As a professional golfer, I have noticed a common pattern among amateur golfers regarding their short game - it's not always about technique or mindset but often about decision-making. In this video, I will share with you a simple flowchart that will help you make better decisions and improve your chipping and short game without needing to practice more.

The Mini Bag and the Flowchart Concepts

To get started, you will need what I call a "mini bag." This includes a putter, a hybrid, an 8-iron, and a sand wedge. With these clubs and the following flowchart, you'll be able to assess the situation and choose the appropriate shot.

Step 1: Can I Putt It?
The first question you must ask yourself is whether you can putt the ball. This is applicable when you have a clear path to the green with no major obstacles or trouble. If the answer is yes, then use your putter and make a simple pendulum-like stroke to get the ball on the green. This method ensures better contact and more control compared to using wedges.

Step 2: When to Putt with Loft?
If the ball is sitting in a slight depression or a challenging lie on the fringe, putting it with a traditional stroke may result in the ball hitting the ground before the ball, causing it to bobble up in the air. In this case, using a hybrid with loft can be an effective alternative. The loft will help lift the ball over the depression, and by using your putting technique, you can maintain control and judge the distance more accurately.

Step 3: When to Chip and Run?
When the ball is in the rough or a situation where neither a putter nor a hybrid can be used effectively, it's time to resort to chipping and running. Grab an 8-iron, 9-iron, or 7-iron and use a small swing technique. Keep your feet together, focus on maintaining a "Y" shape between your arms and the club, and pivot around your spine. The goal is to hit the ball just over the fringe grass and let it roll onto the green.

Step 4: When to Use Full Wedge Shot?
Ideally, you want to avoid this situation altogether, but sometimes you may find yourself needing to carry the ball all the way onto the green due to obstacles like bunkers or long rough. In such cases, a lofted wedge shot with a lot of loft becomes necessary. Use your sand wedge (56 degrees) or a lob wedge and apply the same techniques mentioned earlier, but with a larger swing.

Adjust Your Expectations and Scoring Strategy

It's important to manage your expectations and tailor your strategy based on your skill level and scoring goals. If you are not consistently breaking 90, focus on getting the ball on the green and two-putting to achieve a bogey. By using the techniques and shots outlined above, you'll be able to get close enough consistently to facilitate two-putting.

As you progress and aim to break 80 or achieve single-digit handicaps, focus on getting down in two shots around the green by hitting the ball closer to the hole. This requires more accuracy and precision in your short game, but the flowchart can guide your shot selection in these situations as well.

By adjusting your expectations and using the appropriate shot for the circumstance, you can improve your short game without needing to practice more. Remember, the key is to make your worst shots better and give yourself more scoring opportunities.

Conclusion

Don't underestimate the power of good decision-making in golf, particularly regarding your chipping and short game. By following the flowchart and using the appropriate shots for each situation, you can minimize mistakes and improve your overall performance.

Remember, golf is a game of strategy and precision, and your decision-making skills play a crucial role in your success. Mastering the flowchart will give you a clear roadmap for making better choices during your rounds, even without additional practice.

Try it during your next game and see how these techniques can transform your chipping game. With some practice and experience, you'll become more confident and consistent around the greens, ultimately leading to better overall scores.

So next time you find yourself facing a challenging chip shot, remember to choose wisely and make the shot that gives you the best chance of success. Good luck and happy golfing!

*If you found this guide helpful, please consider leaving a like and commenting below. Your feedback is valuable, and it helps me create more content to support your golfing journey.*

To learn more about my coaching options and work with me remotely or in person, visit paulwilliamsonsongolf.com. I look forward to helping you improve your game and seeing your progress.