Walking Tall In Your Short Game

Many golf enthusiasts know how to start with powerful, straight, long ranging shots that are beautiful to behold. However, if their short game is lacking, it doesn't matter how powerful, straight, or long that initial shot is. They will quickly rack up points on their score cards that annihilate the gains they could have made from the beginning. Here are a few tips to help you improve that all-important short game.

Tip 1: Strategy.

Most trouble begins at 50 yards or less. Choosing the right strategy is crucial at this point. When you're at this point of the game, if you can find a way to putt the ball, then putt it. But if there isn't a remote chance for a putt, then chipping is the next strategy. But only if you can't possibly putt.

The clubs to use are
(1) 7-iron,
(2) pitching wedge, and
(3) sand wedge.

You want to make the ball roll to the hole. The 7-iron rolls the ball better then the pitching wedge. The pitching wedge rolls better then the sand wedge. The lie of the ball will determine your choice of club.

The higher the grass and rougher the terrain, the heavier the club head. The last choice at the 50 yard distance is a pitch shot. This is a regular golf shot, but it has a shorter adjusted backswing to make allowances for the shorter distance.

Tip 2: Alignment.

The alignment will keep you from injury and increase your accuracy. Your feet and club are about three feet away from each other. The alignment of your club and shoulder is more important than your feet. So focus regularly on aligning your shoulders and the club.

Tip 3: Fat shots.

"Fat shots" are when the club hits the ground before hitting the ball. It's a common problem and it can lead to injury. Shifting weight correctly is crucial as well as keeping your shoulder back on the downswing. The tendency is to throw the right shoulder ahead as you swing downward. Then accelerate through the ball. Slowing down at the bottom of your swing will hit fat without fail.

Tip 4: Choosing a chipping club.

Almost any club can be used to chip, but to get the ball rolling onto the green you need to be accurate. Here is a formula to choose the right club for the shot.

Pitching Wedge - for every foot in the air it will roll approximately 1 foot.
9 Iron - for every foot in the air it will roll approximately 2 feet.
8 Iron - for every foot in the air it will roll approximately 3 feet.
7 Iron - for every foot in the air it will roll approximately 4 feet.
... etc.

Tip 5: Pitch distance control.

The length of the swing of you pitch shot will decide it's distance. The longer backswing makes longer pitches and shorter backswing make shorter pitches. Be careful to have a short backswing for a short pitch, otherwise a longer backswing will cause you to lose speed on the downswing.

The short game is the area where practice, practice, practice makes perfect. If you only master a few elements of the short game, those elements will take you from just so-so to breaking through that score ceiling you've been caught in. Having the confidence in your short game will help you to enjoy your time on the green more than you thought possible.