Short Game: Your key to lower scores

Most golfers dream of long drives, but here's the truth: Your driver doesn't determine your handicap. Your short game does.

Over 60% of all shots on a round of golf are made within 100 meters – and this is exactly where most golfers waste the most shots.

In this guide we will show you:

  • Why Short Game Training is so important

  • Which statistics the pros know (and you should know too)

  • Concrete drills with TARGET TOWEL and PUTTING TOWEL that will improve your game immediately

Why Short Game Is the Fastest Way to Better Golf

Data from Arccos Golf and ShotLink (PGA Tour) prove:

  • 43% of all shots are within 30 meters.

  • A 20-handicapper loses 6–8 strokes per round compared to scratch golfers—almost everything around the green.

  • Golfers who regularly practice their short game lower their handicap twice as fast as players who only practice driver and irons.

Conclusion: If you work on your short game, you will constantly improve , no matter how good or bad you are off the tee.

The 4 building blocks of the short game

1. Chipping – Precision around the green

The goal here is to bring the ball close to the hole in a controlled manner.

  • Pro stat: Scratch golfers hole 60% of their putts after a chip from 2 meters.

  • Amateur statistics: 20-handicappers only hole out 30%.

Training tip with the TARGET TOWEL:

Place the towel as a target zone at 1 m, 2 m, and 3 m distances. Try to land at least 50% of your chips on the towel.

This gives you immediate feedback and trains your feel for distance and spin.

2. Pitching – mastering the middle distance

Pitches from 20–80 meters are often underestimated, but they cost an extremely high number of strokes.

  • Statistics: Every pitch that is just 1 m closer to the flag saves an average of 0.3 strokes per hole.

Training: Use the TARGET TOWEL as a landing zone, vary the distances, and play 10 balls per distance. Aim for at least 7 out of 10 on the towel.

3. Bunker Game – Overcoming Fear

Tour pros save par in 55% of cases, amateurs only in 15-20%.

Drill: Place the TARGET TOWEL on the green and practice hitting the ball so it lands on it. This way, you'll practice distance and control instead of just "knocking it out."

4. Putting – the game changer

On 18 holes, putting accounts for almost 40% of your strokes .

  • Pros putt 28–30 times per round , amateurs 36–38 times.

  • Every missed 3-meter putt immediately costs you +1 on the scorecard.

Training tip with the PUTTING TOWEL:

  • Place the towel on the green on a flat surface 3 meters away from the hole.

  • The printed lines help you putt straight.

  • Use it as visual feedback to see if your putter swing remains square.

How often you should train

30 minutes, 3 times a week is enough to noticeably improve your short game:

  • 10 min Chips & Pitches (with the TARGET TOWEL)

  • 10 min Bunker & Lob Shots (with the TARGET TOWEL)

  • 10 min putts (with the putting towel)

After 4 weeks you should:

  • Have fewer three-putts

  • Create more ups and downs

  • Lower your handicap by 2-4 strokes

The right equipment makes the difference

In addition to technique and feeling, the right setup is crucial:

  • Clean handles – slippery handles cost control

  • Matching wedges – pay attention to loft and bounce

  • Tools like TARGET TOWEL & PUTTING TOWEL – because good feedback means good training

Conclusion

The short game is your shortcut to better scores. With the right drills and tools like the Target Towel and Putting Towel, you'll get immediate, measurable feedback and make your training more efficient.

Own Your Game – invest in your short game, not just your driver.