When it comes to golf, there’s an old saying: “Drive for show, putt for dough.” While bombing drives down the fairway is fun, it’s the short game — pitching, chipping, and putting — that truly separates great golfers from average ones. If you want to lower your scores, sharpening your skills within 100 yards is the most efficient way to do it.
Here are some key tips to help you improve your short game:
1. Understand the Different Shots
Not all short shots are created equal. Learn the differences and purposes of:
- Pitch Shots — This shot falls into that awkward range between a full swing and a chip shot around the green. It’s often required after a missed tee shot, resulting in a punch-out to an awkward distance, requiring an up-and-down to save par.
- Chip Shots — Used around the green, the chip shot is typically used within 15 yards of the green. High lofted chips should be used when going over bunkers, rough, or other obstacles such as sprinkler heads surrounding the green. Low-running shots should be used when there are no obstacles in your way and plenty of green space to work with.
Knowing when and how to play each shot gives you more options — and better results.
2. Use the Right Club
Many amateurs use the same wedge for every shot around the green. Try experimenting:
- Use a lob or sand wedge for high shots that stop quickly.
- Use a pitching wedge or 9-iron for bump-and-runs.
- Sometimes, even a hybrid or fairway wood can be ideal for fringe shots.
Practice with different clubs to learn how the ball reacts off each one. Try the 4-club drill: Take 4 golf balls and 4 different clubs from one location. Chip each ball using a different club to see how the ball comes off the club and determine which club works best for various locations.
3. Dial In Your Distance Control
Distance control is crucial in the short game. Focus on:
- Backswing Length — Keep your tempo consistent and vary your swing size.
- Feel — Practice to learn how far each shot flies and rolls.
- Pick your Landing Spot – Each club rolls out differently, determine your club (which determines how much the shot rolls out), then pick your landing spot based on the club selected.
4. Sharpen Your Putting
Putting often gets overlooked, but it makes up nearly half of your strokes. To improve:
- Distance Control — I find that distance control is more challenging—and therefore more important to practice—than direction. As with chipping, distance is determined by the length of your stroke, not its speed. Your stroke should maintain a consistent tempo, around 85 beats per minute (try putting to the rhythm of ‘Another One Bites the Dust’), while adjusting only the length of the stroke. Did you know that an ideal putt should roll about 18 inches past the hole if it doesn’t go in?
- Direction — Reading the greens and aiming correctly make up your direction. Amateurs tend to leave it on the low side – try leaving it on the high side to give your putt a chance to go in the hole.
Even shaving two putts per round can significantly lower your handicap.
5. Practice with Purpose
Instead of just hitting random chip shots, try:
- Playing games like Up and Down challenges, In Between pitching game and putting games such as the Star, Ladder Drill and 3 foot drills (Reach out if you would like details on these games and drills!)
- Keeping score (e.g., “Can I get up and down 6 out of 10 times?”)
- Practicing from bad lies — tight lies, rough, sand, slopes
This will simulate real course conditions and boost your confidence under pressure.
6. Get a Lesson or Video Yourself
Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can make a big difference. A qualified RedWater Golf Teaching Professional can spot flaws in your technique or strategy. Alternatively, filming your practice sessions can help you see what needs work — and what’s improving.
The short game is the fastest way to shoot lower scores. It doesn’t require a strength advantage or special athleticism — just smart practice and solid technique. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a single-digit handicapper, investing time in this part of your game pays off quickly.
So next time you’re at the practice facility, skip the driver for a while and spend an hour inside 100 yards. Your scorecard will thank you.
