Pros own these 6 short strokes. Here’s how you can too

Lately I’ve been honest about my struggles with my short game, with manner too many unnecessary shots being added to my scorecard due to errors around the putting surface.

While this is to be expected from a mid-handicapper like myself who only has time to play a few times a month (if that), it’s still frustrating not being able to hit the shots I need to.

But here’s the thing: Just because you are within 20-30 meters green does not mean you can’t be a little more creative what short game shots you can hit. So instead of always grabbing a lob wedge and risking a chipped or skulled result, maybe try using a Texas wedge for a safer game?

What’s great about golf is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach – which is why we see so many pros succeeding around the greens. Given their creativity and soft touch, they closely analyze every shot before getting down to club selection and shot type, then they go about executing their strategy to perfection.

So which kicks are important to add to your arsenal? Master teacher Tom Stickney offers six creative options below.

A guide to improving your short game strokes

“If it seems like Tour players have a bunch of short game shots in their bag, that’s because they work in all kinds of scenarios when they’re around the green,” says Stickney. “So their biggest asset is using their experience and knowledge to pick a shot, then use the perfect trajectory that works best for them in that situation.”

Stickney says many amateurs get “stuck” with only one option in the short game, which hinders them when the conditions don’t allow for that type of shot.

“You have to have the ability to hit a few different shots at different heights,” he says. “If you have a limited number of shots around the green, then you’re never going to develop a reliable short game that can take you to the next level as a player.”

That’s why he says the six short-game shots below should be a good starting point to help expand your repertoire, leading to lower scores in no time.

1. Texas Wedge

of Texas Wedge it’s a popular choice when the ground hardens and bakes, making chipping and scraping dangerous. This putter is a surefire option to help you get closer to the hole, possibly the easiest shot to play in golf.

How to hit it: Position the ball as you would normally when putting, and put 60 percent of your weight forward to ensure a good shot. Now have the putter swing and accelerate through the ball, using a “short to long” stroke with no wrist action – which keeps the putter’s head moving through the ball. The key to executing this shot is simply making sure you hit the ball hard enough, making sure it ends up somewhere on the green (at worst).

2. Put it back into position

As stated above, when all else fails, the keg is always the best choice. But what if you have a bad lie or a longer distance to go, or even some rough in front of you? This is when you need more speed to get the ball through the stuff in front of you, but not to get the ball up after hitting the green.

At times like these, I suggest you just put the ball back into your position when using the putter on the green – which still gives you all the benefits of using the Texas wedge.

How to hit it: Place the ball just to the side of your sternum track, with 60 percent of your weight on your front foot. Next, lean the prop shaft forward so that the butt of the stick is pointing at your front pocket. This position will ensure that the shooter moves correctly.

The setup will cause the putter’s head to move slightly up during the backswing, allowing you to move down and through the ball during the swing. This no-lock shot will cause the ball to pop slightly into the air, producing a touch more spin than a regular Texas wedge.

3. Fairway wood or salvage club

Using a fairway wood or a rescue (hybrid) club from the green allows you a very easy way to get up and down good, bad or tight lies – especially when a pin it is close to the edge of the green.

How to hit it: Place your fairway wood or rescue club as you normally would and sink all the way down the handle near the shaft. Now assume your normal putting grip and use your typical putting stroke without any wrist action. By doing this, you will allow the extra mass and length of the wood (or hybrid) to push the ball onto the green.

I recommend using this shot only on very narrow pin placements near the edge of the green because longer shots require different footing.

4. Belly wedge

Using a belly wedge is great for really “touchy” shots from the green window when a putter or a rescue stick won’t work. It is also wonderful from any lie, whether good or bad.

By using the extra mass of a sand wedge and the thick toe flange, you’ll find that the ball has a quick burst of spin – helping it really spin once it hits the green and preventing it from rolling away from you.

How to hit it: Place the ball in the middle of your stance, just like you are using a putter. The weight should be 50-50, and you should use your normal grip. Now keep your wrists strong and hit the ball on the belly or equator of the ball, causing it to roll over the top of the grass and then gently onto the green.

5. A hit and run

A bump and run is a common short game for most amateurs and can be a great option when you are too far from the pin to use a putt, a save putt or even a chip shot. While most irons are possible club choices for a bump and run, something between a 7-iron and a 9-iron are usually the most popular.

How to hit it: Place the ball back in your position and just between the sternum and the toe (depending on the length of the shot). All of your weight should be on the lead side, with the shaft of the club and your hands pushed forward – so that the butt of the club points into your forward pocket. If you look down and notice a small “Y” formed between your arms, hands and shaft, you are in the right position.

Now lock your ankles with the weight forward as you make your kick keeping the “Y” intact all the way through.

6. A point down shot

With so many golf courses now mowing the greens to be super fast, it sure seems like every time you miss a putt by 5-10 yards, you’re dealing with a nearly impossible shot. It’s at times like these that an underhand shot can come in handy.

How to hit it: Place the club down on the toe (with the heel off the ground), place the shaft of the club perpendicular to the ground, and center the ball in the back of your stance. Then, use your normal putting grip and normal putting stroke (no knuckles), allowing the club to come down and through the ball at impact.

This type of shot also offers some versatility, so you can open the blade or close the blade and use this short game shot for all different types of lies when you’re hoping for a little more opening.

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