The Fastest Way to Lower Your Golf Score for Beginners

The Fastest Way to Lower Your Golf Score for Beginners

※ If you’re new to golf, it’s tempting to obsess over driving the ball as far as possible. Long drives feel impressive—but they don’t win you the game. The real secret to lower scores lies in mastering your short game: chipping, pitching, and putting.

Think of it this way—on most golf holes, you spend more strokes within 100 yards of the green than you do getting to it. Yet, many beginners ignore this crucial part of the game. Want to consistently break 100—or even 90? Focus on your short game, and watch your scores drop faster than ever.

In this post, I’ll break down the basics of the short game, explain why it matters, and share actionable tips that will help you sharpen your skills around the green. 😅

 

1. What Is the Short Game?

The short game refers to all shots played within approximately 100 yards of the hole. This includes:

• Chipping: Low shots that roll more than they fly, used just off the green.
• Pitching: Higher, softer shots used from 20 to 50 yards out.
• Bunker shots: Escaping sand traps with touch and control.
• Putting: Rolling the ball on the green into the hole.

These shots require finesse, not power—precision, not aggression.

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2. Why Short Game Matters for Beginners

Let’s say you reach the green in regulation. You’ve hit a beautiful drive and a solid iron shot. But now you three-putt. That’s a bogey. Or maybe you miss the green, and it takes you two chips to get on. That’s how beginners rack up strokes.

Mastering the short game helps:

• Save strokes around the green
• Build confidence on every hole
• Reduce frustration from missed greens
• Recover faster from mistakes

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3. Basic Chipping Tips

• Use a wedge (like a pitching wedge or sand wedge)
• Stand with your feet close together
• Keep the ball slightly back in your stance
• Make a controlled, pendulum-like motion
  Let the club’s loft do the work—don’t scoop the ball. Focus on getting the ball rolling as soon as possible.

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4. Pitching with Precision

Pitch shots fly higher and land softer than chips. Use a sand wedge or lob wedge.

• Open your stance slightly
• Swing with a smooth tempo, accelerating through the ball
• Let your wrists hinge slightly during the backswing
• Aim to land the ball on a spot that allows it to roll out to the hole

Practice landing the ball at different distances, not just hitting full shots.

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5. Putting Fundamentals

Putting is arguably the most important skill in golf.

• Grip the putter lightly
• Keep your head still and eyes over the ball
• Use a consistent routine
• Focus on distance control, not just line
  Beginners often try to "hit" the ball—remember, it’s a smooth stroke, not a hit. Practice short putts (3–6 feet) every day if possible.

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6. Bunker Basics

Sand shots are intimidating, but with the right technique, they’re not as scary.

• Open your clubface before gripping the club
• Dig your feet into the sand
• Aim to hit the sand 1–2 inches behind the ball
• Follow through completely, keeping the clubface open

Practice is key—don’t avoid the bunker, embrace it.

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7. Practice Drills for Short Game

• Circle Drill (Putting): Place tees in a circle around the hole and sink them all from 3 feet.
• Landing Zone Drill (Chipping/Pitching): Lay down a towel and practice landing the ball on it from different distances.
• Up-and-Down Challenge: Miss the green on purpose during practice and try to chip and putt for par.

These drills build confidence and simulate real on-course situations.

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8. Short Game Mindset

Stay calm. Don’t rush. Every chip, pitch, or putt deserves focus and intent. Most beginners lose strokes by rushing these “easy” shots or panicking after a mistake.

Remember: Golf isn’t just about how far you hit it. It’s about how well you recover.

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Conclusion:

If you’re serious about improving your golf game as a beginner, stop trying to swing like the pros off the tee. Instead, spend time honing your skills from 100 yards in. The short game is where matches are won, rounds are saved, and confidence is built.

Dedicate just a few hours a week to chipping, pitching, and putting—and you’ll see results faster than you thought possible. Master the short game, and you’ll master golf itself.