Why is Short Game So Hard?
- simonanayar
- Feb 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 18
I've always been told that golf is a game of patience. But how can I be patient when I've hit three chips yet I still can't make it to the green. Now, I am not that great at long shots, but at least they get in the air and can move over a hundred yards: With a chip or pitch, my score increases by around double it takes to have gotten there. Suddenly, it’s like I’ve been handed a golf club for the first time in my life.
Why is the Short Game So Annoying?
It should be the easiest part, but it is more of a disaster every time.There is a plethora of reasons this can happen which makes it so hard to fight:
Bladed chip: Sometimes (too often for me), the leading edge hits the ball which sends it flying across the green.
Chunked wedge: The club hits the ground behind the ball, creating the huge divot that I might be covering up with some extra grass. This one is not only embarrassing, but also counts asa. stroke even though you did not hit the ball
Missed short putt: This has multiple causes, but one of the most common is not following through. Getting haughty because of the short distance to the hole is never the way to go.
But here's the thing: It looks easy. If I can hit my woods and irons over a hundred yards, why can't I hit a three foot putt? It also matters quite a lot. As I was saying, I could gain double my strokes just on the green, which is something that makes golf more stressful than it should be.
So how am I working on it?
Since quitting golf and taking up bowling isn’t an option, I’m working on my short game:
Using “Fun” drills: A putting game or contest is less embarrassing then missing a put more than two times. This makes it fun and helpful, so I do not mess up on the actual green.
Accepting my fate – Even the pros miss putts. So, why get frustrated when I can just continue to improve?
Final Thoughts
Short game frustration is a universal golfer experience, but I know it’s the key to actually getting better. So, I guess that is the only way for me to become a master.
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