Introduction
For recreational golfers with double-digit handicaps, lowering scores can feel like a daunting task. But the fastest way to improvement isn’t hitting longer drives—it’s building consistency in the short game. Shots from 100 yards and in (chipping, pitching, bunker play, and putting) account for nearly 70% of all strokes in a round. This blog will break down why the short game matters, how to track your progress with a Short Game Handicap, and what drills you can use to start shaving strokes today.
Why the Short Game Matters
Hall of Famer Gary Player once said:
“The more I practice my short game, the luckier I get.”
Tour pros understand that the short game is the great equalizer. According to ShotLink stats, PGA Tour players get up and down from missed greens about 60% of the time, but the average 15-handicap golfer is closer to 20–25%. That’s a 4-stroke difference per round—entirely from short-game execution.
And as Sam Burns recently put it during the 2025 U.S. Open:
“Being able to rely on your short game and give yourself a chance at par is really important.” (Reuters, 2025)
For recreational golfers, improving short-game skill is the fastest way to reduce double bogeys and start stringing together pars.
What Is the “Short Game Handicap”?
The Short Game Handicap (SGH) is a simple way to measure how good you are inside 50 yards. Think of it as a personal scoring system for your short game.
How to Calculate It
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Go to a practice green with a wedge and putter.
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Drop 10 balls in each of these 4 spots (10 X 4 =40 40 balls) :
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10 yards off the green (fairway lie)
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20 yards off the green (rough)
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Greenside bunker (average lie)
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30–50 feet on the green (lag putting)
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Play each ball into the hole.
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Add up your strokes.
👉 Par for the test = 80 strokes (2 strokes per ball × 40 balls).
Benchmarks
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Tour pro SGH: ~82–90 strokes
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10–19 handicap golfer: ~95–105 strokes
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20+ handicap golfer: ~105–115 strokes
Example
If it takes you 108 strokes to finish your 40 attempts, your SGH = 108. The goal is to work toward lowering that number over time. Even dropping from 108 to 100 shows real improvement in your ability to save strokes around the green.
Practice Routines for Recreational Golfers
Improvement doesn’t come from just hitting random chips. You need structured, intentional practice. Here are some Edison Golf-approved routines:
A. Chipping Ladder Drill
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Set up 3 targets (10, 20, 30 feet).
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Chip 5 balls to each, focusing on consistent contact.
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Goal: Land within a 3-foot circle around the hole.
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Skill Focus: Distance control and trajectory.
B. Up-and-Down Challenge
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Drop 10 balls around the green in different lies (fairway, rough, fringe).
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Play each one out as if you’re in a real round (chip/pitch + putt).
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Score yourself: 1 point for an up-and-down, 0 if not.
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Goal: 5/10 for 15–20 handicaps; 7/10 for single digits.
C. Lag Putting Ladder
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Place tees at 20, 30, 40 feet.
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Putt 3 balls from each spot.
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Goal: Stop all within 3 feet of the hole.
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Why? Three-putts destroy scores. Reducing them is a quick win.
D. Bunker Circle Drill
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Draw a 6-foot circle around a hole.
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Hit 10 bunker shots.
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Goal: 7/10 inside the circle.
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Tip: Focus on splashing the sand, not hitting the ball.
Weekly Short Game Plan
If you only have 90 minutes per week to practice, here’s how to spend it:
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30 minutes chipping/pitching (ladder drill, up-and-down challenge)
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30 minutes putting (lag ladder + short 3–6 ft putts)
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30 minutes bunker play (circle drill + random lies)
By tracking your Short Game Handicap each month, you’ll see how this practice translates directly into lower scores.
Bringing It Back to Scoring
Recreational golfers often blame poor tee shots for high scores, but statistics tell another story:
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The average 15-handicapper hits just 4–5 greens per round.
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That means 13–14 holes rely on your short game.
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If you can get up and down just 3 more times per round, you’ll save 3–4 strokes—without ever swinging harder with a driver.
That’s why the short game isn’t just “important”—it’s the single biggest opportunity to improve scoring for double-digit handicaps.
Conclusion
The evidence is clear: Tour pros and teaching legends agree that the short game is where golfers win or lose strokes. For recreational golfers, the Short Game Handicap provides a clear, trackable way to measure improvement. By practicing with structured drills and dedicating even 90 minutes a week, you can quickly cut strokes and build confidence.
Edison Golf takeaway: Don’t chase extra 10 yards off the tee—spend time mastering the 10–30 yards around the green. That’s where scores (and enjoyment) improve the fastest.
In coming blogs we will focus on a range of tips and thoughts on not just the short game but other aspects in the game that we all love!
