Is Your Short Game Short-Circuiting Your Scores?

Does your handicap accurately reflect your true ability, or does your short game prevent you from having a lower handicap? A person who hits long tee shots should have the advantage on most holes, right? Not so fast.

As a PGA Professional, I have played with many amateurs who hit the ball a long way but make few, if any, birdies. They devote all their time to practicing with their driver and none to their short game from 75 yards and in. Not many people will ever be able to hit a 300-yard drive, but a 75-yard shot into the hole is actually doable. And here’s how:

If you’re hitting the ground before the ball or topping the ball, then you’ve lost the position of the club’s leading edge. First, when using a pitching wedge, take a narrow stance: Heel to heel should be around 12 inches. This will minimize lateral movement and promote a small hip-and-shoulder turn. Second, focus on your hands past your left thigh (for lefties, right thigh) before the club makes contact with the ball. Your club has been designed with a leading edge; when the hands lead, the leading edge descends. When the leading edge is descending through the ball at contact, the club will then proceed to make a divot after the ball.

This will require a lot of practice. But as your leading-edge position improves, your shots will land closer to the hole—maybe you’ll even drop in a few. Then your handicap will reflect your true ability.