By Robin All
More strokes are played within 50 yards of the hole than on all the longer shots combined. Yet many golfers spend most of their practice time on the full swing, assuming chipping and putting are easy.
One of the most important rules of the short game is to putt whenever possible from off the green. A putter is often the safest and most reliable club when there are no obstacles between your ball and the hole.
The next rule is to use as little loft as necessary. A bump-and-run shot with a 5-, 6-, or 7-iron can be much easier to control than a high, soft shot. Intentionally landing the ball short of the green and letting it roll toward the hole is often the highest-percentage play.
Of course, situations such as sand bunkers, thick rough, or steep slopes may require a more lofted club. In those cases, focus on making solid contact rather than trying to create the dramatic backspin seen on television. While tour professionals make those shots look easy, attempting them can lead to topped or fat shots that quickly add strokes to your score.
For senior golfers looking to improve, dedicating more practice time to pitching, chipping, and putting can produce faster results than spending hours on the driving range. Improving your short game is one of the quickest ways to lower your scores and enjoy the game more.
For more information about golf instruction, contact Robin All, PGA Life Member, at 803-238-1655.
