Improving Your Short Game

1. Mastering Distance Control in Putting

Distance control is the foundation of effective putting. By consistently controlling how far the ball rolls, you can avoid three-putts and set up close-range tap-ins.

• Focus on a Smooth Pendulum Stroke: Use your shoulders to guide the club in a pendulum motion. Avoid wrist movement, as this can disrupt consistency.
• Adjust Stroke Length for Different Distances: For shorter putts, use a small, controlled stroke. For longer putts, increase your stroke length but keep a steady rhythm to maintain control.

Practice Drill: Try the Ladder Drill. Place tees or markers at 10, 15, 20, and 25 feet from the hole. Practice putting to each marker, focusing on stopping the ball close to each target. This drill will help you get a feel for how much power is needed for varying distances, improving your distance control.

2. Improve Your Accuracy to Sink More Putts

Accuracy is crucial in putting, especially for those high-pressure shots within 10 feet of the hole. Developing a consistent routine and technique will help you make more putts.

• Choose a Putting Grip that Works for You: Experiment with different grips (like the traditional, claw, or cross-handed grip) to find what feels most comfortable and stable.
• Read the Green: Observe the slope, grain, and speed of the green to anticipate how your ball will roll. Practice reading greens on a variety of slopes and textures.

Practice Drill: Use the Circle Drill. Set up six balls in a circle around the hole, each about three to five feet away. Practice putting each ball into the hole without missing. This drill helps you gain confidence with close-range putts, reducing the likelihood of missing short shots.

3. Precision Chipping for Better Control Around the Green

Chipping is all about finesse. The goal is to get the ball on the green and rolling toward the hole with precision and control. A consistent chipping technique can turn tough situations into scoring opportunities.

• Narrow Your Stance and Position Hands Forward: Keep your feet close together and slightly open your stance. Position your hands just ahead of the clubface at address, which helps keep the club on the proper path.
• Choose the Right Landing Spot: Visualize where you want the ball to land, allowing it to roll toward the hole. This helps you plan and execute each shot with more confidence.

Practice Drill: Try the Target Drill. Set up three markers at varying distances from where you’re chipping. Practice hitting each target to develop control over different shot lengths. This drill sharpens your ability to land the ball in specific areas, a critical skill for consistently good chips.

4. Choose the Right Club for Every Chip

Club selection is key in the short game. Each club offers a different trajectory and roll, allowing you to adjust your shot depending on your position relative to the green.

• Pitching Wedge or Gap Wedge: Great for longer, lower chip shots that need more roll.
• Sand Wedge or Lob Wedge: Ideal for short, high chip shots that need to stop quickly, especially when chipping over obstacles.

Practice Tip: Spend time experimenting with each club around the green. Understanding how each wedge performs will give you the versatility needed to handle different lies and distances.

5. Build a Consistent Short Game Routine

Consistency in the short game is achieved by developing a routine you can trust. A reliable pre-shot routine will help you stay focused, especially during high-pressure situations.

• Pre-Shot Visualization: Before each shot, take a moment to visualize the ball’s path and where you want it to land and roll.
• Set Up in the Same Way Every Time: Stick to a consistent setup position and posture. The more uniform your setup, the more reliable your results will be.

Practice Drill: Create a Routine Drill. For each chip or putt, go through your full pre-shot routine. This might include aligning your body, visualizing the shot, and setting up in your preferred stance. Practicing this routine will make it feel natural on the course.

6. Essential Drills to Practice Regularly

• Ladder Drill for Putting: Improve distance control by placing markers at different distances. Practice rolling the ball to each target without overshooting or leaving it short.
• Circle Drill for Short Putts: Arrange balls around the hole at close range. Practicing these putts will build confidence and consistency for must-make putts.
• Target Drill for Chipping: Develop precision by chipping to specific targets. This drill helps you control landing spots, leading to better positioning for your next putt.
• Routine Drill: Practice your full pre-shot routine to build consistency and reduce hesitation under pressure.

Improving your short game takes time and patience, but it’s one of the most effective ways to lower your score. By focusing on distance control, accuracy, club selection, and building a consistent routine, you’ll find yourself handling the greens with more confidence. Practice these techniques regularly, and you’ll see how a sharper short game can turn challenging situations into scoring opportunities.

These drills and techniques will help golfers at any level improve their putting and chipping, leading to a more complete and competitive game. So, get out there, start practicing, and watch your scorecard improve as you master the short game!