The Most Important Part of the Game of Golf

Last time, I wrote about the differences between those who play golf for a living and everyone else. In that article, I discussed three areas of the game where touring professionals distinguish their games: driving distances, fairway shots, and the short game. I mentioned that the first two are largely out of reach for the rest of golf, but I feel that with guidance and enough practice, golfers at all skill levels can improve their scores tremendously with better short game shots from 100 yards into the green. Today, we can look at the strategy it is best to employ when facing shots near the green.

Golf is still a game of getting the ball into the hole in the fewest number of strokes. Those of us who cannot hit the ball tremendous distances can still save strokes with improved technique and PRACTICE.

As a player, consider these simple rules when you have missed the green

• Putt the ball whenever you can.
• Chip the ball if you can’t putt.
• Only pitch the ball when you must.

By definition, a chip is a low “bump and run” shot, while a pitch shot (also short) is lofted into the air. The degree of difficulty between the two is considerable. When considering which shot to use, you might first consider the situation you are facing. For example, if you have a greenside bunker or water to negotiate, you have little to no choice: the golf ball must be lofted. You select your most lofted club (58, 60-degree wedge) and play the shot. However, most times, you have no obstacles between the golf ball and the hole. This is when to consider putting or chipping the ball.

I am often asked, how far out should I chip vs. putt? Answer: It is not a matter of distance. It is entirely situational. In my tournament days, I have used as much as a 5 iron to “bump and run” the ball from, maybe 50 yards. I also have heard Gary Player say it is simply what you FEEL on certain days. The choice is yours, but I do recommend making it as easy as you can.

I’m sure some of you have played links golf. The most popular place in the continental US for that type of golf is Bandon Dunes. At Bandon, many of the caddies have their players chip with hybrid clubs. A hybrid is a very safe golf club to use because it is all but impossible to chunk the ball. Why? There is no leading edge, which usually is the reason for fat or “chunking.”

To recap…

• A putt the most predictable outcome.
• A chip is the second most predictable outcome.
• A pitch is the least predictable outcome.