While drives draw applause, it’s the quiet finesse around the green that shapes your scorecard. Intermediate golfers know that strokes lost within 50 yards can make or break a round. Honing your short game turns pressure into poise.
Chipping & Pitching
- Club selection: Choose wedges based on distance and trajectory; a gap wedge for mid‑range, a sand wedge for soft landings.
- Setup: Weight slightly forward, hands ahead of the ball; keep wrists quiet.
- Execution: Rotate shoulders and torso; brush the grass and let the loft do the work.
Putting
- Routine: Read the green from different angles; set a consistent pre‑putt routine.
- Stroke: Rock your shoulders; maintain wrist firmness; follow through to the target.
- Distance control: Focus on tempo; practise ladder drills to develop feel.
Practice Drills
- Up‑and‑Down Challenge: Drop balls around the green and get up and down within two shots.
- Lag Putt Ladder: Putt to targets at 10, 20 and 30 feet, focusing on speed.
- One‑Handed Chips: Practise chipping with one hand to develop a soft touch.
“Scoring begins where patience meets precision.” Invest time in the short game, and watch your confidence—and scores—improve.
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