From tee to green, the game of golf has witnessed a seismic shift in recent years, with players at all levels hitting the ball longer than ever before. It's an exhilarating sight to see, and the allure of the long drive is undeniable. However, if you truly want to understand the essence of golf, it's essential to recognise that the scorecard reflects a different story.
For those who play for a living, the short game is where they make their livelihood. It's not about how far they can drive the ball; it's about their ability to get the ball close to those challenging pins with precision approaches. The short game is the unsung hero of golf, often overlooked by recreational players who are mesmerised by the allure of long drives. Here are five compelling reasons why the short game is arguably the most crucial aspect of this beautiful sport.
1. The Pros Spend More Time on the Range with Short Shots Than Long In a world where players are driving the ball longer, approach shots are getting shorter. While hitting short irons may seem straightforward, take a moment to visit a PGA Tour event and observe the best players in the world honing their skills. You'll quickly realise how much time these elite athletes dedicate to practising with their scoring clubs. It's a testament to the importance of precision in the short game.
2. Accurate Short-Iron Shots Eliminate Greenside Trouble
In response to the booming distances off the tee, golf courses and the PGA Tour have fortified their greens complexes. Thicker rough, closely-mown areas around bunkers, and strategic alterations have made greenside play more challenging. Precise short irons become a shield against these obstacles, ensuring that players can navigate greenside trouble with confidence.
3. Becoming Accomplished At The Short Game Is Fun There are few sensations in golf more exhilarating than executing a flawless short-iron shot that cosies up to the hole. While the occasional hole-out from long distances is a rare thrill, the frequency of success increases as the distance decreases. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, the joy of sinking a precise short-iron shot is a universal experience that adds a touch of magic to every round.
4. Short Game Exercises - Par 18
A favourite among Touring professionals, Par 18 is a great short game practice drill to improve your prowess around the greens. To play, golfers select nine various locations around the putting green and chip golf balls to a specific hole, then putt every ball out. Each hole is a par 2, so the goal is to complete the nine holes in 18 shots. Par 18 gives golfers instant feedback on their short game by pointing out areas that need improvement. After all, getting up-and-down could be the difference between watching your friends break 80 or finally doing it yourself.
Par 18 is also a great short game drill to play with a golf buddy. To up the ante, challenge a friend and switch off selecting locations around the green. The player with the least strokes wins the game and bragging rights.
5. One Shot, Three Clubs
Are you guilty of using one club around the greens when it comes to hitting chip and pitch shots? Do you rely on your [chicken stick] way too much? Well, it’s time to break you of that dependence through the “One Shot, Three Clubs” short game drill. The premise is easy, there’s one shot, but you are required to execute it in three different ways. For example, a straight-forward, ten-yard shot could call for a high approach (sand wedge), mid approach (pitching wedge or 9-iron), or low approach (7 iron). This great short game drill teaches golfers that the sand wedge isn’t always the answer to life’s problems.
Comments