Many amateur golfers overcomplicate the short game, leading to common faults… but now it’s time to go back to basics with my nononsense fundamentals.
1. CONTROLLING TEMPO
A solid short game is all about controlling tempo, maintaining structure and nailing the fundamentals. Your arms move in a straight line in the backswing, keeping the body as quiet as possible with minimal rotation.
Then, in the downswing, the chest turns through as the arms keep swinging down the line of the white cane in the ground here. Don’t speed up as it’s hard to control distance then. Rather, keep a nice fluid motion and focus on controlling tempo.
In terms of the perfect grip, ensure the hands are slightly turned in and the arms hang naturally. The left hand should sit more on top with the grip running through the middle joint of the index finger and the base of the little finger.
The right-hand mirrors this, with the left thumb under the pad of the right thumb when both hands are on the club. Don’t grip tightly as this kills greenside control.
2. SETUP
Ideally you want a narrow stance for a short-game shot, as you aren’t looking to generate tons of power. Your weight distribution should favour the lead side, with around 70% of the pressure going into that lead foot.
It should remain there throughout the swing. For a standard chip, the perfect ball position should be central in your stance, but this can vary depending on the type of shot you’re looking to play.
If the ball position is further forward, the clubhead will come into impact with more dynamic loft; if the ball position is further back, it will have less loft and a lower launch.
3. MAINTAINING STRUCTURE
Maintaining structure with the arms is key to keeping width in the radius of the swing. If your radius breaks down, tops, thins or fats will come into play. Keeping the connection between the arms is crucial throughout the swing.
As you can see, I am using two alignment sticks here to create an ‘X’ shape, crossing over near my wrists and running up my arms and under my armpits.
This is the correct arm structure that you need to maintain, focusing on keeping that triangle between the arms and shoulders consistent throughout the swing.
Use this alignment stick drill in practice to bed in good habits around the green. [PIC 1]
Some check points to help your practise. [PIC 2]
- Take your most lofted club
- Stand slightly taller and closer to the ball than for a normal shot
- Set up with a narrow stance and weight 70% on your lead side
- Open the clubface a fraction but keep the shaft in a neutral position (minimal shaft lean)
- Take the clubhead straight back and through, similar to a putting stroke, committing with speed through impact
