Common Short Game Mistakes To Avoid

Are You Using The Wrong Club?

One of the biggest mistakes golfers make on the course is not using the right club. You can have a better short game, have more fun, and lower your score if you would just stick to a club which is the most comfortable for you when facing a specific shot.

For example, if you are confident using a 7 iron club whenever hitting the ball from 35 yards in, then use it. Just because you may have read that an amateur or pro golfer prefers another club when facing the same scenario, or have seen a golf training video which stresses the use of a different iron, it doesn't mean you have to follow their advice. Stick to what works, for you!

I'll give you a perfect example. Whenever Tiger Woods is facing a shot from anywhere around the green he always uses his 60 degree wedge. He doesn't try to use several wedges. He sticks to what works for Tiger. He is capable of using his 60 degree wedge to hit a flop shot where the ball only goes 25 feet, and he can also use the same wedge to hit a shot that travels 60 feet by adjusting his technique. Why? Because he is most comfortable with that particular club.

Short game success has just as much to do with your confidence and comfort levels as it does with technique and shot specifics. In time you will find what is called your “go to club” when playing through a specific shot. And when practicing your short game, those practice sessions should be focused around this club in order to improve at the fastest rate possible.

Stop Over-analyzing Everything

The reasons for choosing golf as your sport is to enjoy a game that is comfortable, confidence-building, and which is able to settle within your subconscious. This means avoiding the dreaded mistake over-analyzing everything. You must allow the game to come to you by just letting it happen.

You have probably taken a few golf lessons in the past, have put in hours on the practice range, and learned additional skills and tips from watching the pros on TV. It's time to trust these lessons and past experiences that you have had by allowing your subconscious to guide your way. Just take your swing – it's that simple.

The best thing you can do is develop a solid, consistent swing and grow your confidence with it. From that point on, the game of golf is simply hitting the ball towards the intended target, walking over and picking it up, and hitting it again, until you have reached the hole.

This may seem like an oversimplification, and of course practice and preparation are important, but if you spend time analyzing every second of the game to the point of seriously frustrating yourself, you are on the wrong track. Rather, enjoy golf and use your energy to focus and concentrate when the time is needed instead of mulling over every minor detail.

Not Making Time To Practice Tough Shots

Before you confront specific golf shots on the course be sure you have practiced them. By practicing regularly, you build up your confidence as well as add to your options on the golf course. Your self-confidence will let you know when you are prepared to try a certain shot that you have not attempted before.

Sometimes it is necessary to have practiced a shot before giving it a go in a real game. Just like a football team would never attempt a play unless all of the players are familiar with the routine, certain shots in golf require the same attention and practice sessions. When you have to perform under fire during a real golf game you will be much more confident with your knowledge from being prepared.

Playing Through The Course Too Fast

When watching golf on television you may have noticed that the players all seem to be going through the course at a rapid pace. While you should always try to emulate your favorite professional's technique, never play the course at the same pace you perceive them to be playing at. These talented men and women play golf for hundreds of thousands of dollars and are doing so on private courses which are being filmed for national television.

By all means play at a brisk pace but slow down enough to take time to read the green, check your lie, and visualize your success before attempting each shot. Learn to prepare for your upcoming shot while the other players in your group are hitting their shots or while you are walking down the course to reach your ball.

The bottom line is to never hit a shot until you have completely settled your nerves and have painted a crystal-clear picture in your mind of the final outcome. Remember, play the game quickly but never so quick that you sacrifice preparation for each shot.

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