I feel the short game is the most important part of the golf game. People will debate about how the driver is the most important part of the game, but I feel the driver can help get you into a strong position on the hole, but if you can’t get onto the green and then secure a positive putt, the strong tee shot down the middle of the fairway will account for nothing.
I have made numerous birdies from the tree, simply because of a good short game. Chipping, Pitching, Bunker Play, and Putting can improve your scoring to the point where your handicap improves.
The short game is the most neglected part of the game when it comes to practice. Everybody is talking about how well they hit their driver and their hybrids, but it is very rare that you hear people talking about how well they have been putting or chipping.
Here are a few tips to help build your skill level when it comes to the short game:
Chipping and Pitching:
Many players that I see, use the wrong wedges in the wrong situation. Use a higher lofted wedge like a SW, LW when further away from the green and when in need to having to lob the ball over an obstacle. Use a lower lofted club like a PW, 9 iron, 8 iron when situated close to the green and when you have a lot of green to play with.
The best thoughts to have when playing a chip/pitch is soft hands when holding the club, try maintain a square impact position. Let the loft of the club get the ball in the air, do not allow your hands to try scoop the ball.
Bunker Play:
When playing a bunker shot, the best choice of club to help get the ball out of the bunker is the SW, and the LW. When trying to play a bunker shot, it is important that you try to hit sand 2 inches behind the ball. The thoughts are to make sure that you hit into the sand maintaining momentum and keeping the loft that you require for the shot you want to play. Again, the common mistake is to get your club head buried in the sand and to also try scoop the ball out, which usually results in a sculled shot across the green.
Putting:
I feel putting is easy, but a lack of confidence can hurt your stroke. Be positive with the line you have selected. Visualise the path the ball will travel and stroke the ball maintaining a square club head at impact.
It has been noted to change a particular movement pattern, it take three weeks. The goal is to learn the correct technique and practice efficiently for three weeks maintaining your new approach.