Want to improve your golf short game? The secret lies in picking the right shot around the green. Here’s a quick guide to help you make better decisions and lower your scores:
- Chip Shots: Use a 7-iron or hybrid for low, controlled shots when you have a clear path to the hole.
- Pitch Shots: Opt for a 54°-60° wedge to clear obstacles with a high trajectory and steep landing.
- Bump-and-Run: Great for rolling the ball on the green quickly using a 7- or 9-iron.
- Flop Shots: High-risk, high-reward shots for tight spaces – best used sparingly.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Evaluate the lie (tight, fluffy, buried) and choose the right club.
- Keep shots simple to boost confidence and consistency.
- Practice different scenarios to expand your shot options.
How to Play a Bump & Run Chip Shot
Common Short Game Shot Types
Picking the right short game shot can make a big difference in your scores. Let’s break down the main types and when to use them.
Basic Chip Shots
Chip shots are ideal when you have a clear path to the green with few obstacles. Think of it as putting, but with a 7‑iron or hybrid, creating low and controlled shots.
"The difference between chipping and pitching is simple: chipping is like putting, except we use a club with very little loft." – Adam Smith, GOLF Teacher to Watch
To execute a chip shot, keep your wrists firm and use a putting-like stroke. The clubhead should stay low to the ground for consistent results. If obstacles are in the way, switch to a pitch shot instead.
Pitch Shot Basics
Pitch shots are your answer for clearing obstacles or rough terrain. Clubs like a 60‑degree lob wedge or a 54‑degree sand wedge help you achieve a higher ball flight and a steeper landing.
| Shot Aspect | Chip Shot | Pitch Shot |
|---|---|---|
| Club Choice | 7‑iron or hybrid | 54‑60° wedge |
| Trajectory | Low, running | High, steep landing |
| Wrist Action | Firm, minimal | Hinged |
| Best Used For | Clear path to hole | Clearing obstacles |
| Stroke Type | Putting-like | Mini full swing |
Choosing the right shot for the situation ensures better control and consistency in your short game.
Alternative Shot Methods
Sometimes, chip and pitch shots aren’t the best fit. In these cases, try alternative techniques. LPGA Instructor Rosie Jones highlights the bump-and-run as a reliable choice:
"The Simple Bump and Run shot is your primary Go-To chip shot around the green. I like to get the ball running on the ground as soon as possible in order to avoid mistakes with undulations, breaks and speed."
For bump-and-run shots, adjust your club choice based on distance and fringe conditions. Use a 7‑ or 8‑iron for longer distances with minimal fringe, and switch to a 9‑iron or pitching wedge for shorter distances with more fringe.
The flop shot, while dramatic, should only be used as a last resort. As Dustin Johnson explains:
"Think of it as an ‘in case of emergency, break glass’ shot."
This high-risk shot requires a lot of practice and is best reserved for situations where you need to clear an obstacle with almost no landing space.
Reading Course and Lie Conditions
Understanding ball position and lie conditions is crucial for selecting the right short game shot.
Ball Position and Grass
When playing on Bermuda grass, like in Myrtle Beach, the grain’s direction can significantly impact your shot. Drew Stoltz, a professional instructor, explains:
"After I hit a handful of these shots, I’ll start to feel how the grass affects the shot. Does it come out dead? Does it come out hot? High, low, those sort of things. These are the areas that I spend my time and I try to develop a feel so that by the time the tournament starts, I’m ready to go."
Different lie conditions call for different approaches. Here’s a quick guide:
| Lie Type | Club Selection | Ball Position | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tight Lie | Lower lofted club | Back in stance | Encourages a downward strike |
| Fluffy Lie | Higher lofted club | Forward in stance | Prevents the club from digging |
| Buried Lie | 56° or 60° wedge | Center stance | Helps lift the ball out |
| Into the Grain | More loft needed | Slightly back | Quick stop on the green |
For shots into the grain, the turf grips the ball, resulting in a quicker stop. On the other hand, down-grain lies allow the club to move more smoothly, promoting better roll.
In addition to analyzing the lie, take time to measure distances and consider potential hazards for more accurate shot planning.
Measuring Distance and Hazards
Robin, a golf instructor, emphasizes simplicity:
"The goal here is, when you’ve missed the green, is to choose the most simple shot that you’ve got available to you. That normally means keeping the ball as low to the ground as you can."
Aiming about a meter inside the green provides a safety margin. Keep these factors in mind:
- Evaluate the green’s length to the hole.
- Consider slopes that may influence ball roll.
- Calculate carry distance over hazards.
- Decide if the shot needs a quick stop or a rolling release.
When practicing, simulate the variety of conditions you might face on the course .
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Shot Execution Steps
After analyzing the conditions, focus on executing your shot with precision. As top instructor Tom Stickney points out:
"If it feels like Tour players have a slew of short game shots in their bag, it’s because they work on all sorts of scenarios when around the green. So their greatest asset is using their experience and knowledge to pick a shot, then use the perfect trajectory that works best for them within that situation."
The steps below are designed to sharpen your technique and improve consistency.
Position and Aim
Your setup will depend on the type of shot you’re playing. Here’s a quick guide:
| Shot Type | Ball Position | Weight | Hands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Wedge | Standard putting | 60% forward | Normal putting grip |
| Bump and Run | Back | Lead side | Hands forming a lowercase ‘y’ |
| Bellied Wedge | Middle | 50-50 balance | Normal putting grip |
| Toe-down Pitch | Middle to back | Balanced | Normal putting grip |
For shots like the bump and run, focus on forming a lowercase ‘y’ with your hands to maintain control.
Swing Methods
Adjust your swing to match the type of shot you’re playing. Lee Trevino recommends aligning the shaft with your left arm at setup for better accuracy .
For pitching shots :
- Grip lower on the club for better control.
- Position the ball slightly back of center.
- Use a half-swing to maintain precision.
Practice Methods
Here’s a one-hour practice plan to hone your short game:
- Warm-up (5 minutes): Start with stretching and a few half-swing wedge shots.
- Distance Control (15 minutes): Work on shots from 80, 60, and 40 yards using different wedges.
- Specialty Shots (20 minutes): Practice high shots from the rough and basic chip shots. Focus on keeping the "ball between your forearms" to sync your body.
- Scoring Practice (10 minutes): Play 10-15 different positions around the green and putt out each shot.
If you’re short on time, compress this into a 30-minute session by reducing each segment proportionally.
Learning Tools and Guides
Having the right resources and guidance can make a big difference in your short game decisions. GOLFTEC‘s personalized programs, led by Coach Tim Sam, focus on everything from putting to advanced green shots. These lessons help build smarter shot choices around the green .
Golf Training Aids provides tools designed to improve your shot selection and execution. These aids focus on key areas like alignment, control, and launch angles:
| Training Focus | Price Range | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Putting Alignment | $5.99 – $29.99 | Refines setup and stroke path |
| Chipping Control | $19.99 – $79.99 | Improves distance control and contact |
| Pitching Practice | $49.99 – $149.99 | Helps with launch angles and spin control |
Heather Angell, Director of Instruction at Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club, emphasizes the importance of creativity in the short game:
"There are so many aspects of golf that do not allow for creativity. With the short game, think outside the box."
How To Break 80
Structured guides can also help refine your short game strategy. How To Break 80 offers video courses and eBooks that focus on practical decision-making around the green. These resources aim to help golfers develop a consistent approach to shot selection.
Some of their standout offerings include:
- Precision Putting Video Course ($49.00): Covers green reading and speed control.
- Essential Golf Improvement eBook Bundle ($19.00): Provides strategies for various short game scenarios.
These tools teach golfers how to analyze course conditions, pick the right clubs for different situations, expand shot choices, and create focused practice routines .
The platform also incorporates tech-based learning tools, such as GPS and rangefinders, to improve distance control and shot selection .
Wrapping It Up
Improving your shot selection starts with nailing the basics and practicing consistently. As Robin puts it:
"The goal here is, when you’ve missed the green, is to choose the most simple shot that you’ve got available to you. That normally means keeping the ball as low to the ground as you can" .
Here’s how to put this into action:
-
Setup and Execution
Stand close to the ball, lean forward slightly, keep your hands ahead of the clubhead, and flex your lead wrist. -
Choosing the Right Shot
Evaluate the lie, pick the easiest shot option, and adjust your stance based on the required distance.
Focus on consistent turf contact during practice. Tools like alignment sticks can help you keep your swing on track. This level of discipline builds confidence and sharpens your decision-making near the green.
Pairing technical skills with smart course management is key. For example, calculating distances can help you position yourself for easier chip shots . When you combine these strategies, your short game can become a real asset for lowering your scores.