The Name of the Game

It's all very well to solve one problem, or at least have an awareness of a potential problem as I did with swaying on full shots. It's another to actually have a complete game and score well. In my last round, I conservatively threw away ten scoring opportunities and suffered the consequences.

They say, and by they I mean nearly every golf commentator, teacher and player, that the short game is the most important part of the game, assuming you are attempting to make a decent score and not just enjoy hitting the ball. It's absolutely true. I need to seriously address my short game, not just putting, which is very ordinary, but my chipping and pitching.

It's simply not good enough if every time you take three from the edge of the green or when you have a long putt. At least half of these efforts should result in a two putt or a chip and putt - at least if one is to shoot close to your handicap. I'm not getting closer than about six to mine, all down to the short game.

I need to think carefully about how I'm going to improve, what I'm going to work on, and whether I need to change anything (eg. introduce some sort of visualisation or other technique). Let's see how the next round goes, but I do know I'll be out on the practice green early, puttin' and chipin' - 'cos it's the name of the game.