First, I would want to know what clubs you have, specifically what kind of wedges you have and use for the majority of your short game shots. it is very important that you have the right lofts, sole angles(bounce) and sole widths that fit you game and the turf conditions you most often play. If you are comfortable with what you have or have already had that evaluated or had a proper short game fitting, then that’s good. Just want to make sure you have the right tools so you can focus on technique and practice.
As far as routines or drills, as you probably already know, there are a lot of teachers out there with techniques and drills they use. Just put in short game improvement for beginners, or for golfers on the web and see what comes up. I was fortunate enough to work for Dave Pelz earlier in my career and I believe in a lot of what he taught. His book, “Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible” is a great reference for not only data he compiled about the short game, but also drills and ways you can improve your short game. Phil Rogers was another great short game teacher from way back who’s principles still work today. I like Tom Watsons “Getting Up and Down” book. Also, Stan Utley, who is considered one of the best short game instructors today, has two books called the “Art of Scoring: Tour Tested Secrets for Getting Up and Down” and “The Art of Scoring: The Ultimate On-Course Guide to Short Game Strategy and Technique”. The second might be considered advanced by some, but still might be worth a look. Some like Phil Mickelson’s book and DVD, and he was a Dave Pelz disciple, so that’s another one.
Hope this gives you some direction to start. Be sure your wedges or short game clubs fit you. That is critical if you want to get the best out of your efforts.
Britt Lindsey
my advice to all newer golfers (even some who have played for several years). is… Take wrist action out of your chip & pitch shots! I have never seen any amateur golfer chip extra well if the bend their wrist and pick the club-head up quickly in backswing. Keep your hands as silent as possible… Forward press of the shaft, with ball off back foot also helps using this technique!
in other words… go to the country club and watch senior ladies who are newer golfers practice short shots… THEN DON’T DO WHAT THEY DO!!!!!