your game on the green can make or break your scorecard

[aportela06]

It's by far the most crucial part of the game of golf. And it's known as the short game. Whether it's an approach shot, a chip shot, or a putt, if you don't have that part of you game dialed in, it's almost impossible to shoot a good score. The bad part is that the short game is the hardest part.

 

Approach shots are all about feel. No power is necessary. Just let the clubs do the work. One thing you should always do at the range is try hitting different shots with all your short irons. Lets say you take a full sand wedge and hit it roughly 100 to 110 yards. Start practicing taking a 75% shot. The reason for this is that you might need to hit a shot inbetween clubs. I carry a lob wedge, a sand wedge, and a pitch wedge. Lets say I have a shot roughly 85 yards. My sand wedge I can hit 110 to 120 which is too long and my lob I can hit 60 to 70 yards. In this case I would play a softer sand wedge because you have a less chance of messing up a shortend swing that a swing that you are attempting to clobber the ball. Does this make sense?

 

Chipping is the most feared shot of the amatuer golfer. It very well should be. The number one reason why a player doesn't hit a good chip is not trusting the shot. Often amatuers get worried on their take away and decelerate on the follow through causing the ball to go no where or in the wrong direction. In order to hit a good chip shot you need to keep a good pace through the ball just like any other shot. To achieve this you need confidence in your shot, and that my friends comes with practice.

 

Putting is where games are won and lost. You should never expect to be shooting pars unless you can putt. General rule of thumb, if you hit the green in regulation you have 2 putts to make par. You have to be able to 2 putt in order to start shooting good scores. Most of your practice time should be spent on the green.

 

Hope this helps. Feel free to respond with any questions.

[El Guapo]

Shot a 74 recently with only 24 putts! The ability to get up-and-down has saved me on WAY too many rounds.

Shot a 72 today with 28 putts.

[bjackson]

Exactly. Yesturday I had a qualifier and this proves this idea 100%. I shot 77 with 35 putts. Another kid I played with shot 66 with 21 putts. Scary putting is that important...

[ferrispgm]

I agree....I repeatedly shoot in the mid to low 70's with 33+ putts! But for some reason when i hit the ball horribly i tend to putt really well and break par! if only i could hit my normal 13 greens and putt well on the same day....