That simple phrase has been used in golf forever (or at least since metal-woods were made of wood).

This summer I paid close attention to this golf phenomenon and its consequences during lessons, while playing and while watching (both on TV and as a college coach). While watching an amateur tournament I saw a golfer leave his second shot about 40 feet short of the hole. I said to a fellow spectator, “He is going to 3 putt.” The fellow spectator said, “How do you know?” My response was “I know and just watch.” I was wrong; he didn’t 3 putt, he 4 putt. On the green in 2 and makes a 6. Ugh….

During that tournament I kept a simple spreadsheet with the totals of shots that were hit short, long, and pin high. The results showed that over twice as many shots were left short that were long or pin high.

From the playing perspective, I said to my group recently while playing in a scramble charity event “We must hit every putt past the hole.” Without question it was the BEST DAY of putting I have ever seen or been apart of. Our team finished 17 under par and won the event.

While giving a lesson I asked the student “Why are your shots always landing short?” He responded “Because bad things happen when I go long.” Bad things do happen both short and long. But if you are thinking be short then you will tend to decelerate the club and then bad things really will happen.

While watching the Ryder Cup I noticed how pros tend to be long or pin high much more often. They are truly committed to their swing and solid contact almost always occurs. Granted if the green has a severe slope then you may want to leave the ball short.

My suggestion to you “Set a goal for yourself of getting the ball past the pin on all shorts you hit to the green.” The grass beyond the hole is just as green as the grass short of the hole; although the grass beyond will probably be a little less chewed up from spikes.

During your next round keep track of your shots to the green and see if you agree. I look forward to hearing your comments and how it affects your score.