Many golfers focus on their driver or long irons, hoping for that perfect long shot. But the truth is, the shots that save strokes and truly affect your score happen within 100 yards of the green. This is where golf short game basics become essential. By mastering the fundamentals of chipping, pitching, and putting, you can not only lower your scores but also build confidence in every round.
In this article, we’ll break down the core elements of the short game, explain why they matter, and give you actionable drills to improve your touch, accuracy, and consistency.
Why the Short Game Matters More Than You Think
While driving distance and long iron accuracy grab attention, the short game often has the largest impact on scoring. PGA Tour statistics show that up to 60–70% of shots in a round occur within 100 yards of the green.
Score Savings Start Close to the Hole
A poorly executed chip or putt can add unnecessary strokes. Conversely, a solid short game allows you to:
- Save strokes around the green
- Recover from missed greens efficiently
- Reduce mental pressure and build confidence
In short, improving your short game is one of the fastest ways to see immediate improvement in your scores.
Understanding the Key Components of the Short Game
The short game can be broken into three primary areas:
- Chipping – Shots from just off the green that roll toward the hole
- Pitching – Higher, softer shots for longer approaches within 30–50 yards
- Putting – The final, crucial strokes to get the ball in the hole
Each component requires a slightly different technique, but all rely on the same basic principles: solid stance, proper alignment, controlled motion, and good touch.
Chipping Fundamentals
Chipping is often overlooked but critical for minimizing strokes.
Key Principles for Effective Chipping:
- Narrow Stance: Feet close together for stability
- Weight Forward: Keep most weight on the front foot for better control
- Short Swing: Focus on smooth acceleration rather than distance
- Minimal Wrist Action: Let the shoulders and arms control the swing
- Follow Through Toward Target: Keep motion consistent
Common Mistakes:
- Using too much wrist action
- Leaning back, causing fat or thin contact
- Not controlling the landing spot
Pro Tip: Aim for a spot 1–2 feet past your intended hole target, allowing the ball to roll toward the pin naturally.
Pitching Basics
Pitching covers slightly longer shots than chips, often requiring a higher trajectory and softer landing.
Key Principles for Pitching:
- Open Stance: Slightly open to the target for better swing path
- Club Selection: Use higher-lofted clubs (sand wedge, lob wedge)
- Full Shoulder Rotation: Larger swing than a chip, but controlled
- Landing Spot Focus: Pick a target on the green, not the hole
- Accelerate Through Impact: Maintain consistent clubhead speed
Common Mistakes:
- Decelerating through the ball
- Overthinking trajectory, resulting in inconsistent contact
- Skipping practice on uneven lies
Pro Tip: Practice landing the ball consistently on a single spot — repetition builds confidence and feel.
Putting Essentials
Putting accounts for the majority of strokes in a round. Yet, many golfers fail to dedicate enough practice time.
Key Principles for Putting:
- Proper Grip: Light pressure to allow smooth motion
- Square Alignment: Eyes over the ball and shoulders aligned
- Pendulum Motion: Use shoulders, not wrists, for a consistent stroke
- Distance Control: Focus on pace first, line second
- Routine & Mental Focus: Pre-shot routine builds confidence
Common Mistakes:
- Lifting the head too soon
- Overthinking short putts
- Ignoring green reading and speed
Pro Tip: Practice both short 3–5 foot putts and longer lag putts. Short putts build confidence, while lag putts save strokes.
Essential Drills to Build Short Game Confidence
Consistency comes from repetition. Here are some proven drills to incorporate into your practice:
1. Ladder Chipping Drill
- Place 3–5 targets at increasing distances from the green
- Chip to each target, focusing on landing the ball accurately
- Move up only when you consistently hit each target
Benefit: Improves touch, trajectory control, and distance feel.
2. One-Handed Pitch Drill
- Practice pitching with your dominant hand only
- Helps you feel proper clubface control and improves wrist stability
- Alternate hands to balance control
Benefit: Enhances feel, control, and confidence with shorter swings.
3. Clock Putting Drill
- Place balls around the hole in a clock pattern, 3–5 feet out
- Putt each ball, completing all positions without missing
- Increase distance gradually
Benefit: Builds short putt confidence and improves reading green slopes.
4. Distance Ladder Drill for Putting
- Set targets at 10, 20, 30, 40 feet
- Putt to each target focusing on pace
- Only move to the next distance after consistently controlling speed
Benefit: Improves distance control, reducing three-putts.
Mental Benefits of Mastering Short Game Basics
Beyond physical improvement, mastering the short game builds mental confidence:
- You trust your ability to recover from missed greens
- Pressure situations feel more manageable
- Each successful chip, pitch, or putt reinforces positive thinking
Golf is as much a mental game as a physical one. Knowing that you can save strokes around the green gives you freedom and confidence on every hole.
Tips for Incorporating Short Game Practice Into Your Routine
- Short, Frequent Sessions: 15–20 minutes focused practice beats long, occasional sessions
- Practice Variety: Include different lies, slopes, and distances
- Combine Chipping, Pitching, and Putting: Simulate real course scenarios
- Use Targets: Pick landing spots rather than just aiming at the hole
- Track Progress: Keep a journal of drills, scores, and improvement areas
Even small, consistent practice builds muscle memory, touch, and confidence over time.
Conclusion: Why Short Game Basics Are Game-Changers
The short game is the hidden key to lowering scores. By mastering golf short game basics, you can:
- Save strokes around the green
- Increase shot consistency and reliability
- Build confidence in every round
Whether you’re new to golf, returning after a break, or a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, dedicating time to chipping, pitching, and putting fundamentals will pay off on the scorecard and in your enjoyment of the game.
Remember, great golf isn’t just about how far you hit the ball — it’s about how well you handle the shots closest to the hole. Focus on your short game, practice smart, and watch your scores drop while your confidence soars.