The short game—chips, pitches, and putts—accounts for about 60-70% of your strokes, making it a goldmine for score improvement. For the everyday golfer, mastering it means turning bogeys into pars without needing pro-level drives. These tips are technical but broken down into easy steps, focusing on feel, precision, and practice drills. Let's dive in and get you saving shots around the green.
1. Master the Basic Chip Shot Technique
Chipping is about control, not power. Technically, it's a mini-swing emphasising ball-first contact for crisp, predictable shots.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Step 1: Choose a club like a pitching wedge or 9-iron for most chips. Position the ball back in your stance, toward your right foot (for right-handers), with hands ahead of the ball.
- Step 2: Narrow your stance to hip-width, weight favouring your left side (70/30 distribution) to promote a descending blow.
- Step 3: Make a putting-like stroke—keep wrists firm, swing the club with your shoulders, accelerating through impact without flipping your hands.
- Step 4: Practice by placing a towel 6 inches behind the ball; hit chips without touching it to ensure clean contact.
Pro Tip: Aim for the ball to land one-third of the way to the hole and roll the rest. This low-trajectory shot reduces variables like spin mishaps.
2. Develop Feel for Pitch Shots
Pitches require loft and soft landing. Technically, hinge and release create backspin for stopping power on greens.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Step 1: Use a sand wedge or lob wedge. Ball position centred, stance open slightly (feet aimed left of target, clubface square).
- Step 2: On the backswing, hinge your wrists early to create a 90-degree angle between club and left arm, keeping the swing compact.
- Step 3: Downswing: Rotate your body toward the target, releasing the hinge naturally for acceleration. Finish with the clubface pointing skyward.
- Step 4: Drill with targets—place hoops or towels at varying distances (20-50 yards) and focus on landing spots, adjusting swing length for distance control.
Pro Tip: Everyday golfers chunk pitches by decelerating—commit to the swing like a full shot in miniature. Soft, moisture-wicking gloves from Fore Golf Blogs can enhance grip feel in damp conditions.
3. Enhance Putting Accuracy and Speed Control
Putting is the ultimate short-game equaliser. Technically, it's about reading breaks and matching speed to line.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Step 1: Read the green from multiple angles—crouch behind the ball, note slopes, and imagine water flowing to predict break.
- Step 2: Setup with eyes over the ball, grip light (like holding a bird), and align putter face perpendicular to your target line.
- Step 3: Use a pendulum stroke—rock shoulders, keep head still, and accelerate smoothly. Practice speed by putting to the fringe without going over.
- Step 4: Gate drill: Place two tees just wider than your putter head 3 feet away; stroke through without hitting them for straight starts.
Pro Tip: Lag putts are crucial—aim to leave yourself a 2-foot comebacker max. Use a putting mirror to check eye position and stroke path.
Dedicate 50% of practice time to short game, and you'll see quick gains. These tips, when drilled regularly, build confidence for pressure situations. Pair them with versatile apparel that moves with you, and your short game will become your secret weapon.
Swing into January with sharper skills—your scorecard will thank you!