MY GOLF LIFE

Breaking Bad (Habits): My Quest to Master the Short Game and Shave 4 Shots Off My Handicap

September 28, 2024

If there’s one thing that unites golfers at all skill levels, it’s the knowledge that a strong short game is the key to lower scores. And yet—confession time—my own short game practice could best be described as…well, “nonexistent” might be generous. While I’ll happily spend hours tinkering with my driver on the range, you’re much less likely to find me around the practice green, working on wedges or testing my touch from 100 yards out. The result? I’m regularly losing 6-7 shots per round, all from the “scoring zone,” a golf term I am coming to understand in my own special, painful way.

So, here we are: I’ve set myself a winter resolution to shave at least 4 shots off my handicap next year by dedicating myself to actually practicing my short game over the generally quiet next few months. And it’s about time I made friends with my wedges.

Why the Short Game Matters More Than I’d Like to Admit

The funny thing is, I know the theory inside out. Every pro, golf instructor, and YouTube video hammers home the same point: the closer you get to the hole, the more precise you need to be. Yet somehow, when I think “practice,” my mind immediately jumps to smashing long drives, as if an extra 20 yards off the tee is going to save my round. The truth is, those shots from 100 yards and in are where the magic happens (or, in my case, the carnage begins).

Over the past few rounds, I’ve tracked where my biggest score-wreckers occur, and sure enough, it’s those short shots that are doing the damage. Duffing a chip, missing the green from 80 yards, or watching a five-foot putt slide past—all of these add up quickly. They say “drive for show, putt for dough,” and, reluctantly, I’m realising just how much “dough” I’m leaving out there.

The Resolution: A Short Game Practice Plan

This isn’t going to be a vague “do better” goal. No, this is going to be structured (or at least, more structured than my usual approach). I’ve come up with a short game practice plan, and I’m committing to sticking to it—no excuses. Here’s what it looks like:

• Wedge Work Twice a Week: I’ll start by practicing with my wedges at least twice a week. Pitching from 100 yards, 60 yards, and 30 yards will help me get a feel for those crucial distances and improve consistency.
• Chip-and-Run Drills: Instead of randomly flinging chips towards the green, I’ll set up targets and focus on hitting them accurately. It’s about mastering the “predictable miss” (meaning, not leaving myself in the bunker after every attempt).
• Putt, Putt, and More Putting: I’ll dedicate some time to my putting, especially those pesky five-footers. Nothing’s more frustrating than getting on the green only to three-putt, so let’s make those a thing of the past.

Will It Work? The Plan in Action

With this newfound resolve, I’m actually quite optimistic. There’s something satisfying about tackling a weak spot head-on, knowing that each practice session brings me closer to a tangible improvement. I’ve even set a few mini-goals, like reducing the number of “double-bogey” holes caused by short-game slips. If I can chip away at that, I’ll be on my way to shaving those 4 strokes off my handicap by the end of the season.

The First Few Sessions

Predictably, my first couple of practice sessions were an exercise in humility. Every flubbed chip and clumsy pitch reminded me just how far I have to go. But the progress has already been rewarding—I’m starting to feel more control over those 100-yard shots, and I’m finally beginning to see the benefit of putting in the effort where it counts.

So, here’s to my short game journey, one wedge at a time. If I can stick with it, this just might be the season I bring my handicap down, one practice session (and one fewer “duffed” shot) at a time.