How to Improve Your Short Game: Putting & Chipping Mastery (Part 1)

Most golfers reach for a wedge by default, but sometimes a 7-iron or 9-iron bump-and-run is the smarter play.

💡 Rule of Thumb:

• If you have plenty of green to work with, go with a lower-lofted club (like a 9-iron).
• If you need height or the ball has to carry rough, use your sand or lob wedge.

✔️ Narrow stance
✔️ Weight slightly forward
✔️ Hands ahead of the ball
✔️ Use a pendulum-style stroke with minimal wrist action

Avoid trying to "scoop" the ball. Instead, let the loft and clubface do the work for you.

• Lay a towel a foot behind the ball.
• Make sure your club never touches it.
• This encourages clean, descending contact—essential for crisp chips.

Your putting stroke will only be as consistent as your setup.
✔️ Eyes directly over the ball
✔️ Hands under your shoulders
✔️ Feet shoulder-width apart
✔️ Grip pressure: light and relaxed

💡 Pro Tip: Use a mirror or alignment tool on the practice green to fine-tune your posture.

Most missed putts come up short—or roll way past the hole. Focus on controlling your speed by practicing:

• Lag putts from 20–30 feet
• Three-foot testers to build confidence

• Place two tees slightly wider than your putter head
• Stroke the ball through the "gate" without hitting the tees
• This helps improve face control and stroke path

Don't just "hit a few chips" before your round. Try this simple, weekly practice routine:

• 10 minutes: Lag putting from 20–40 feet
• 10 minutes: Chipping from 5–10 yards off the green
• 10 minutes: Pressure putting from 3–6 feet (try to make 20 in a row!)

🔁 Repeat weekly and watch your scores start dropping.

❌ Too much wrist movement when chipping
❌ Decelerating the club at impact
❌ Looking up too early during putting
❌ Relying on one club for every short shot

👉 Fixing these habits can lead to instant improvements in both confidence and scoring.

Looking to take your short game to the next level? Come sharpen your skills on our:

• Dedicated short game practice area
• Smooth, well-maintained putting greens
• Custom instruction from PGA-certified professionals

📞 Book a short game lesson or evaluation today!
🔗 Click here to schedule a lesson

Improving your short game doesn't require a swing overhaul—just the right focus, repetition, and guidance. With a few key adjustments, better touch, and smarter shot selection, you'll start saving strokes in no time.

Make the short game your go-to weapon, and you'll gain more than lower scores—you'll gain confidence in every round.