Tips for Bringing Your Short Game Up to Par

by Mike Richards, Director of Instruction

For many players, the short game is the most difficult to keep consistent.  Let's make it simple.  Whenever possible hit your ball closer to the ground. Trying a high lofted shot looks pretty but sometimes it is not very effective.  The only time you should try a lofted shot is when you are hitting out of a sand trap or over something that requires the ball to stop quickly.

Here are a few tips that will help you understand how to become a better low-shot make and assist you with the consistent contact and distance control.

1)  Place the ball in the line with your sternum.

2)  Choke down on the club, allowing your arms to hang relaxed.

3)  Hover the club above the ground.  Do not allow the club to rest on the ground.

4)  Lean most of your body weight on your forward leg. This puts the ball behind your sternum and maintains a relaxed arm position.

5)  Use a putting stroke motion.  There is no wrist activity at the strike of the ball.

I would suggest using your sand wedge, pitching wedge, 7/8 iron and 5/6 iron to chip.  This will allow you to keep the same stroke but changing your club will produce different types of chip shots.