It’s All About the Game… The Short Game

We all know that one of the most crucial aspects of golf is the short game, any shot taken from within 100 yards of the green, including putting, chipping, pitching, and even bunker shots. However, as it’s not as fun as the glory of a great drive, many golfers tend to focus more on their long game, neglecting these important skills..

So Why is the Short Game Important?

The short game will make or break a golfer's score. In fact, according to some experts, up to 60% of a golfer's shots occur within 100 yards of the green. So if you ignore working on your short game, it could affect more than half of the shots you take during a round of golf.

While the long game requires strength, power, and accuracy, the short game requires finesse, touch, and feel. Professional golfers, who are typically excellent at the long game, all spend a significant amount of time practicing their short game. 

So How Can You Improve Your Short Game?

1. Practice, Practice, Practice: The most effective way to improve your short game is to practice it regularly. Set aside time to work on your chipping, pitching, and putting.
2. Use the Right Equipment: Using the right equipment can make a big difference in your short game. For example, having the right wedge for the shot you're taking can make it easier to control the ball's spin and trajectory.
3. Focus on Technique: Good technique is essential in the short game. Make sure you're using the correct grip, stance, and swing for each shot you take. Get feedback from a pro to help you identify and correct any flaws in your technique.
4. Learn to Read Greens: Reading greens is a crucial skill in putting. Spend some time practicing your green-reading skills so you can quickly and accurately read the slope and break of each putt.
5. Be Creative: The short game requires imagination. Don't be afraid to try new shots and experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you.

So be sure to take after Jim Furyk, who realized he wasn’t the best driver on the tour, but his emphasis on this essential skill has enabled his overall career success and longevity as a top professional.  However, even us mere golf mortals still have the ability to improve our overall score if we place value on the importance of the short game.