The short game is generally defined as any shot within or around 100 yards from the green. There are many aspects to the short game, and many different types of shots played from inside this distance. A good short game is key to cutting strokes off your score and playing better golf. Below is a brief description of the five types of shots that make up the short game.

• Pitching

The Pitch Shot involves hitting the ball fairly high into the air and letting it roll along the green to the hole. Typically, a pitching wedge or sand wedge will be used for this shot.

• Chipping

The Chip Shot typically involves hitting the ball a short distance in the air and rolling it along the green all the way to the hole. Depending on the lie, and granted there is a fairly unobstructed path to the hole, a club with less loft, like an 8-iron, can be played.

• Lobbing

The Lob Shot is a tricky one that requires much practice. It involves hitting the ball high in the air in an attempt to land it close to the target, and stopping it quickly. Typically a sand wedge or lob wedge is used for this shot, and again, will require hours of practice to master.

• Bunker Shots

Bunker Shots refer to shots played from either a sand or grass trap. For a sand shot, a player will use the sand wedge and allow the loft of the club to carry the ball out of the trap. Grass traps are rare, but you will find them on occasion. A lofted club like the lob wedge or the sand wedge should get you out of this type of trap. Keep in mind that both of these are hazards, so a player is not allowed to ground the club prior to the shot.

• Putting

Putting the golf ball effectively is one part of the game that requires practice, practice and more practice. Getting a feel and building confidence in your putting stroke takes time, but the time you invest will repay you on the course. Simply put: putting the ball involves moving the putter head back and then through in a pendulum swing motion that advances the ball toward the hole.

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