| A great way to lower your score is to | | | | that, in the short game, the handle of |
| reduce the number of strokes it takes to | | | | the golf club should always be in front |
| get you to the hole once you are within | | | | of the face of the club at impact. |
| shooting distance of the green and this | | | | Try a few practice chips and pitches |
| article examines just how to go about | | | | with the toe of your rear foot balanced |
| making your short game even shorter. | | | | on your front foot. This forces you to |
| As something like three quarters of all | | | | put your weight onto your front foot. |
| golf shots are made within 120 yards of | | | | Now, stand normally and hit a few more |
| the hole, your short game provides you | | | | practice shots. At first this exercise |
| with the opportunity to improve your | | | | might seem a little bit silly, but |
| score with less effort. One good | | | | you'll be surprised at how well it helps |
| technique for improving your short game, | | | | to prevent you hanging back and lifting |
| which is as much mental as physical, is | | | | the ball into the air. |
| to start from the hole and work | | | | Remember too that if your head is behind |
| backwards. Begin by getting your ball to | | | | the ball then your weight will also tend |
| the hole from just off the green and | | | | to be behind the ball. To prevent those |
| then move progressively backwards out to | | | | fat chip shots you want to keep your |
| a distance of 100 to 120 yards. | | | | weight to the front. Remember also that |
| The first thing you need to do of course | | | | keeping the ball on the ground longer |
| is to select the right club. The more | | | | will increase your accuracy. |
| height you want on a shot, the more loft | | | | Now try taking a 7 or 8 iron and move |
| you will need on your club, so simply | | | | your grip an inch or so below the |
| match the height and distance to our | | | | position in which you would normally |
| selection of club number. Remember | | | | grip the club. Align your shoulders with |
| though that on short shots you want the | | | | the target line and open your stance |
| ball to stay out of the air as much as | | | | slightly. Keeping your lower body still |
| possible. | | | | and allowing the arms and shoulders to |
| For short shots position your chest in | | | | do the work, take the club back about 18 |
| front of the ball and shift the majority | | | | inches and use a putting stroke allowing |
| of your weight onto the balls of your | | | | the club to follow through by about 18 |
| feet. For higher shots move your chest | | | | inches after impact. |
| farther back, even slightly behind the | | | | For a good chip shot you need to lean a |
| ball, and put slightly less weight onto | | | | little towards the target and make sure |
| the balls of your feet. | | | | that your hands a set slightly ahead of |
| In general, power is not an issue in the | | | | the ball. Also, narrow your stance and |
| short game and proper contact with the | | | | flex your knees slightly. Your swing |
| ball will do more to ensure accuracy and | | | | doesn't require a great deal of force |
| the correct distance than having a | | | | and, if you impact the ball squarely on |
| forceful swing. You need to concentrate | | | | the sweet spot, you will also stop the |
| therefore on getting the club face to | | | | ball from getting too much height. |
| connect squarely with the ball at its | | | | With a little bit of practice you'll |
| sweetspot. This is particularly | | | | find that your short game can become |
| important when using wedges, as the loft | | | | very short and, once you've got it as |
| on the club can easily result in a | | | | short as possible, the next things to do |
| hooked or sliced shot. Remember too | | | | is to shorten your putting game. |