Unlock Consistency in Your Short Game

Are inconsistent pitching and chipping hindering your golf game? This guide reveals a single, transformative technique to master these essential shots.

Master the One Inch Gap: Transform Your Golf Short Game

If you’ve struggled with pitching and chipping around the green, you’re not alone. However, mastering your short game is easier than you think with the right technique. This guide introduces a simple but powerful drill to help you strike the ball cleanly every time, regardless of your skill level. Let’s delve into the secret to elevating your short game.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Understanding the One Inch Gap in Short Game
• Step 2: The Game-Changing “Coin Pop” Drill
• Step 3: Challenge with Smaller Targets
• Step 4: Setting Up for Success
• Step 5: Bounce vs. Leading Edge
• Step 6: Track Your Progress
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Step 1: Understanding the One Inch Gap in Short Game

It’s not just about swing style or club choice; the secret lies in where your club contacts the ground. Pros strike within an inch behind the ball, unlike amateurs who often hit inches too far back. This one-inch precision is crucial for consistency.

Achieving pinpoint contact within the one-inch gap separates great from mediocre short game shots.

Step 2: The Game-Changing “Coin Pop” Drill

1. Secure a flat surface with a mat or turf.
2. Place a large marker, like a half dollar, where your club should contact.
3. Swing through, aiming to pop the coin up.
4. Maintain accuracy with 8 out of 10 successful pops to progress.

By focusing on popping the coin upright, you train your body’s muscle memory for precise ground contact.

Step 3: Challenge with Smaller Targets

As your skill improves, reduce the target size to coins like a quarter or dime. The smaller the target, the more precise your game must be—popping a dime consistently signifies mastery.

Step 4: Setting Up for Success

• Ensure even stance and balance, favoring a slight lead foot weight.
• Shift your weight to the lead foot as you swing for effective contact.
• Maintain forward hands and shaft lean without “scooping” the ball.

Proper body alignment and weight shift are crucial for striking precision.

Step 5: Bounce vs. Leading Edge

Using the Leading Edge

• Closed face, down swing, for low shots.
• For tight lies and rollouts, using lower loft clubs.

Using the Bounce

• Open face, high soft shots.
• Forward ball position, high fluffy lies.

Selecting the right technique enhances shot control and adaptability.

Step 6: Track Your Progress

1. Begin with manageable targets like a washer.
2. Advance through smaller targets as skills develop.
3. Document progress and experiment with various clubs.

Consistent practice builds confidence and control in all short game scenarios.

FAQs

Should I always use the bounce?

Use the bounce for high, soft shots, not tight lies. Know your options based on the lie and conditions.

Why is shaft lean important?

Forward shaft lean prevents “scooping” for cleaner contact.

What if I can’t hit the coin?

Focus on fundamentals, and gradually work to precision with deliberate practice.

Conclusion

By honing in on the one-inch gap concept and utilizing the coin pop drill, you’ll vastly improve your striking ability. Master this and gain the precision needed for a superior short game. Next time you set up a pitch or chip, think: Am I hitting within that crucial one inch gap? Let consistency and control define your approach.

Happy chipping and pitching!