Short Game Tips: Lower Your Score Fast

August 27, 2025 · by Admin

When most golfers think about improving their game, the first thing that comes to mind is hitting longer drives. Driving the ball well is satisfying and important, but in reality, the fastest way to lower your scores is to sharpen your short game. Shots within 50 yards of the hole—chips, pitches, bunker shots, and putts—account for nearly 70 percent of the strokes taken during a round. That means if you want to save strokes consistently, you should dedicate more practice time to the short game than to your driver.

The Importance of the Short Game

Every golfer, regardless of skill level, can benefit from a stronger short game. Professionals spend countless hours working on their putting and chipping because they know that the difference between a par and a bogey often comes down to one precise stroke near the green. For amateurs, a solid short game is even more valuable: it can compensate for missed fairways, poor approach shots, and nerves on the tee box. A player who learns to chip the ball close and sink short putts can dramatically reduce their handicap.

Chipping with Confidence

One of the biggest mistakes golfers make when chipping is aiming for the hole instead of a landing spot. Think of a chip as a miniature approach shot. Identify a specific point on the green where you want the ball to land, then select the club that will allow it to roll out the correct distance. For example, a pitching wedge will produce a higher shot with less roll, while a 7-iron will carry less in the air and roll out more like a putt. Consistency comes from rehearsing the motion and trusting the landing spot rather than “hoping” to get close. A good drill is to lay down a towel a few feet onto the green and try to land five balls in the same spot. Once you can do that consistently, you’ll have much better control over distance and direction.

The Ladder Drill for Putting

Putting is where the majority of short-game strokes are won or lost. Distance control, rather than line, is what separates a confident putter from a frustrated one. The ladder drill is one of the simplest and most effective ways to develop this skill. Place four tees on the green, each about three feet apart. Start close to the first tee and putt the ball so it stops right at the tee without rolling past. Then repeat for each target. By doing this, you learn to control the length of your stroke and develop a natural sense for green speed. Another helpful technique is to practice putting with your eyes closed. This may sound strange, but it allows you to focus on feel rather than mechanics. Many players find that they develop a smoother, more confident stroke once they stop overthinking.

Bunker Basics

Few shots create more fear than hitting from a greenside bunker. But with the right fundamentals, bunker play can actually become one of the most reliable parts of your game. Start with an open stance and an open clubface. Place the ball slightly forward in your stance and focus on hitting the sand about two inches behind the ball. The key is acceleration—don’t decelerate through impact. A committed swing that allows the bounce of the club to slide under the ball will lift it out softly and onto the green. For practice, draw a line in the sand and repeatedly take swings to strike the line. Once you can hit the same spot consistently, introduce the ball and repeat. This develops the confidence you need to escape bunkers on the first attempt.

Pitching for Precision

Unlike chips, pitches involve higher shots that carry farther in the air and stop quickly on the green. These are especially useful when you need to get over a bunker or rough to a tucked pin. A controlled pitch shot requires a smooth, three-quarter swing with plenty of loft. Keep your wrists firm but relaxed, and let the club’s bounce work for you. One useful drill is the “clock system.” Imagine your backswing and follow-through as positions on a clock. A nine o’clock backswing with a three o’clock follow-through produces a certain distance. By experimenting with different “clock swings,” you’ll learn exactly how far each club sends the ball, creating a predictable short-game arsenal.

Practicing Smart

The beauty of the short game is that improvement doesn’t require hours at the driving range. Fifteen to twenty minutes a day around the practice green can make a huge difference. Focus on quality rather than quantity. Instead of mindlessly hitting balls, set specific goals: land five chips inside a three-foot circle, make ten three-foot putts in a row, or escape a bunker cleanly three times in a row. Gamifying your practice keeps it fun and builds pressure similar to what you’ll face on the course. Also, practice from difficult lies. Drop balls in thick rough, on slopes, or in deep bunkers. The more situations you encounter in practice, the more confident you’ll be during a real round.

The Mental Side of the Short Game

Perhaps the most overlooked element of the short game is the mental approach. It’s easy to lose confidence after a missed chip or a three-putt. The best golfers remain calm and stick to their routine. Before each short shot, visualize the result you want, take one or two practice swings, and commit fully. A hesitant swing almost always produces poor contact. Trust your practice and swing with confidence, even if the last attempt didn’t go as planned.

Conclusion

Lowering your score doesn’t require a complete swing overhaul or an expensive new driver. By investing time into your short game—chipping, putting, pitching, and bunker play—you’ll save strokes where it matters most. Remember, golf is a game of recovery and precision. The next time you head to the course, resist the urge to pound drivers and instead spend time around the green. With consistent short-game practice, you’ll quickly see your scores drop and your enjoyment of the game rise.