Having a solid short game is essential for maximizing your scoring on the golf course. The legendary Harvey Penick used to advise his students to practice their short game by hitting chips under a bench to learn how to lead with their hands through impact. However, in today’s modern game with advanced wedge designs, it is important to avoid digging into the turf with the leading edge of the club. This problem can be mitigated by using less shaft lean on short-game shots, allowing you to better activate the bounce of the club. One effective drill to improve your chipping is to practice chipping over your bag with a 9-iron instead of one of your wedges.
By playing the ball a few feet behind the bag and swinging, you can let the club release through impact and aim to “paint” the ground with the bottom of your club. Over time, the goal is to find a happy medium between the classic technique of chipping under a bench and the modern approach of activating the bounce of the club. Jeff Warne, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher and director of golf at The Bridge in Bridgehampton, N.Y., recommends this drill to fine-tune your chipping skills and improve your short game performance. With consistent practice and focus on proper technique, you can become more confident and efficient around the greens.
In addition to chipping drills, it is important to work on your pitching technique to enhance your short game skills. Pitching involves hitting higher shots with more loft and less roll than chip shots. To practice pitching, set up with the ball in the middle of your stance and your weight slightly forward. Use a slightly open clubface and create a descending blow to generate height and spin on the ball. By mastering the pitching technique and practicing different trajectories and distances, you will become more versatile around the greens and improve your ability to get up and down from various lies.
Another key aspect of a solid short game is mastering bunker shots. Bunker play requires a different approach and technique compared to shots from the fairway or rough. To successfully escape from a bunker, open the clubface, aim slightly left of the target, and maintain an open stance with your weight on the front foot. Use a shallow and accelerating swing to splash the sand and lift the ball onto the green. By practicing bunker shots regularly and understanding the necessary adjustments for different bunker conditions, you can save strokes and avoid costly mistakes on the golf course.
Putting is another critical component of the short game that can significantly impact your overall score. To improve your putting performance, focus on developing a consistent stroke, proper alignment, and solid distance control. Practice drills such as the gate drill, rhythm putting, and speed control exercises to hone your putting skills and become more confident on the greens. By mastering the fundamentals of putting and maintaining a positive mindset under pressure, you can reduce the number of three-putts and lower your scores consistently.
Short game skills are often the differentiator between average golfers and elite players. By dedicating time and effort to practice chipping, pitching, bunker play, and putting, you can elevate your game to the next level and achieve better results on the course. Utilize the guidance of experienced instructors like Jeff Warne to refine your techniques, develop a sound short game strategy, and enhance your scoring opportunities. With consistent practice, a focused mindset, and a commitment to improvement, you can become a more well-rounded golfer and enjoy greater success in your golfing endeavors.
