal world, golfers would achieve greens in regulation with every opportunity given. Unfortunately, reality on the golf course is far from perfect. Even professional golfers find hitting every green in regulation to be an exceptional and unrealistic accomplishment. This is why possessing a reliable short game becomes paramount to save strokes and enhance overall scores. I’ve emphasized before and I’ll reiterate it now; shots within 100 yards are responsible for 80% of your golf performance. Consequently, refining your short game emerges as the most efficient route to improving your scores. Drawing from over two decades of golf experience and countless instances of missing greens, i’ve accumulated a set of tips and techniques aimed at fortifying your short game and ultimately reducing your scores. Without a specific sequence, here are some short game insights that will elevate your game. Enjoy the tips and lets become a better golfer together!
Get The Ball On The Ground ASAP
Look I understand the appeal of nailing that high flop shot using a 60-degree wedge – it’s undeniably enjoyable and impressive. But let’s be honest, how frequently do you truly execute this shot successfully? Personally, despite having the flop shot in my arsenal, I rarely find the occasion to employ it. It tends to be a final option when circumstances are particularly challenging. Instead, when you have ample green space to work with, consider reaching for a 9-iron or pitching wedge and delicately bump that ball up near the hole. Rather than attempting a long, almost full swing for a flop shot, opt for a stroke similar to putting with the 9-iron. Keep the ball close to the ground, and watch it roll up closely to the hole. By incorporating this technique into your everyday gameplay, you’ll discover the potential to save more pars and significantly reduce your scores.
The Texas Wedge
Piggy backing on the previous tip, don’t hesitate to use your putter when you’re slightly off the green in the fairway. There’s a saying that your worst putt is typically superior to your finest chip, and I’ve found this holds true in my personal experience. Employ the trusty “Texas wedge” by giving your putt a tad more force than usual to navigate the approach on the green. Your goal is to get the ball within a six-foot radius of the hole, providing a sensible opportunity to salvage a par.
Practice Your Bunker Shots
Bunker shots often evoke apprehension, primarily stemming from uncertainty about the ball’s behavior upon leaving the sand. This uncertainty primarily results from a lack of practice in the sand. To enhance your performance, consider these pointers while in the bunker: open your club face, position the ball around three-quarters forward in your stance, with about 65% of your weight on the front foot. Once set up, avoid fixating on the ball itself; instead, concentrate on striking the sand around 1-2 inches behind the ball. The most critical aspect is to maintain an accelerating motion through impact. By adhering to these straightforward guidelines, you’ll increase the likelihood of transitioning from the bunker to the green for your next shot. As you accumulate bunker shots, your confidence will grow, ultimately leading to an improved short game and overall golf game as a whole.
Short Compact Swings Are Better
Shifting our focus back to those shots ranging from 60 to 100 yards, your primary concern should revolve around achieving solid contact with your wedges. It’s crucial to avoid employing forceful, full swings with your wedges, as this often results in mishits like chunks and thin shots. Instead, opt for a smarter approach by selecting a slightly less lofted club. For instance, if you typically use a full 60-degree wedge from 80 yards, opt for a 56-degree wedge and execute a controlled three-quarter swing. This adjustment has personally enhanced my wedge play, elevating both my distance and spin control. Observing top-tier players reinforces this technique, as they consistently employ compact and concise wedge shots. Always bear in mind to commit fully to your shot and maintain an acceleration through impact. By incorporating these tactics, you’ll increase your chances of hitting more greens and achieving lower golf scores.
Know Where To Miss
Lastly, here’s a course management insight that holds more significance than anything else: familiarize yourself with strategic misses around the greens to optimize your chances of securing par. It’s crucial to avoid positioning yourself on the short side of the hole, leaving minimal green to work with for your chips near the green. To facilitate this, rather than aiming directly for the pin, consider removing it from your focus and instead target the center of the green during your course play. This technique will ultimately contribute to an increased number of successful greens hit, thereby translating into lowered scores. Even in the event of missing the green, you’ll find yourself facing a much more manageable chip or pitch back towards saving par. In the realm of golf, it’s important to recognize that misses are part of the game, so understanding where to make strategic misses becomes key when things don’t go as planned on the course.
Keep these tips in mind the next time you step onto the tee, as they’ll aid you in not only reducing your golf scores but also in becoming a more proficient and well-rounded player!