As a golf instruction editor for The Daily Duffer and a PGA-certified instructor with over 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with players at all levels, from weekend warriors to tour professionals. One recurring theme I see, regardless of skill level, is the frustration that comes from a less-than-stellar short game. It’s truly disheartening to watch a beautifully struck drive followed by a fluffed chip, or a perfect approach shot ruined by a shaky pitch.
My goal, much like “The Wedge Guy” whose insights we’ll be exploring today, is to help you shave strokes off your score. And often, the quickest path to doing that lies right around the greens. We’re talking about those critical shots within 50 yards that can turn a good round into a great one, or a decent round into a nightmare.
Today, we’re diving into what “The Wedge Guy” aptly calls the “Not-So-Magnificent Seven” – a breakdown of the most common short game mistakes. Think of these not as flaws, but as opportunities. By understanding and addressing these areas, you’ll gain confidence and consistency, making those crucial chips and pitches feel less like a gamble and more like a sure thing.
Tempo: The Rhythm of Consistency
Have you ever felt rushed around the greens? Like you’re just stabbing at the ball? You’re not alone. This “jabby” tempo is perhaps the most common error in short game. It’s tempting to think that a quicker swing equates to more power, but for delicate chips and pitches, it actually robs you of control and touch.
“Maybe the most common error I see – especially around the greens — is a tempo that is too quick and “jabby.” Very simply, a slower stroke allows you to deliver more precision to the shot at hand. Try hitting some short wedge shots in what feels like slow-motion – I think you’ll be amazed.”
Why does slowing down help? Precision. A deliberate, unhurried tempo allows your muscles to communicate better with your brain, giving you more control over the clubface and the path. It’s like painting a masterpiece – you don’t rush the brushstrokes.
Try this: The “Pendulum Perfection” Drill
Grab your pitching wedge or sand wedge. Set up to a practice ball and feel the swing as a gentle pendulum. Instead of thinking about hitting the ball, focus on the club taking an even journey back and through. Imagine swinging at 50% of your normal speed. The goal isn’t distance here, but rhythm. Really exaggerate the slowness. You might be surprised how far the ball still goes, and how much more central your contact is. This drill retrains your mind and body to maintain a smooth, controlled motion.
Set Up & Posture: Your Foundation for Success
Your setup is the bedrock of any good golf swing, and the short game is no exception. Many golfers, even good ones, unconsciously revert to a full-swing posture when chipping or pitching. This leads to poor contact and inconsistent results.
“To hit consistently solid chips and pitches, you need to flex your knees a bit more than with full shots, so you can get closer to your work for better precision. Weight should be more on your lead foot…and stay there. I see many golfers stand tall and grip the club to the end, even on the shortest chips and pitches, and they leave their weight back through impact.”
The key here is getting closer to the ball. Think about a surgeon performing delicate work – they’re not standing ramrod straight. Flexing your knees more allows you to hinge forward comfortably, putting your eyes more directly over the ball and giving you a better angle of attack. Keeping your weight on your lead foot (your target-side foot) throughout the swing helps ensure you strike down on the ball, making solid contact before the turf.
Here’s a drill: The “One-Legged Lead” Drill
Set up for a chip shot. Lift your trail foot (your back foot) off the ground slightly, balancing entirely on your lead foot. Now, try to make your normal chipping motion. This drill forces you to keep your weight forward and stable throughout the swing, preventing that common error of hanging back and scooping at the ball. You’ll immediately feel how much more control you have when your foundation is stable.
Grip Pressure & Hand Position: The Touch of a Master
These two elements are intimately linked and crucial for feel and control. When I teach, I often emphasize that your hands are your connection to the club, and through the club, to the ball. Too much tension, and you lose all that vital feedback.
Think about holding a tube of toothpaste. If you squeeze it too hard, paste goes everywhere. If you hold it gently, you can control the flow. Your golf grip is similar. A very light grip allows the club to release naturally and promotes a smoother swing through impact.
“A very light grip on the club is essential to good touch and a proper release through the impact zone. It is very difficult to hold a golf club too lightly – your body won’t let you. Concentrate on your forearms; if you can feel any tension in the muscles in your forearms, you are holding on too tightly.”
Hand position also plays a critical role. When your arms hang naturally at address, your hands should be close to your upper thighs. This promotes a “covering” action through impact, where your hands lead the clubhead slightly, ensuring you strike the ball cleanly. Watch the pros – their arms and hands look relaxed and connected.
Try this: The “Feather Grip & Thigh Check” Drill
Before every short game shot, assess your grip pressure. Imagine you’re holding a small bird – you want to hold it firmly enough that it doesn’t fly away, but gently enough not to hurt it. Then, at address, consciously check that your hands are hanging just in front of your upper thighs naturally. This reinforces the correct connection and promotes that leading-edge impact that creates crisp contact.
Club Selection: The Smart Way to Play
One common trap I see high-handicappers and even some lower handicappers fall into is trying to use the same club for every short game shot. While it’s possible for very advanced players to manipulate one wedge into doing many things, it’s far easier and more consistent to let the club do the work.
Every chip and pitch is a unique situation – different lie, different distance to the flag, different amount of green to work with. Choosing the right tool for the job makes all the difference. For example, a chip that needs to run far will benefit from a less lofted club like an 8-iron, while a shot that needs to get up quickly and stop will demand a sand wedge or lob wedge.
My advice? Don’t be afraid to experiment! Spend time on the practice green with different clubs. See how an 8-iron, a pitching wedge, and a sand wedge react from similar positions. You’ll quickly learn that a simpler, consistent swing with various clubs yields far better results than trying to force one club to do everything with complex technique adjustments.
By focusing on these “Not-So-Magnificent Seven” areas, you’re not just fixing flaws; you’re building a foundation for a truly powerful and consistent short game. Remember, improvement is a journey, not a destination. Embrace these challenges, practice with purpose, and you’ll soon be whittling strokes off your score with confidence.
