Essentials: Short Game

David Leadbetter

Tour players have a way of making golf seem effortless, but they’re superior athletes who spend tons of time practicing. The good news is, you can build a solid game if you follow some basic essentials, especially around the greens. In this series, David Leadbetter simplifies four areas of the short game to help you play more consistently and shoot lower scores.

10:12

Pitching

Whether you’re a long hitter or a short hitter, you need to be able to pitch the ball with accuracy to shoot good scores. Controlling distance is the goal, and that comes from picking the right club and using the right technique. In this video, David Leadbetter demonstrates his pitching keys. They’re sure to help you stick it close with your wedges.

5:57

Bunker Play

The best players in the world make bunker shots look so simple, but for weekend golfers, the sand can be a terrifying place. Your priority should be to just get the ball on the green—and that’s a lot easier than you probably think. Here, David Leadbetter shares his best bunker lessons.

8:47

Chipping

There’s nothing worse than getting up near the green in two shots, and then wasting the next two with bad chipping. These little shots seem simple, but they do require a clear focus. As David Leadbetter explains, the trick is visualizing the shot, and then committing to the club and swing.

8:49

Putting

If you want to score well, you have to putt well. Being a good putter is part science, part art—and part luck. In this video, David Leadbetter shows you his essentials for getting more putts to drop, including his secret move for creating a reliable, repeatable stroke.