I have been a golfer all of my life since the age of 5. I have spent countless hours learning and understanding the game of golf. Over the years one of the most common misconceptions I have found to be prevalent in the majority of golfers minds, is that a golfers "short game" is not the most important part of a golfers skill set. The phrase "Drive for show, putt for dough" does in fact have a great deal of truth and relevance. It is a common misconception that the best golfers in the world are always the best ball strikers and are able to hit huge tee shots. When you think of players like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicholas, and Arnold Palmer, one typically thinks of a great golf swing or long iron shots from the fairway. Images that don't come to mind when thinking about great players is a great chip shot just off the green, or a great 75 foot lag putt. Although, its very likely that these great players are some of the best balls strikers in the world, ball striking is not the aspect of their golf game that makes them great. What makes these players stand out over everyone else in the world? Putting and their ability to get the ball in the hole from 100 yards and in.
The best example out there that proves short game and putting are the most important parts of golf, is Tiger Woods. In Tiger Woods' prime, when he was ranked as the best golfer in the world and constantly the favorite to win any and all golf tournaments, he was not ranked #1 in driving distance, fairways hit, or even greens in regulation (GIR). Why was Tiger ranked #1? Simply because he was the best putter on tour. Being the best putter on tour is the only consistent factor in Tiger's stats while he was ranked #1. You can also find stats that prove Tiger is always one of the best at getting "up and down". In other words, when he is 100 yards or closer to the green, he can hit it onto the green close enough to the pin, to make his putt in one shot.
Most of us will not ever participate in a PGA event or even shoot a round under par. However, that does not mean that the phrase "Drive for show, putt for dough" isn't as equally as important for the average golfer. The difference between golfers who consistently shoot in the 80s and the golfers that consistently shoot in the 70's is a better short game, plain and simple. Therefore, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if a golfer wants to drastically improve their golf game, they should practice their short game. This would include putting, chipping and shots from 100 yards and in. I can guarantee that anyone who puts some time in on the practice green chipping and putting, will show huge improvements in their golf game immediately.
This article has been viewed 13 time(s).Article Submitted On: May 24, 2011
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