Keep Your Short Game On Par

The short game is perhaps the most overlooked component of perfecting your golfing performance. Practicing your putting is essential to playing your best on the links, and it can be incredibly frustrating to watch your ball sail past the hole time after time.

Luckily, practice makes perfect, and becoming an excellent green reader and putter can significantly improve your golf game. Even if you’re not a pro golfer wearing a Master's jacket, you can still work on your short game and show off your skills to your friends.

Try these tips from C&C Courts to improve your short game! If you’re wondering how to practice these tips at home, you can consider building your own putting green in your backyard. That way, you can practice your short game any time you want.

Build a Routine

When you’re working on your short game, it’s a smart idea to build a routine before you putt your ball to help block out distractions. Some examples include tapping your shoes with your club, straightening your hat, and telling yourself you’ll never miss a shot because you’re the best golfer in the universe.

Developing a routine before putting helps clear your mind and allows you to focus on the next shot.

The Clock Drill

The easiest drill to improve your short game is the clock drill. You simply think of the hole as the center of a huge clock. Place three balls at three-foot increments (3, 6, and 9 feet) from the hole and additional balls at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions.

The goal of this drill is to make all twelve shots in a row without missing. If you miss a shot, start over from the beginning.

The Ladder Drill

The next drill to practice is the ladder drill. Place a few tees at intervals of five or ten feet. The goal is to hit the ball and get it to stop as close as possible to the tee.

Start at the closest tee and work your way back to the furthest. Once you reach the end, work your way back to the closest tee. This drill helps train your eye and helps you judge distance.

The Path Drill

Many golfers struggle with what is called pushing or pulling the putt off-line. This happens when you have an in-to-out or out-to-in swing. To test your putt line, place two clubs in straight parallel lines on either side of your ball; make sure the ground is completely flat. Leave enough space between the clubs so your putter fits between them.

If the ball hits either of the clubs, your swing is not on the line, and you can work on adjusting accordingly. This drill will help you correct your swing to make it as straight as possible. Don’t forget to follow through and hold your position at the end.

Another great exercise for controlling distance and improving the aim is placing two sturdy objects a few inches apart. Line up your shot and try to make it between the small gaps. As you get better, move the obstacles closer together.

Improve Your Chip Shot

A common issue among some golfers is having too tight of a grip. Your grip can make or break your golf swing, so learn to loosen up. For the perfect chip shot, you need to loosen your grip and keep your hands soft.

If you had to put it on a scale of 1-10, your grip should be a 4-5. After you ease the tension in your shoulders and wrists, you can work on your basic chipping stance. Keep your chin high and your back straight.

Feel the Rotation

Chipping and pitching involve short shorts, and you may not feel like you need to move your entire body. But if you want to swing correctly, you need to rotate your body forward during your swing. Practice this by swinging the clubhead back, and kick your right knee toward your left knee on the downswing. This will help you move smoothly through the entire swing.

Move to the Right Tempo

Another common mistake is putting too much speed behind the ball. Your short game doesn’t need the same power that teeing off needs. Ease your grip and soften your hands. Count off “and one” in the top of your backswing, followed by “two” in your downswing.

Choose From 4 Outdoor Putting Green Surfaces

C&C Courts has several types of putting green surfaces for you to choose from when building your personalized putting green. Check out our four types of surfaces below:

Par Turf

Par Turf is the most recreational putting green surface. It’s designed for casual golfers who are just learning or looking for a way to destress. It has a thick weave and foam padding, which lends it a real grass feel.

Birdie Turf

Birdie turf is a step up from Par Turf in that it offers more ball control, with fibers that influence the ball roll and break. This turf comes with 48 ounces of tufted nylon per square yard, which means you’re getting the most resilient and long-lasting putting greens.

Eagle Turf

Eagle Turf is the premium putting green surface on the market. It has the thickest weave of knitted nylon per square yard. It has a natural green color that mimics real grass. It has improved density to allow for a more consistent ball roll.

Fringe

Our Fringe golf surfaces surround your putting green to help you expand your short game and perfect your chip shots. It has tufted nylon and reinforced root-zone, and the artificial blades will stand up to continued use.

Build Your Own Putting Green With C&C Courts

C&C Courts in Minnesota is helping golfers of all ages improve their short game! Bring your best to your next golf outing after practicing on your very own putting green.

Count on our team to walk you through the entire court design process and ensure you’re completely happy with the final construction! If you want more information, give us a call at 952-234-9838 or send us a message on our website.