This old standard is certainly true and while learning how to effectively swing the club consistently is very important, and rewarding, shot making accounts for about 50% of the game, therefore as mentioned previously in this column more than 50% of your total score will occur inside 50 mtrs from the hole.
These days we are fortunate to have so many choices of great putters and wedges by comparison to yesteryear, however shot feel, imagination and delivery are characteristics that we must learn through practice and professional advice. Developing a top quality short game, and effective putting stroke doesn’t happen by chance, so incorporating a lesson and practice schedule for these areas is equally important as the long game.
Some time ago I started teaching a player who played off 5 handicap.I reviewed this players game statistics and with a putting average of 33 putts per round I developed a lesson package heavily biased toward putting and chipping. Today this player is off a handicap of 1 and his putting average is now 29.
I used to believe that great putting was a gift that only some players are blessed with and to some degree I still hold this thought, however experience has shown me that even the worst putters can improve their averages with a solid understanding of the putting stroke and consistent putting routine.
The same can be said of all short game shots, including bunkers, chipping and pitching so there is no need to throw strokes away with poor concepts or execution. With very little effort many shots could be saved from every round and decrease the pressure on ball striking with an effective short game.
Good golfing to all until next week.
