Episode #115: The EASIEST But Unsexy Way to Save Shots Around the Green

When you miss the green, follow this rule: If you can putt it, putt it. If you can’t putt it, chip it. If you can’t chip it, pitch it.

One of most golfers' biggest mistakes is chipping or pitching instead of putting from off the green. Golf is all about the odds and playing the percentages to manage your way to lower scores. 

You are much more likely to hit it closer to the hole with a putter than with a wedge. Sure, it’s not as sexy to putt from off the green as it is a high pitch, but it’s the higher percentage play. Keep the ball on the ground (or lower to the ground), so once it hits the green, it rolls like a putt. 

When you’re off the green and choose to putt, you don’t need to make many changes either. The only thing you have to worry about is the amount of fringe between you and the green. If it’s thicker fringe, you will need to hit it harder. If it’s thin and mowed tight, you can putt it nearly the exact same as you would if it was on the green.