Every golfer wants to hit more greens, but scoring well is just as much about what happens after you miss one. The short game (shots inside 50 yards) is where the best players are separated.
The graphs below show Firing range data on how players with different handicaps actually perform around the greens. From proximity and up and down percentages to total strokes needed to finish a hole, you can see exactly where your short game stands and what the next skill level looks like.
| Handicap | % up and down | And the % of sand | <25 yds up and down | 25–50 yds Up and Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 25% | 10% | 35% | 9% |
| 20 | 31% | 15% | 41% | 14% |
| 15 | 34% | 18% | 43% | 16% |
| 10 | 39% | 20% | 47% | 20% |
| 5 | 47% | 23% | 56% | 25% |
| scratch | 54% | 37% | 63% | 32% |
Short game performance with 25 handicaps
At a 25 handicap level, the short game is where most shots are lost. Players at this range get up and down about one in four attempts and usually need a little more than three shots to finish once inside 50 yards.
The approach averages about 22 feet, leading to long first tees and plenty of three-putt opportunities. Focusing on clean contact and distance control from under 25 meters offers the fastest route to improvement.
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| % up and down (0–50 yds) | 25% |
| And the % of sand | 10% |
| Average proximity to the hole | 22 ft |
| Shots to finish | 3.01 |
| % up and down (<25 yds) | 35% |
| % up and down (25–50 yds) | 9% |
Short game performance with 20 handicaps
Golfers around a 20 handicap are showing better control, converting roughly one in three putts (31 percent) and averaging 2.86 shots to finish once inside 50 yards. Proximity improves to 20 feet, and stronger short-range numbers (<25 yards) indicate that contact and consistency are improving.
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| % up and down (0–50 yds) | 31% |
| And the % of sand | 15% |
| Average proximity to the hole | 20 ft |
| Shots to finish | 2.86 |
| % up and down (<25 yds) | 41% |
| % up and down (25–50 yds) | 14% |
Short game performance with 15 handicaps
A 15-handicap golfer’s short game is improving, but inconsistency remains. They get up and down about a third of the time (34 percent) and average 2.78 shots to finish from 50 yards or more. Average proximity is 18 feet. Distance control is better, but still not good enough for frequent one-shots.
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| % up and down (0–50 yds) | 34% |
| And the % of sand | 18% |
| Average proximity to the hole | 18 ft |
| Shots to finish | 2.78 |
| % up and down (<25 yds) | 43% |
| % up and down (25–50 yds) | 16% |
Short game performance with 10 handicaps
Ten-handicap golfers are strong around the golf course, but still miss shots on longer fairways and inconsistent contact. They convert nearly 40 percent of their up-and-downs and average 2.68 shots to finish inside 50 yards. The 15-foot approach allows for more two-putts and the occasional one-putt, signaling strong progress toward single-digit golf.
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| % up and down (0–50 yds) | 39% |
| Sand courses % | 20% |
| Average proximity to the hole | 15 ft |
| Shots to finish | 2.68 |
| % up and down (<25 yds) | 47% |
| % up and down (25–50 yds) | 20% |
5 handicap short game performance
At the five-handicap level, golfers show control and creativity around the greens. They get up and down almost half the time (47 percent) and average just 2.55 shots to go. With average proximity at 14 feet, they consistently put up doable par saves. The gap in a scratch handicap lies in playing in the bunker and converting mid-range shots.
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| % up and down (0–50 yds) | 47% |
| And the % of sand | 23% |
| Average proximity to the hole | 14 feet |
| Shots to finish | 2.55 |
| % up and down (<25 yds) | 56% |
| % up and down (25–50 yds) | 25% |
Short game performance of the scratch golfer
Scratch golfers set the standard for elite short game efficiency. They get up and down more than half the time (54 percent) and average just 2.45 shots to finish inside 50 yards. The average approach tightens to just 11 feet, meaning they leave themselves realistic chances of a one-shot on most missed greens. The biggest advantage comes from durability. Scratch players convert short putts and tackle bunkers with almost twice the success of higher handicappers.
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| % up and down (0–50 yds) | 54% |
| And the % of sand | 37% |
| Average proximity to the hole | 11 feet |
| Shots to finish | 2.45 |
| % up and down (<25 yds) | 63% |
| % up and down (25–50 yds) | 32% |
Final thoughts
As the handicap drops, short game performance improves in every metric. Proximity seems to be one of the biggest dividers in performance. Every five-stroke advance to get closer to that elusive putting handicap means hitting it about two to three feet closer to the hole and saving about half a stroke for every green missed.
If you’re trying to lower scores, track your up and down percentage and focus on pure contact and consistency. it The data proves that hitting the ball a little closer to the hole more often is the real difference maker.
Post How good is your short game? (Performance Table by Handicap) appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
