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Introduction to the Short Game
PGA Master Professional Keith Williams is one of the world's leading authorities on the golf swing. He was Director of Coaching for the English Golf Union for 11 years, English National Coach and has worked with players on most professional tours worldwide. Until recently he also played on the Seniors Tour.... so he can play a bit too. The following pages contain extracts from his PocketshotsTM lesson "Short Game Fundamentals" which you can buy for £3.99 plus postage and packing from our online golf store.
This short game instruction article is ideal for anyone who is new to the game; but whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player you will definitely benefit from some of Keith's simple tips to help you save shots in this most important area of your game.
The Importance of the Short Game
The importance of developing a correct short game technique cannot be underestimated. The average male and female handicap in the UK is 15.2. This means that on average a typical golfer will hit 6 greens in regulation and miss 12.
Even European Tour Pros miss on average 6 greens per round. They invest an enormous amount of their practice time in their short game and on average they get up and down for par or better 54% of the time (“Scrambles”).
'Scrambles' in golf are defined as the frequency, expressed as a percentage to one decimal place, of the player scoring par or better on holes where the player missed the Green in Regulation.
The very best “scrambler” on the European Tour at this early stage of the season in 2009 is Padraig Harrington with an 81% success rate. Over the past three years the best European Tour players have averaged about a 64% to 65% success rate.
If you can get up and down 50% of the time then you will probably save yourself 5 or 6 shots a round.
I tell my players (of all standards!) to spend 70% of their time practising their short game). Do this and you will;
- Score well and lower your handicap
- Enjoy golf more
- Be more competitive and consistent