THE SHORT GAME
Pitching, Chipping and Bunkers
Tour professionals average between 11 and 13 greens in regulation per round – 15 to 20 handicappers about a third of that. This translates to more shots around the green. Further, the Pro’s will select to chip around 80% of the time, and pitch where obstacles and green slope dictate – amateurs choose the more difficult pitch shot almost exclusively. As bad as the three-putt, so is the two-chip/pitch, a very ignored statistic.
The short game swing is unlike that of the full swing. And the set-up for the chip, the pitch and the bunker shot has subtle differences. Understanding these nuanced fundamentals will help with club and shot selection, and will lead to increased confidence and consistency.
Improved putting and short game skills, is without a doubt the fastest way to lower scores. Additionally, the putt from off the green is a valuable skill. Ever heard the frequent golfism – “ your worst putt will be as good as your best chip”?
The objective is to keep the game as simple as possible by following a strategy that helps to reduce the possibility of those unnecessary mishaps around the green.