Sharpen Your Skills Around the Green

The short game is where good rounds turn into great ones. Whether you’re a weekend warrior trying to break 90 or an experienced player chasing a lower handicap, improving your short game is one of the fastest ways to see better results. Golfers often focus on driving distance or full-swing irons, but the truth is simple: if your chipping, pitching, and putting are sharp, you’ll save strokes every round.

This guide offers practical advice on improving your short game, drawing on insights from both casual players and professional golfers. You’ll find simple, direct strategies that are easy to apply, even if you only play once or twice a week. Let’s explore what works around the green.

Why the Short Game Matters More Than You Think

Many golfers overlook the short game because it’s not flashy. Hitting a 300-yard drive gets more attention than a solid up-and-down from the fringe. But ask any pro and they’ll tell you: scoring happens inside 100 yards. You use your wedges and putter more than any other clubs during a round. That means small changes here can make a big difference on your scorecard.

For weekend warriors, improving your short game doesn’t require expensive lessons or hours at the driving range. With some focus and innovative practice, you can cut strokes fast. Even a few saved shots per round can be the difference between frustration and your personal best.

Learn to Read the Lie Before You Swing

Before making a chip or pitch, check the lie of the ball. Is it sitting up on the grass? Buried in a rough patch? On hardpan or damp turf? This small habit helps you choose the right shot and avoid mistakes. A clean lie might call for a bump-and-run. A fluffy lie may need a more lofted club.

Weekend golfers often rush this step, but professionals always inspect the ground first. Understanding the lie helps you control your distance and contact more effectively. And in the short game, clean contact is everything.

Control Distance with Your Backstroke, Not Your Force

When putting or chipping, many players attempt to control distance by hitting the ball harder or softer. But this leads to poor results and inconsistent speed. A better way is to change the length of your backstroke. This gives you a more stable tempo and a smoother feel.

Pro golfers employ this method to maintain consistency, particularly under pressure. Try this on your next practice session: make a short backstroke for a short putt, and gradually lengthen it for longer ones—without adding extra effort. The goal is rhythm, not force. Your distance control will improve quickly with this approach.

Use the Same Routine for Every Short Shot

The best golfers in the world follow a routine. From tee to green, they do the same things before every shot. You should do the same, especially around the green. Building a short game routine helps you stay focused and relaxed. It also makes your practice more effective.

Your routine might include checking the lie, picking a landing spot, choosing a club, taking one practice swing, and then hitting the shot. Please keep it simple and repeatable. Weekend warriors who create a reliable process often see better contact and confidence within weeks.

Pick One Wedge and Get to Know It Well

While tour players carry several wedges and switch depending on the shot, most amateur golfers benefit from keeping things simple. Instead of guessing between three or four wedges, pick one to use for most of your short game shots.

The 56-degree sand wedge is a versatile tool for all purposes. Use it for chips, pitches, and even short bunker shots. Getting accustomed to how one wedge behaves helps build muscle memory. You’ll know how far the ball rolls and how much it spins. This leads to better touch and fewer errors.

Don’t Try to Be Fancy — Keep It Simple

Pros make short shots look easy because they stick to high-percentage plays. They don’t go for the perfect flop or spin-heavy pitch unless they need to. Weekend warriors often lose strokes trying shots that are too advanced. Instead, use simple bump-and-run chips whenever possible. These shots get on the green quickly and roll like a putt.

A seven- or eight-iron chip may not look as cool as a lob wedge, but it works better for most players. Focus on hitting basic shots that get the ball close instead of tricky ones that can lead to double bogeys.

Practice Your Putting More Than Your Full Swing

When golfers go to the range, they often spend all their time hitting drivers and irons. But putting is where the most significant gains are made. Even an excellent approach shot means nothing if you miss short putts. Make putting a bigger part of your practice routine.

Use drills that build feel and confidence. Start by working on three-foot putts from every angle. Then move to longer ones and practice controlling distance. Putting accounts for nearly half of your total strokes during a round. If you want to lower your scores, make it your top priority.

Focus on Contact, Not Mechanics

Golfers often obsess over mechanics—elbow position, wrist hinge, swing path. But in the short game, feel and contact matter more. The pros spend more time thinking about how the club interacts with the ground than their swing plane. You should, too.

When you practice, don’t try to “fix” your swing. Instead, pay attention to how solid your contact is. Are you hitting the ball cleanly? Is your club brushing the grass at the right point? Great short games come from repetition and touch, not perfect form. Work on striking the ball well, and your mechanics will often improve on their own.

Watch and Learn from Better Players

If you play with someone who has a good short game, study what they do. Watch how they read greens, how they choose shots, and how they practice. Most weekend warriors are happy to share tips or answer questions. You can learn a great deal simply by observing.

Additionally, observe professional golfers during tournaments or watch online tutorials for guidance. Please pay attention to how calm and steady they are around the green. Their tempo is often slower and smoother than that of amateurs. Try to copy their pace and mindset when you practice your short shots.