Common Short Game Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Introduction - Why the Short Game is Where Scores Are Made

In golf, your short game is where your score is truly made or lost. Chipping, pitching, and putting account for more than half of your strokes in a typical round. Small mistakes around the green add up quickly, turning potential pars into bogeys or worse.

While most golfers love hitting the driver at the range, it’s the short game that separates good players from great ones. By identifying and correcting common short game mistakes, you can save strokes and lower your scores fast.

Mistake #1 - Decelerating Through Impact

One of the most common—and costly—short game errors is decelerating the club through impact. This happens when golfers lose confidence mid-swing and slow down, leading to inconsistent contact and poor distance control.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Leads to chunked or thin shots
• Ruins distance control on chips and pitches

How to Fix It:

• Commit to the Shot: Choose your landing spot, pick the club, and commit.
• Acceleration Drills: Practice short chips focusing on accelerating through the ball. A great drill is placing a tee just ahead of the ball and swinging through both.

Acceleration breeds consistency and better results around the green.

Mistake #2 - Poor Club Selection Around the Green

Many golfers default to their highest-lofted wedge for every chip, regardless of the situation. This adds unnecessary risk when a simpler shot could produce better results.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Adds difficulty on tight lies or fast greens
• Reduces consistency and control

How to Fix It:

• Understand Shot Selection: Use less loft when you have green to work with. Try bump-and-run shots with a 9-iron or pitching wedge.
• Practice with Multiple Clubs: Learn how different clubs affect trajectory and roll-out.

Smart club selection makes greenside shots more predictable and easier to execute.

Mistake #3 - Not Practicing the Short Game Enough

Many golfers spend the majority of their practice time hitting drivers and long irons, neglecting the short game entirely. This creates a major gap in scoring potential.

Why It’s a Problem:

• The short game contributes to more than 50% of your strokes
• Poor practice allocation leads to inconsistent results around the green

How to Fix It:

• Create a Short Game Practice Plan: Dedicate at least 50% of your practice time to chipping, pitching, bunker play, and putting.
• Use Training Aids: Incorporate putting mats, chipping nets, and alignment tools to stay focused.

Consistent short game practice builds confidence and sharpens your scoring ability.

Mistake #4 - Scooping Instead of Compressing the Ball

Trying to “lift” the ball into the air—known as scooping—is one of the most common reasons golfers struggle around the green.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Causes fat and thin shots
• Leads to poor spin control and inconsistent distance

How to Fix It:

• Hands-Forward Drill: Practice chips with your hands slightly ahead of the clubhead at impact.
• Ball-Then-Turf Contact: Focus on hitting the ball first, then brushing the turf for proper compression.

Learning to compress the ball creates crisp contact and better control.

Mistake #5 - Misreading Greens or Neglecting Break

Misreading greens or failing to consider the break is a costly mistake, especially in putting.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Leads to missed putts low (the most common miss)
• Causes inconsistent putting distances

How to Fix It:

• Develop a Green Reading Routine: Read the putt from multiple angles, check slope and grain.
• Use Visual Aids: Ball markers with alignment tools can help train your eyes and improve accuracy.

Improving green reading skills will help you sink more putts and reduce three-putts.

Mistake #6 - Poor Distance Control on Chips and Putts

Failing to control distance on chips and putts is a major cause of extra strokes. Even with good aim, inconsistent distance leads to missed up-and-downs and three-putts.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Leaves putts too short or long
• Increases three-putts and missed greenside saves

How to Fix It:

• Ladder Drills: Practice landing chips at progressive distances.
• Circle Drill: Putt to stop the ball inside a three-foot circle around the hole.
• Use Training Aids: Speed control mats and distance markers improve feel.

Consistent distance control is the fastest way to cut strokes around the green.

Mistake #7 - Ignoring Lie, Slope, and Conditions

Many golfers treat every chip shot the same, ignoring the unique factors that affect each shot’s success.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Leads to poor contact or wrong shot choice
• Fails to account for tough lies or green speeds

How to Fix It:

• Assess the Lie: Check the grass, slope, and firmness before choosing your shot.
• Adjust Club and Approach: Modify technique and club selection based on conditions.
• Practice Tough Lies: Spend time hitting from rough, tight lies, and slopes.

Reading your lie and adapting improves your consistency in any situation.

Mistake #8 - Neglecting the Mental Game and Routine

The short game is as much mental as it is physical. Without confidence and a solid routine, performance crumbles under pressure.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Leads to indecision, rushed shots, and poor execution
• Increases mistakes during high-pressure moments

How to Fix It:

• Develop a Pre-Shot Routine: Approach each chip or putt the same way.
• Use Visualization Techniques: Picture the shot’s trajectory and landing spot.
• Practice Under Pressure: Set challenges to simulate competitive scenarios.

Sharpening your mental game helps you stay composed and execute when it matters most.

Essential Short Game Drills to Reinforce Good Habits

Building better habits requires targeted drills that strengthen fundamentals and consistency:

• Landing Spot Drill: Focuses on controlling where the ball lands to improve distance and accuracy.
• Strike Consistency Drill: Place a towel behind the ball to promote ball-first contact.
• Putting Gate Drill: Sharpens aim and helps roll putts on your intended line.

Integrating these drills into your practice routine ensures lasting improvement.

Recommended Training Aids from The Par 3 Shop

Enhance your short game practice with these proven tools available at The Par 3 Shop:

• Chipping Nets: Perfect for honing accuracy and distance control.
• Golf Putting Practice Mirror: Helps dial in alignment and eye position.
• Alignment Ball Markers: Train your eyes to visualize the start line for better green reading.

Visit The Par 3 Shop to find the right training aids designed to elevate your short game.

Conclusion - Turn Mistakes into Strengths and Save Strokes

The short game is where rounds are saved—or lost. By identifying your mistakes and applying these fixes and drills, you’ll build confidence and lower your scores quickly.

Smart practice, the right tools, and better habits will transform your chipping, pitching, and putting. Commit to improving your short game, and watch your scorecard reflect the difference.