Master the Short Game

Why It’s the Fastest Way to Lower Your Golf Scores

Mastering your short game in golf is often the difference between being a good golfer and becoming a great one. While big drives make headlines, it’s what you do within 100 yards of the green that consistently lowers scores and wins matches. This article explores why becoming a short game master is essential—and how it can transform your performance on the course.

“Drive for show, putt for dough.” — This age-old golf saying still holds true today.

What Is the Short Game?

The short game includes any shot played from approximately 100 yards or closer to the hole. These shots require precision, control, and creativity. Common short game components include:

• Putting – All strokes on the green with a putter.
• Chipping – Low-lofted shots near the green that roll more than they fly.
• Pitching – High-lofted shots that fly farther with minimal roll.
• Bunker play – Escaping greenside sand traps with control.
• Wedge shots – Short approach shots using wedges.

These aspects make up over 60% of most amateur players’ strokes. If you’re not practicing them, you’re missing the fastest route to lower scores.

Top Reasons to Master the Short Game

1. Lower Your Scores Fast

   Even if you miss greens, strong short game skills let you save par or bogey. For example:

   • Missed green? Chip close and one-putt = par.
   • On in three on a par 5? Two-putt = par or better.

   “Every time you chip it close or sink a tricky putt, that’s one more stroke saved.”

2. Builds Confidence Under Pressure

   A strong short game makes you mentally tougher. When you know you can recover around the green, you swing your longer clubs with less fear. This relaxed mindset leads to better full swings.

3. Improves Overall Efficiency

   Short game practice is:

   • Time-efficient – Even 20 minutes of focused practice makes a difference.
   • Accessible – You don’t need a full range to work on chipping or putting.
   • Motivating – Results come faster, boosting confidence and momentum.

4. Teaches Feel and Creativity

   Short game shots involve touch, spin, trajectory control, and reading slopes. Developing this feel enhances your creativity, which improves your entire game—especially shot shaping and ball control.

5. Frees Up Your Long Game

   “When you trust your short game, you’re not afraid of missing greens.”

   That freedom leads to:

   • More confident full swings.
   • Less tension with longer clubs.
   • Fewer blow-up holes caused by poor recovery shots.

Real Game-Changer: Course Management and Resilience

A great short game teaches you how to manage the course and bounce back from mistakes. When your driver or irons are off, a solid short game helps you:

• Scramble and save strokes.
• Recover without letting emotions take over.
• Keep your round alive and avoid big numbers.

The Pros Know: Short Game Is Everything

Top tour professionals have made careers out of short game mastery. Many even hire short game coaches alongside swing coaches. Why?

• Everyone on tour hits it long and straight.
• The short game separates winners from the field.
• Small improvements = major scoring opportunities.

How to Start Improving Today

Focus on weak areas like:

• Lag putting (3-putts kill scores)
• Sand shots (get up and out consistently)
• Chipping to a specific landing spot

Try these drills:

• Ladder drill: Great for distance control in putting. See Best Putting Drills for Beginners.
• Circle drill: Improve 3–5 foot putts under pressure.
• Hula hoop landing zone: Practice precise chipping—learn more in How to Chip Like a Pro.

Dial in your wedge yardages with this guide: Golf Wedge Distance Control Guide.