If you are a golfer, you may have heard the saying, ‘Drive for show, putt for dough.’ While a powerful drive may seem impressive and turn heads on the golf course, it is the short game that truly separates amateurs from the pros.
The short game is a crucial aspect of golf that demands precision. Missing putts and chipping poorly can cause your score to skyrocket quickly, leading to frustration on the course. However, by focusing on proper technique and consistent practice, you can effectively improve your short game and lower your score. This is where golf practice and lessons can be invaluable.
Before we look at essential putting and chipping tips, let’s discover the importance of these skills in the short game.
Importance of Putting and Chipping
Putting and chipping are two of the most important aspects of the short game in golf.
They Help in Scoring Well: Putting and chipping directly affect a golfer’s score. Golfers with these skills can save strokes by pacing around the green to make close putts. On the other hand, golfers who struggle with these skills may find it difficult to improve their scores.
They Boost Confidence: Good putting and chipping skills can boost a golfer’s confidence and have a positive impact on the rest of their game. Golfers who take golf practice lessons regularly are confident in their short game. They are also more likely to take risky shots as they know that they can recover if they miss the green or land in a bunker.
They Help Make Strategic Decisions: Knowing how to putt and chip effectively helps golfers make smarter strategic decisions on the course. For example, if a golfer knows they can get up and down from around the green with ease, they may opt to play more aggressively off the tee. This strategy allows them to take more risks, knowing that their short game skills can help them recover if they miss the fairway. On the other hand, if a golfer is not confident in their short game, they may instead opt for a more conservative approach and lay up a hole.
Whether you are a novice or experienced golfer, these expert tips will help you master your putting and chipping to take your short game to the next level.
Maintain Your Focus on the Ball
Many golfers make the mistake of taking their eyes off the ball when putting and chipping, leading to inconsistent shots and missed putts. To avoid this, try to keep your eyes fixed on the ball throughout the stroke. This will help you to maintain focus and ensure that you hit the ball precisely where you want it to go.
Control Your Speed
Controlling your speed is all about finding the perfect balance between the length of your backswing or swing and the loft of your club. Make sure you practise different shots and experiment with different techniques to give you a better understanding of controlling your speed and improving your short game.
For putting, focus on controlling your speed by making a smooth stroke and adjusting your backswing length. On the other hand, for chipping, you need to adjust the length of your swing and the loft of your club to control your speed.
Use a Pendulum Motion
When putting, remember to use a pendulum motion where your arms and shoulders move in unison. This will help you maintain a consistent stroke and ensure that your putts go where you target them to go. Make sure to keep your wrists and hands steady, and let your shoulders do the work.
Maintain a Relaxed Grip and Proper Posture
Many beginners in golf make the mistake of gripping the club too tightly. However, it is important to remember that the way you hold the club can significantly impact your game, especially when it comes to chipping.
To execute a successful chip shot, you need to maintain a relaxed grip on the club, with a pressure level around 4-5 on a scale of 1-10. This will help alleviate the tension in your arms and wrists, allowing you a smoother swing.
Besides the grip, it is also crucial to have proper posture when chipping. Ensure that your chip is up and your back is straight to help you maintain balance and make a precise shot.
Utilize the Natural Bounce of the Ball
By mastering the use of the ball, you will be able to create a more effective pitch shot, leading to better results on the course. For this, you need to ensure that your hands are properly aligned with the club head. This means pressing your hands forward, similar to a chip shot, thereby preventing the club from getting caught in the green. The golfer will also be able to create a smooth and fluid motion, allowing the ball to ride the natural slope of the green. This results in a closer shot at your target.
Overall, putting and chipping are essential skills for any golfer looking to improve their short game and lower their scores. By taking golf practice lessons regularly and showing dedication, golfers can develop the precision, creativity, and mental toughness required to succeed on the green. To master your short game, consider joining our golf lessons in Brampton offered by a highly-experienced coach.