The fastest way to lower scores
Every golfer would like to shoot lower scores but not everybody knows how to get there. Think about this: depending on your handicap, a third of your strokes are putting, a third are short game and the other third are full swing shots. Do you devote an equal amount of time to working on all three aspects of your game?
Before loading up on another swing tip, if you had one hour to practice, where would you spend it? Most golfers head to the driving range but the correct answer might be “closer than you think,” as they say in the Scotiabank commercials. Most golf courses have a practice green right next to the clubhouse.
In this article, we’re going to focus on the short game, specifically those chip shots where a lot of strokes can be lost.
Tempo
Tempo is critical when it comes to executing short game shots including chipping, pitching and putting. Full swing and short game tempos differ significantly because full swings require maximum distance and power, while the short game prioritizes precision, control, and accuracy.
An ideal tempo for your full swing is a 3:1 ratio, meaning that your backswing takes three times longer than your downswing. Shots like chips, pitches, and putts require a slower, pendulum-like motion. Rushing the downswing in the short game often causes thin or fat contact. A relaxed 2:1 ratio helps you maintain a smooth, controlled stroke without decelerating
A good way to practice your tempo is to count your swing silently. Say “one, two” during the backswing and hit on “three” at impact.
The 20-Yard Scoring Zone
Before there was Trackman, launch monitors, and endless swing videos, great teachers understood a simple truth: golfers score better when they simplify the game. Few golf pros have demonstrated this better than Dennis Kelly. Dennis is a 50-Year Life Member of the PGA of Canada and one of Southwestern Ontario’s most respected golf professionals.
Affectionately known as “The Leprechaun,” Dennis has spent more than five decades helping golfers of all ages improve their games through simple fundamentals, great tempo, and confidence on and around the greens. Widely admired for his professionalism, character and integrity, with his lifelong contributions to Junior Golf, Dennis remains a trusted teacher, mentor, and one of our great ambassadors for the game of golf.
Keys to his success with the short game are:
- Weight slightly forward.
- Straight lead arm with no hand/wrist movement.
- A slightly descending strike with your great 2:1 tempo and “constant acceleration through the ball”. This is worth repeating. Constant acceleration through ball, so there’s not a fast hit at the ball or any tension in the hands or any chopping or stabbing motion.
- And a good smooth follow through.
I’ve always believed that if you get better around the hole and on the green, you’ll be able to shave more strokes off your game quicker and you’ll feel a lot better walking to the next tee.
Short game improvement = Benefits
- You’ll chip the ball closer to the hole resulting in fewer putts, especially those dreaded three-putts.
- As your short game confidence grows, you’ll feel less pressure on your approach shots and tee shots.
- Lower scores
Par-ting thoughts …
Lower scores are often found much closer to the hole and/or around the green.
Better thinking with targets in mind is better than a technical thought with poor execution.
Choose tees that are age & skill friendly! Don’t let your ego get in the way of lower scores!
As always, good thinking leads to good decisions. And good decisions lead to lower scores. Play well, my friend!
