Mastering Your Golf Short Game: Tips for Precision and Control

If you want to improve your golf game, the short game is where you should focus. While crushing a long drive off the tee feels great, most strokes happen inside 100 yards—whether you’re hitting a chip shot, a pitch shot, or sinking a crucial putt.

Mastering the golf short game requires precision, finesse, and smart club selection. Whether you’re working on distance control, keeping your wrist steady, or perfecting your putting stroke, small tweaks can go a long way toward lowering your scores.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What is the short game? (And why it’s different from the long game)
• Tips to improve your short game, from chipping and pitching to bunker shots

Ready to take your game to the next level? Let’s dive in! 

What Is Golf Short Game?

The short game includes any shot played within 100 yards of the hole, where precision and control matter more than power. While bombing a long drive is exciting, the ability to get the ball close to the hole with finesse is what truly separates good golfers from great ones.

Short game shots fall into four main categories:

• Chipping – Low shots that roll more than they fly, often played close to the green with a wedge.
• Pitching – Higher ball flight shots used when you need to keep the ball in the air and land softly.
• Bunker shots – Sand escapes that require an open clubface and a confident downswing.
• Putting – The final stroke on the putting green, where proper contact with the ball is key to sinking the putt.

Additional Reading: Discover 7 Putting Tips to Improve Your Short Game.

Why the Short Game Matters More Than Distance

Even the best long game won’t save a golfer if they can’t execute short game shots effectively. A well-placed drive might leave you around the green, but if your chip shot leaves you too far from the hole, you’re adding unnecessary strokes.

Mastering the golf short game requires total practice time and an understanding of how to control ball flight, adjust stance (slightly forward or back in the stance), and choose the best club for you. Developing solid short game practice habits—like taking a pre-shot routine and keeping your hands in line with the clubhead—can go a long way in lowering your score.

Essential Golf Short Game Tips to Sharpen Your Skills

In the previous section, we covered what the short game is and why it’s crucial for lowering your scores. Now, let’s dive into some effective tips to improve your short game practice and develop better control around the green. Whether you’re struggling with chip shots, choosing the right club selection, or getting a feel for distance control, these simple adjustments can make a big difference.

Tip #1: Improve Your Chip Shot Technique

A well-executed chip shot can save you strokes, but it all starts with proper stance and weight distribution:

• Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and position the golf ball slightly forward.
• Keep your weight on the left side (for right-handed golfers) to promote a downward strike.
• Use a smooth backswing and focus on making clean contact with the ball.
• Keep your wrist steady—too much wrist action leads to inconsistent shots.

Additional Reading:  You might also want to read Mastering Your Swing: How to Hit Golf Irons Like a Pro.

Tip #2: Master Your Short Game with Smart Club Selection

Your club selection plays a huge role in short game success. Some key things to remember:

• A 56-degree pitching wedge is great for lofted shots that land softly.
• A 9-iron or 8-iron can be a better choice for a bump-and-run to keep the ball rolling toward the target.
• If you’re in a bunker, an open clubface with a wedge can help lift the ball up in the air and out of the sand.

Tip #3: Develop a Feel for Distance and Control

One of the best ways to improve your short game is by mastering distance control:

• Ball position matters – Placing the ball in the middle of the stance leads to a lower ball flight, while placing it back in the stance adds backspin.
• Adjust your backswing – A shorter backswing produces a softer shot, while a bigger swing generates more ball flight.
• Practice different lies – Get comfortable hitting shots from tight lies, rough, and bunkers.

Consistent short game practice helps you develop confidence around the green.

Tip #4: The Role of a Soft Touch and Wrist Control

Many golfers struggle with too much wrist action, leading to inconsistent chip shots. Here’s how to fix it:

• It’s easier to control your shot by using your arms and shoulders, rather than flipping your wrists.
• Try this drill – Place a towel under your arms and take a practice swing to feel a more connected motion.
• Hold the club lightly – A soft touch promotes better feel and precision.

The best players in the world rely on a smooth, repeatable motion to keep the ball close to the hole.

Additional Reading: Explore The Fundamentals of a Proper Golf Grip: Best Ways to Improve Your Golf Swing.

Tip #5: Focus on the Least Dangerous Result

Not every chip shot needs to be perfect—sometimes, playing it safe is the best move.

• Aim for the safest landing spot where you can easily two-putt, rather than risking a tricky downhill putt.
• Play a game with yourself—practice getting up and down from different lies with the goal of making solid contact with the ball every time.
• If you’re trying to break 70, decision-making is just as important as execution.

With these short game tips, you’ll develop better consistency and get the ball closer to the hole. 

Taking Your Short Game to the Next Level

Now that you’ve learned key techniques to improve your short game, it’s time to fine-tune your skills and develop consistency. Whether you’re hitting chip shots, working on distance control, or perfecting your putting stroke, small changes can have a huge impact on your golf game. Here’s how to take your short game practice to the next level.

Tips to Improve Your Short Game in Golf for Lower Scores

To hit a great short shot consistently, you need to practice under real-course conditions. This means:

• Varying lies – Practice from the front of the ball, behind the ball, and different grass lengths to simulate real situations.
• Adjusting to slopes – Greens are rarely flat, so learn how narrower stances or ball positioning changes ball flight.
• Visualizing the shot – Before you hit the ball, picture the trajectory, landing spot, and rollout.

A strong mental approach can be just as important as technique. 

Additional Reading: Read more Golf Psychology Tips: Stay Focused and Confident on the Course.

Short Game Practice Routines for Lasting Improvement

Repetition is key, but the amount of practice matters as much as the quality. Try these drills:

• Clock Drill – Place balls in a circle around the hole and chip the ball from different distances.
• Gate Drill – Use tees or alignment sticks to create a “gate” that helps with clubhead control.
• Up-and-Down Challenge – Play a game where you must make contact cleanly and sink the putt within two strokes.

These tips can help you build confidence and consistency, ensuring your short game is always sharp when it matters most! 

Boost Your Short Game with The Stacker and Fore-n-One

If you’re serious about taking your short game to the next level, The Stacker and Fore-n-One are game-changing tools that make short game practice more efficient. Their golf ball pyramids and trays help you stay organized, so you can focus on hitting great shots instead of constantly retrieving balls.

With a structured setup, you’ll develop better ball contact, refine your club back movement, and improve distance control. Efficient practice means more reps and better muscle memory, helping you master everything from chip shots to putts. Ready to practice smarter? Get in touch.