I can think of a large number of top players that are mediocre ball strikers with phenomenal short games.  I cannot think of many top players that are phenomenal ball strikers with mediocre short games.  Why is this commonly seen throughout the game?  Why does the short game have such a large bearing on scoring?  The answer is simple.  In a round of golf the majority of shots encountered are within 100 yards or so of the hole, which include everything from putts, numerous short shots around greens, and longer wedge shots.

So how good are tour professionals’ short games?  The short games of the world’s best are an extremely large reason they are playing at the tour level.  Think about these facts.  The average number of greens hit in regulation on the PGA Tour is around thirteen greens per round.  This leaves five greens where players need to get up and down to save par.  Numerous tour professionals hit fewer fairways and greens per round than you would guess.  Many players have top finishes in tournaments while doing so.  If you look at the best players on the world tours, you will find short games are often their strongest attributes.

I developed my short game knowledge base the same way I developed my ball striking knowledge base.  It came from studying top short games found on the world tours, and from learning under many top short game teachers in the game.

When I analyze a player’s short game, I again first analyze the shots and then determine why the shots occur by analyzing movements of the club, the arms, and the body.   I again do not teach nor believe in a certain method that fits all players and again draw upon knowledge I developed from years in the field.   I place a large emphasis in helping players learn good shot selection and developing better practice habits.  I also use a simple communication style when giving short game instruction.