Mastering the short game is crucial to lowering your golf score, and the pros at the Celebrity Golf Association (CGA) know this well. Whether it’s chipping, pitching, or putting, these tips from CGA celebrities can help you improve your performance on the green. Here are 10 essential short game tips from the pros to boost your score and take your game to the next level.
1. Focus on Your Setup
CGA celebrity golfers emphasize the importance of a solid setup. For a short chip, narrow your stance, place the ball in the middle of your stance, and keep your weight slightly forward. A consistent setup leads to more accurate shots.
2. Accelerate Through the Ball
One common mistake is decelerating through impact. CGA pros remind golfers to always accelerate through the ball, especially on chips and pitches. This leads to cleaner contact and better control.
3. Keep Your Hands Quiet
Minimizing hand movement helps maintain control during your short game. CGA golfers recommend keeping your wrists firm and focusing on a pendulum-like swing, especially when putting.
4. Use the Right Club for Each Shot
Selecting the right club for short game situations is key. CGA members suggest using a pitching wedge for longer chips and a sand wedge for more loft around the green. Always adjust based on the shot distance and conditions.
5. Master the Bump-and-Run
The bump-and-run is a favorite among CGA golfers. Use a low-lofted club and make a simple putting-like stroke to roll the ball toward the hole. This shot is perfect for keeping the ball low and running it across the green.
6. Control Your Distance
Distance control is crucial in the short game. CGA celebrities practice hitting to specific targets on the green, focusing on how much backswing and follow-through is needed for different distances.
7. Visualize the Shot
Before hitting your chip or pitch, visualize where you want the ball to land and how it will roll out. CGA golfers stress the importance of seeing the shot in your mind before executing it.
8. Stay Relaxed
Tension in your hands and arms can lead to poor short game shots. CGA pros advise keeping your grip light and staying relaxed throughout your swing for smoother, more consistent results.
9. Focus on the First Putt
When putting, CGA golfers focus on getting their first putt close to the hole, especially on longer putts. This strategy reduces the chances of three-putting and helps save strokes on the green.
10. Practice Under Pressure
CGA celebrities often practice short game shots under pressure, simulating real-game scenarios. Set up challenges for yourself in practice, like getting up-and-down from difficult lies, to build confidence for when it counts.
Q&A Section:
Q: What is the best way to control distance on chip shots?
A: CGA golfers recommend practicing with different clubs and focusing on how far the ball travels with various lengths of backswing and follow-through. Developing a feel for distance control through consistent practice is key.
Q: Why is the bump-and-run shot so effective?
A: The bump-and-run keeps the ball low and allows it to roll smoothly toward the hole. It’s a safer shot in many cases because it eliminates the unpredictability of a high lofted shot, especially on firm greens.
Q: How can I avoid decelerating on my short game shots?
A: Focus on accelerating through the ball at impact. Deceleration leads to chunked or bladed shots, so keep your swing smooth and ensure that your follow-through is complete.
Q: What’s the best way to handle pressure in the short game?
A: CGA pros suggest practicing under pressure by setting goals or creating challenges during practice. This helps you build confidence in real-game situations. Also, focus on your pre-shot routine to stay calm under pressure.
Q: How do I choose the right club for my short game shots?
A: It depends on the shot. For longer chips or when you want the ball to roll more, use a lower-lofted club like a pitching wedge or 9-iron. For high, soft shots, a sand or lob wedge works best.
