Short Game training

Shortgame under 50 meters

Short Game

The short game in golf, especially shots under 50 meters, plays a critical role in lowering scores and managing a round effectively.
This aspect of golf includes chipping, pitching, and bunker shots, as well as putting, and is often the difference between making par and dropping unnecessary strokes. Mastery of the short game allows players to recover from less-than-ideal situations, such as missed fairways or errant approach shots.
The ability to scramble — or save par from challenging positions — is heavily dependent on short-game skills. When a golfer fails to reach the green in regulation, scrambling requires precise, controlled shots around the green to set up a manageable putt. A well-executed chip or pitch can turn a potential bogey into a par, maintaining momentum in a round.
On the PGA Tour, the average scrambling percentage for players typically ranges between 55% to 65%. This means that, on average, professional golfers successfully make par or better about 55% to 65% of the time when they miss the green in regulation.
Top scrambling performers on tour can have percentages closer to or even exceeding 65%, showcasing their elite short game skills. These players rely on sharp wedge play, chipping, and putting to save strokes and avoid bogeys, a key factor in remaining competitive in tournaments.

How good is your short game?

Player Profile Short Game Test

To start the short game test I select 10 set positions around the green and chip and pitch golf balls to a specific hole, then we measure the proximity to the hole.

The 10 shots are,
1. Putt from fringe
2. Chip shot short flag position
3. Chip shot middle flag position
4. Chip shot back flag position.
5. Pitch shot 15m
6. Pitch shot 25m
7. Pitch shot 35m
8. Pitch shot 45m
9. Pitch shot 25m Bad lie
10. Bunker shot

Scoring is as follows( measured with a sand wedge to hole front edge),
Closer than 1 club length 10 points
Closer than 2 club lengths 8 points
Closer than 3 club lengths 6 points
After 10 shots you will have a percentage score.
I can then quickly identify strengths and weakness in the short game technique or shot or club selection, then I can put a personal training plan together to improve short game performance.