Golf Drills/Practice
Instantly Lower Your Score With These 10 Short Games Tips
One of the most efficient ways to lower your golf scores is to improve your short game. A combination of good technique, proper shot selection, structured practice can add up quickly.
Sometimes, however, life gets in the way, and it’s hard to find the time to take a lesson or practice a much as you might like. Here are some shortcuts and ways to improve your technique right away.
1. Putting turn toes in
Keeping your lower body still when you putt will make it much more likely to roll your golf ball on the line you are aimed and also be more consistent controlling distance.
You can improve your chances of staying still by turning your toes in much like Arnold Palmer used to do. This will force you to keep your lower body still as it limits your ability to move and turn. You can use this for a drill, but many times, drills can work just as well when used over the span of your round.
2. Pace your putts – one inch per step
For those golfers who have played for a long time, controlling distance with putting is something they do thanks to years of trial and error.
But for newer golfers or those who struggle around the green, having a system to control distance can be a welcome skill.
And while it may be a bit oversimplified, you can improve your distance control by using a simple system of adding one inch to your backstroke for every foot of putt distance. It’s not perfect, but it’s a Bryson-approved way of helping gauge your distances.
3. Stroke then look
A good habit when putting is to complete your stroke, hold the finish and THEN turn your eyes to see the ball rolling.
This goes back to being still over your putting stroke to eliminate unnecessary and unwanted movement that can make it difficult to control distance and direction.
Make sure you complete your stroke, hold your finish and once the ball is well away from you, then turn to see it either go in, or roll close to the pin on a longer putt.
4. Lean forward when putting
You’ve heard the cliche that golf is a game of inches. One of the more frustrating examples of that is when your ball rolls just past the pin, off the edge of the green and settles into really deep rough. While it can be very tricky to hit a soft chip or pitch if you are just a couple of feet into the rough, you can putt instead.
To do this, make one very important setup change: place a ton of weight on your forward foot and drop your forward shoulder to match.
This extreme shoulder tilt toward the target will change the angle that the putter head approaches the ball. Rather than a shallow, sweeping stroke, this stance will help the putter glance down the back of the ball, which makes it much easier to have direct contact between the ball and the putter face.
This extreme contact angle will cause the ball to “jump” a bit, which typically clears the longer grass and then when the ball lands onto the green it will start to roll normally.
Once you get the feel of this it is a great way to shave strokes and also limit risk.
5. Choke down on short shots
Those really short chips and pitches can often be a big challenge when it comes to getting your distance control right. Here is a wonderful opportunity to use physics: shorten the lever, and less power will be delivered. The lower you hold on the club the shorter your golf ball will travel. It’s as simple as that!
Don’t hesitate to hold the very bottom of the grip, and in extreme cases, come off of the grip and down to the shaft.
6. Heel up for chips
When you are hitting your basic chip shot, grip lower on the handle, narrow your stance and slightly lean your weight, club shaft and upper body forward toward the target.
Many golfers will incorrectly fall back and try to lift the golf ball. This can cause you to hit the ground before the ball or even top it, but in either case contact will suffer.
A great “trick” to avoid this is to get all set up and then pick up your back heel and keep it up throughout your stroke. This will help to avoid any inclination to fall back and try to lift the golf ball, helping to produce solid ball and turf contact.
While this may be used as a drill, if you find it makes a big difference in contact, you may want to consider adding it to your on-course play.
7. Square looks open for pitches
When you are hitting a pitch shot with your lob, sand or gap wedge, the bottom is rounded on purpose. It’s called bounce. This design characteristic is built to allow your club to glide across the grass and not dig.
The good news is when you set the club properly on the bottom — where it doesn’t dig — there’s no reason to be hesitant about letting it hit the ground. This is what will help you to hit high, soft, beautiful pitch shots.
Setting this club properly on its bottom can look “open,” but rest assured, it’s not. It’s lofted, which is just how you want it.
8. RemeMber: Speed and sand
Greenside sand is one of my favorite areas to teach because it seems to cause so many frustrations for regular golfers.
The two major skills you need to be a good bunker player are 1) to take a lot of sand and 2) to generate lots of speed. Speed without sand, well….it’s gone and going far away. Sand without speed and you probably get to take a few steps forward and try it again.
I think one of the best ways to get good at this is to practice simply throwing sand out of the bunker and onto the grass. By taking the golf ball out of the scenario, you can practice proper motion.
Once you have the proper motion for whenever you find yourself in a bunker, keep it. Don’t change your technique, change your club selection. Higher lofted for closer shots and less loft for longer ones, but the motion is always the same.
9. Dig your feet in when you’re in the bunker
When in a bunker it is important to have your clubhead enter the sand before the ball, and stay into the sand long enough to exit the sand well after the ball.
What makes this possible comes from understanding what needs to happen, and also a proper setup.
The more you dig your feet into the sand at address, the more you lower the bottom of your swing. If you struggle with taking enough sand, remember that the more you dig your feet, the easier it will be to make that nice long divot that will produce successful sand shots. And don’t be shy here. Really dig your feet in enough to make the soles of your shoes disappear.
10. Always remember: Putt, chip, pitch
One of the quickest ways to improve you score and your short game is to limit your risk by choosing the least risky shot when possible. And if you have been around me at all, you understand that this is such a key to success.
Your priority order for short game:
1. Putt whenever you can.
2. Chip when you can’t putt.
3. Pitch only when you have to.
Simply understanding that order and sticking to it when you play will limit your risk and also allow subtle misses to not show up on your scorecard.
You might be surprised to know that better players know to limit their risk and choose the shot they can execute the highest percentage of the time, even if they’re proficient in all areas of their short game.
While having time to practice and take lessons is nice and will pay off on the course, having little “tricks” to help you to make better decisions and understand fundamentals can help you to see results right away.
This article originally appeared on Golf.com.
For amateur golfers seeking to enhance their game, stay updated on golf news, or simply enjoy engaging discussions, podcasts offer a convenient and informative medium. Based on recommendations from reputable sources and golf communities, here are some top golf podcasts tailored for non-professional enthusiasts:
Hosted by CBS commentator Mark Immelman, this podcast features weekly interviews with instructors, coaches, players, and other golf experts. With over 700 episodes, it provides in-depth discussions aimed at helping golfers improve their skills.
A favorite among golf enthusiasts, No Laying Up offers a mix of tour coverage, player interviews, and discussions on various golf topics. It’s known for its insightful commentary and engaging content.
Featuring European Tour player Eddie Pepperell, this podcast provides a blend of tour insights and personal experiences, offering listeners a unique perspective on the professional golf scene.
This podcast chronicles the journey of two amateur golfers striving to achieve a scratch handicap. It’s relatable for many non-professional players and offers both entertainment and insights into the challenges of improving one’s game.
Hosted by golf coach Mark Crossfield, this podcast delves into various aspects of the game, from equipment reviews to swing techniques, providing practical advice for amateur golfers.
Hosted by Rick Shiels, a former golf teaching professional from Bolton, this podcast covers a wide range of topics, including equipment reviews, interviews with golf personalities, and discussions on current events in the golf world.
Hosted by popular golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston and comedian John Robins, this podcast offers a light-hearted take on the game, discussing various golf topics and sharing personal anecdotes.
This podcast explores the highs and lows of being a golf enthusiast, sharing stories and experiences that many amateur golfers can relate to.
Featuring instructors Mark Crossfield, Greg Chalmers, and Lou Stagner, this podcast discusses various aspects of the game, offering insights and tips to help golfers improve.
Hosted by Peter Finch, this podcast features discussions with various guests, covering a wide range of golf-related topics, from equipment to personal experiences.
These podcasts offer a variety of content tailored to amateur golfers, from instructional advice to entertaining discussions. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy golf-related conversations, there’s likely a podcast on this list that suits your interests.
When it comes to shaving strokes off your scorecard, few shots are as reliable as the classic bump-and-run. While flashy flop shots and high-arching chips grab the spotlight, it’s the humble bump-and-run that consistently delivers results—especially under pressure.
What Makes the Bump-and-Run So Effective?
Unlike a high-lofted chip, which carries significant risk if not struck perfectly, the bump-and-run keeps the ball low and rolling, reducing the margin for error. This makes it ideal for those unpredictable lies just off the green, or when navigating subtle slopes and uneven terrain.
Key Tips to Nail Your Next Bump-and-Run:
- Club Selection Matters: While many players instinctively reach for a wedge, consider using an 8-iron or even a hybrid. These clubs help keep the ball closer to the ground, allowing for a more predictable roll.
- Position and Posture:
- Set the ball slightly back in your stance to encourage a downward strike.
- Keep your hands ahead of the ball at address and through impact.
- Maintain a balanced stance, favoring a slightly open set up to keep the stroke smooth and controlled.
- A Putting Stroke Mentality:
- Think of the bump-and-run as an extended putt rather than a miniature chip.
- Use a pendulum-like motion with minimal wrist action.
- Focus on rhythm and tempo—your goal is to get the ball rolling as soon as it lands.
- Distance Control:
- Consider the ratio of carry to roll. For example, if you’re just a few paces off the green, aim for a short carry and a longer roll. If you’re further back, plan for a slightly longer carry and less roll.
- Practice on various slopes to understand how different surfaces affect rollout.
When to Use the Bump-and-Run:
This shot shines on tight lies, downhill chips, or greens with plenty of room to work. It’s also an excellent choice when you’re playing on firm courses where the ball will naturally roll out more.
Mastering the bump-and-run might not look as dramatic as pulling off a high, spinning lob shot, but it’s the bread-and-butter play that helps you avoid big numbers. Add it to your arsenal, and you’ll see the payoff in lower scores and a more consistent short game.
Mastering Golf Putting Grips: Claw, Two Thumbs, Left-Hand Low & More
In the intricate world of golf, where every stroke counts, how a golfer grips their putter can significantly impact their performance on the green. From the traditional to the unconventional, let’s delve into some popular putting grips—the Claw, the Two Thumbs, the Left-Hand Low, the Arm Lock, the Long Putter Claw, and the Alternative Reverse Overlap—to understand their mechanics and benefits.
The Claw Grip
The Claw grip has gained popularity among professional and amateur golfers alike due to its ability to promote a more stable putting stroke. In this grip:
- The dominant hand (typically the right hand for right-handed golfers) holds the putter with the fingers forming a “claw” shape.
- The non-dominant hand remains in a conventional grip position on the upper part of the handle.
This method minimizes the influence of the dominant hand, reducing the chances of flipping or excessive wrist movement during the stroke. The result is a smoother and more consistent putting motion. Golfers who struggle with the yips or overly active wrists often find relief using the Claw grip.
The Two Thumbs Grip
True to its name, the Two Thumbs grip involves positioning both thumbs on the top of the putter grip. Here’s how it works:
- Both hands are placed symmetrically on the handle, with the thumbs running parallel to each other on the flat surface of the grip.
This grip encourages a balanced and unified hand action, which promotes a pendulum-like stroke. Golfers who prefer simplicity and symmetry often gravitate towards the Two Thumbs grip, as it eliminates unnecessary wrist action and helps maintain a straight putter path.
The Left-Hand Low Grip
The Left-Hand Low grip, also known as the Cross-Handed grip, is a popular option for golfers seeking improved control and alignment. In this grip:
- The left hand (for right-handed golfers) is placed below the right hand on the putter handle.
This configuration helps keep the shoulders level and reduces wrist breakdown during the stroke. Many players find that this grip enhances their ability to keep the putter face square to the target line.
The Arm Lock Grip
The Arm Lock grip is a modern innovation designed to provide maximum stability. Here’s how it works:
- The grip is extended up the leading arm (usually the left arm for right-handed golfers), creating a locked position.
- Both hands conventionally hold the putter, but the handle’s connection to the arm reduces wrist action.
This grip offers exceptional control and consistency, making it a favorite among golfers looking to eliminate variability in their putting stroke.
The Long Putter Claw Grip
The Long Putter Claw grip combines the advantages of a long putter with the stability of the Claw technique. In this grip:
- The non-dominant hand holds the top of the long putter shaft for support and alignment.
- The dominant hand adopts the Claw grip further down the shaft.
This method reduces wrist involvement and provides a pendulum-like motion, ideal for players who prefer the anchoring feel of a long putter without violating current regulations.
The Alternative Reverse Overlap Grip
The Reverse Overlap grip is a traditional favorite, but its alternative variation adds a unique twist:
- The non-dominant hand assumes the primary role, gripping the handle near the top.
- The dominant hand overlaps the non-dominant hand’s index finger, creating a firm connection between both hands.
This grip fosters excellent control and stability, ensuring that your hands work in unison during the stroke. By focusing on the non-dominant hand, golfers can achieve a smoother and more deliberate putting stroke, reducing the influence of jerky movements from the dominant hand.
Choosing the Right Grip
Selecting the ideal putting grip often depends on personal preference, hand size, and the challenges a golfer faces on the green. Experimentation is key—what works for one player might not suit another. The ultimate goal is to find a grip that provides comfort, control, and consistency.
Final Thoughts
The journey to mastering putting is as much about technique as feeling and confidence. Whether you opt for the Claw, the Two Thumbs, the Left-Hand Low, the Arm Lock, the Long Putter Claw, or the Alternative Reverse Overlap, understanding the mechanics and benefits of each grip can help you make an informed decision. Practice diligently, and remember that the right grip can transform your game—one putt at a time.
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