Short game tips for beginners
Quick answer: Choose the shot with the least risk by rolling the ball whenever you can and flying it only when you must. Ask if you can putt, then if you can chip, and pitch only if neither works. Pick your landing spot, not the hole, before choosing the club for your short game shot.
Short game tips start with choosing the shot, not fixing the swing. Near the green, roll it when you can and fly it only when you must.
14 Around the green
The situation
You are close to the green and every shot feels like a gamble. Often the shot you chose asks for more air than the ground needs. A ball rolling on short grass is easier to judge than a ball in the air.
A check you can do
Before each short shot, ask three questions in order. Can I putt it? If not, can I chip it, landing just on the green and rolling the rest? Only if neither works, pitch it. If you are pitching shots you could have putted, the choice is the problem, not the swing.
The fix
- 01Putt from the fringe when the grass is short If the ground between you and the hole is short and smooth, use the putter. The stroke is on the first putt.
- 02Chip when it has to carry a little When there is a strip of longer grass to clear, chip. Land the ball just on the green and let it roll. The stroke is on the chip.
- 03Pitch only when it has to fly and stop Rough, a bunker, or very little green between you and the hole is when you need more air. That swing is on pitching.
- 04Pick the landing spot before the club Whatever the shot, choose where the ball lands first, then the club. The landing spot, not the hole, is the target.
Why the short game matters most for beginners
On a typical beginner round, many strokes are played within about 50 yards of the hole: chips, pitches, bunker shots and putts. These shots are short, slow and easy to practise, and they need little strength.
Choose the shot: putt, chip or pitch
| Shot | When to use it | Club | Air time vs roll |
|---|---|---|---|
| Putt | Short, smooth grass all the way to the hole | Putter | All roll |
| Chip | A strip of fringe or light rough to carry, plenty of green | 7, 8 or 9 iron, or pitching wedge | Mostly roll |
| Pitch | Rough, a bunker or little green between you and the hole | Pitching or sand wedge | Mostly air |
| Bunker shot | Ball in a greenside bunker | Sand wedge | Sand throws the ball out |
The rule of thumb is to roll the ball whenever you can and fly it only when you must. A ball on the ground is easier to judge, and a mishit putt or chip still finishes somewhere reasonable. A mishit pitch can go anywhere.
A 20-minute short game practice
Ten minutes of putting from 3 to 30 feet, focusing on putting speed so long putts finish within a club length of the hole. Five minutes of chipping to one landing spot with two different clubs, to see how much each one rolls. Five minutes of pitches over a bag or towel to a target 20 to 30 yards away.
Common questions
Why is shot selection important in the short game?
Shot selection is important because it reduces the chance of mishits. Rolling the ball (putting or chipping) is easier to control than flying it (pitching), especially for beginners.
How can I improve my short game consistency?
Practise regularly with focused drills, such as putting from different distances, chipping to a specific landing spot, and pitching over a bag or towel. Consistency comes from repetition and attention to detail.
What is the best club to use for a chip shot?
A 7, 8, or 9 iron, or a pitching wedge are common choices for a chip shot. These clubs allow the ball to carry a short distance and roll the rest of the way to the hole.
How do I choose where the ball lands before hitting?
Choose the landing spot based on the lie, grass conditions, and distance to the hole. The landing spot, not the hole, becomes your target to ensure better control and accuracy.
Related fixes
Last updated: 2026-10-21
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