10 Proven Ways to Save Strokes and Lower Your Scores
Master Your Chipping, Pitching, and Putting
Ask almost any PGA Tour professional where amateur golfers can improve the fastest, and you’ll hear the same answer:
The short game.
While most golfers spend hours trying to hit the ball farther, nearly two-thirds of all shots during a round happen within 100 yards of the green.
That’s where rounds are won—or lost.
The good news?
Improving your short game doesn’t require more strength or faster swing speeds. It simply requires better technique, smarter practice, and the right equipment.
In this guide, we’ll show you 10 proven ways to improve your short game so you can get up-and-down more often, eliminate unnecessary strokes, and lower your scores.
At Golf Gear Authority, we’ve helped golfers choose better equipment and practice smarter to become more confident around the greens.
Why Your Short Game Matters
Every missed green presents an opportunity.
Golfers with great short games don’t panic when they miss the green.
They expect to save par.
Improving your short game helps you:
- Save strokes every round
- Reduce double bogeys
- Increase confidence
- Recover from poor approach shots
- Lower your handicap faster
The fastest way to shoot lower scores isn’t always hitting longer drives—it’s getting the ball close to the hole from around the green.
1. Learn One Reliable Chip Shot
Many golfers try to hit five different chip shots.
Instead, master one simple shot that you can trust under pressure.
Basic Setup
- Narrow stance
- Weight slightly on your lead foot
- Hands ahead of the golf ball
- Quiet wrists
- Smooth putting-style motion
Why It Works
Keeping your setup simple improves consistency and reduces mishits.
2. Pick a Landing Spot
One of the biggest mistakes golfers make is looking only at the hole.
Instead, choose a spot on the green where you want the ball to land.
From there, let the ball roll to the cup.
Think of tossing a baseball to someone.
You don’t throw it directly to their feet—you throw it to a landing point.
The same concept applies to chipping.
3. Use More Than Your Lob Wedge
Many golfers automatically reach for their highest-lofted wedge.
Often, that’s the hardest club to control.
Instead, experiment with:
- 8-iron
- 9-iron
- Pitching wedge
- Gap wedge
The more the ball rolls, the easier it becomes to control distance.
4. Improve Your Pitch Shots
Pitch shots require a slightly longer swing than chips.
Focus on:
- Smooth rhythm
- Quiet lower body
- Accelerating through impact
Avoid trying to lift the ball.
The loft of the club will do that for you.
5. Learn Proper Bunker Technique
Greenside bunkers intimidate many golfers.
But they’re actually easier than most people think.
The key is understanding that you’re hitting the sand—not the golf ball.
Basic Keys
- Open the clubface
- Aim slightly left
- Swing through the sand
- Finish your swing
Practice this technique and bunker shots become much less intimidating.
6. Improve Your Distance Control
The best short-game players have excellent feel.
One of the easiest drills is the Ladder Drill.
Hit shots trying to land the ball at:
- 10 feet
- 20 feet
- 30 feet
- 40 feet
The goal is improving touch—not power.
7. Spend More Time Practicing Around the Green
Many golfers spend 90% of practice hitting drivers.
Instead, try this breakdown:
- 50% Short Game
- 30% Putting
- 20% Full Swing
This simple change often produces the fastest scoring improvement.
8. Become a Better Putter
Putting is a huge part of your short game.
Most missed putts are caused by poor speed—not poor aim.
Practice:
- Lag putting
- Three-foot putts
- Distance control
- Consistent tempo
If you eliminate three-putts, your scores will drop quickly.
9. Play Wedges That Fit Your Game
Modern wedges make short-game shots easier.
Our favorites include:
- Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore
- Titleist Vokey SM10
- Callaway Opus
- TaylorMade MG4
Forgiving wedges provide:
- Better spin
- More consistency
- Improved turf interaction
10. Create Pressure During Practice
Don’t simply hit one chip after another.
Create games.
Examples:
- Get up-and-down five times.
- Chip inside a three-foot circle.
- Make ten three-foot putts before leaving.
Adding pressure during practice prepares you for pressure on the course.
Common Short Game Mistakes
Trying Miracle Shots
Choose the highest-percentage shot.
Scooping the Ball
Trust the loft of the club.
Decelerating
Always accelerate through impact.
Practicing Only Drivers
Spend more time inside 100 yards than on the driving range.
Best Equipment to Improve Your Short Game
Shop all the Best Wedges: Links below
Best Premium Wedge
Best Putter
Best Training Aid
Portable Chipping Net & Alignment Sticks
Final Tips
If you want to become a better golfer:
✔ Master one chip shot
✔ Focus on your landing spot
✔ Learn bunker fundamentals
✔ Improve your distance control
✔ Practice putting regularly
✔ Spend more time inside 100 yards
These habits will save more strokes than simply trying to hit the ball farther.
Final Verdict
A great short game gives you confidence.
Even when you miss a green, you’ll know you have the skills to recover.
By improving your:
- Chipping
- Pitching
- Bunker play
- Putting
- Distance control
you’ll save strokes on every round and lower your handicap much faster.
The best golfers aren’t perfect—they simply make fewer mistakes around the green.
Ready to Improve Your Short Game?
