The Hidden Key to Golf Improvement: Focusing on Putting and Short Game

When it comes to improving your golf game, many players focus solely on hitting the ball further and more consistently. However, there's a critical component often overlooked: the short game, specifically putting and chipping/pitching. This article delves into why these elements are key to better performance, and offers practical advice for golfers looking to enhance their game.

Take Lessons from a Certified Professional

The best way to improve your golf game is to take lessons from a certified professional. Golf can be a challenging sport to master without proper instruction. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is relying too heavily on their arms to hit the ball, rather than using their core to generate strength and control. This often results in poor ball contact and distance.

Proper weight transfer and a full swing through the ball are skills that can be challenging to learn, especially for beginners. Even experienced players can benefit from professional guidance to refine their techniques and avoid bad habits that can hinder progress.

Practicing Putting and Chipping/Pitching: The Secret to Better Scores

Practicing the short game is another crucial element of golf improvement. Many golfers, like myself, often neglect putting and chipping/pitching exercises. I typically only spend 15 minutes putting before I start my round. However, scheduling dedicated practice sessions for these skills during the week could significantly improve one’s performance on the course.

Here's an example of a recent round I played: I had a good round of golf this week at Sherrill Park 1 golf course in Richardson, Texas. My score was 72, with -1 on the front nine and 1 on the back nine. I could have easily ended the round with a -7 65. I made 2 birdies, 14 pars, and 2 bogeys. My putting statistics were as follows: 34 putts total, 1 zero-putt, 1 one-putt, 15 two-putts, and 1 three-putt. I missed birdie/eagle putts from inside 10 feet and two par putts from 2-1/2 to 3 feet, which resulted in two bogeys.

My short game, specifically my pitching and chipping, was extremely poor. On two par 5 holes, I left my third shots chipping and pitching short of the hole by 20-25 feet. Both of those pitches should have landed me birdie putts from inside 6 feet. I ended up with -2 under par on the par 5 holes and even par on the par 3 holes, with 2 over par on the par 4 holes.

Focus on Accurate Short Game Shots

To improve your game, focus on the clubs that you hit from 140 yards and in close. Practice shots from 100 yards and less to gain control and accuracy. Having a reliable go-to shot for 40, 60, 80, and 100 yards, along with variations for hitting more or less distance, can significantly reduce the number of strokes you take to get the ball onto the green.

By hitting these shots close to the green, you can set up putts that you can make and are unlikely to 3-putt. This can take a huge number of strokes off your game, leading to more consistent and lower scores.

Conclusion

Improving your golf game goes beyond just hitting the ball further. By focusing on the short game and dedicating time to practice putting and chipping/pitching, you can achieve better results on the course. Schedule regular practice sessions to develop and refine these skills. With consistent effort and the right approach, you can shave off strokes and improve your game significantly.