A Beginner's Guide To The Importance Of The Short Game

When becoming a beginner at golf, it is highly recommended to begin with a short game rather than jump in head first and choose an 18 hole round of golf. A short game is a great way to practice your shots, in order to become more comfortable with the course. A short game is one in which all shots that are made on the golf course are made from approximately 75 yards towards the hole, or the scoring distance. When first being introduced to golf, the game is about precision, as well as distance and strength. To get your ball onto the green in one single shot and into the hole in two strokes or less is the ideal game play, resulting in a par 3 for example.

Your golf course success is highly determined upon how well you play a short game. Your golf score does not rely solely on power, as with other sports, but rather by using your intellect, various techniques and making the right decisions. You will most likely hear golfers speaking of their 'approach shots', which actually means their swing which is made towards the hole, and must be carried out with the correct speed and at the perfect angle.

Mastering, with practice, every shot that is made on a short game, in perfect order and with the right timing and enough strength to move the ball in the right direction is essential when beginning the new sport of golf. The importance of the game from the tee off to the hole can best be described as the analogy of a jet airplane.

A jet plane, in order to become airborne, takes off with a great deal of force, power and distance. When it is time to reach its destination, the jet must coast in with pinpoint accuracy, perfect execution, the correct speed and fly perfectly to the landing zone. It is exactly the same with golf.

The Shots That Make Up the Short Game

The pitch shot, chip shot, bunker shot, flop shot and the putt, are the different swing types that are included in your short game.

Pitch Shot:

A pitch shot is generally used when you are attempting to get the golf ball over an obstacle. During this shot, the ball usually gets airborne for at least 75% of its movements before it lands on the green.

Chip Shot:

A small amount of loft is received with a chip shot. The ball usually travels a small distance, which is measured in feet, and usually has s low roll towards the hole.

Bunker Shot:

This shot is exactly what it says, a bunker shot is used to get the ball out of a bunker area. The sand wedge is the typical club used for this, which causes the ball to fly high and land sharply close to the hole.

Flop Shot:

Flop shots are a description of a ball that becomes airborne, flies practically vertical and lands close to the hole without rolling.

The Putt:

This shot is the ultimate shot made in which the object is to get the golf ball into the hole.

With practice and patience you will certainly improve your golf game, when taking the time to play short games in the beginning.