Golfers love to hit a ball 300 yards. It definitely is an impressive skill. However, the object of the game is to get the ball inside the hole. At some point, you’re going to need to line up the shot closer. The short game always reigns in golfing, and it’s not a skill you master overnight. Here are some tips for improving your short game on a golf course.
Practice at Home
You can’t live on a golf course, though you might want to. At some point, you need to pack it up and go home, but that doesn’t mean the practice has to stop there. Improving your short game means taking every opportunity you have.
You’ve probably seen a lot of golfers lining up their shots with a turned-over coffee mug. Yes, that works, but it’s better to have something closer to the real thing. Consider purchasing a stowable golf mat for your home. It has the look and feel of a real course and can help get you in the zone.
Loosen Your Grip
A good short game requires soft hands. You don’t need to grip your club as hard as you do for a 300-yard swing. Loosen your grip when lining up your shot to take a swing. The grip can make or break your round.
Soften your hands so there is a firmness with light pressure. Aim for something in the middle. On a scale of one to ten, your grip strength should be between four and five on a short game. Test it out and take a couple of practice swings to determine if you found the perfect grip pressure.
Rotate Your Hips
It’s all in the hips. The swing comes from the rotation of your body. In a short game, the rotation is not as dramatic as its counterpart, but all golfers need to note the movement. You don’t need to move your entire body, but a portion of your body needs to move with the swing.
Kick your right knee towards your left. This frees up your entire right side and helps your body smoothly rotate into the swing. Focus on finding the right tempo. Don’t come at the pitch with too much speed. All you need is light pressure, depending on the distance you want to hit.
Use Your Lefty
The left arm is the master of the short game. All the control comes from your left arm when you chip in, and that’s where your focus needs to be. You need the most control over your left arm because it can guide your right arm.
Aim for a dimple at the back of the ball and hit it with the center of your clubface. Your left arm and hand need to lead through the swing until it comes in contact with the ball.
Improving your short game on the golf course will ensure your enjoyment of the sport!
