Short Game SOS: 5 Proven Techniques to Save Par When Your Drives Go Astray

Golf can be a humbling game. One minute you’re cruising along, hitting perfect drives and sinking putts, and the next, your ball is lost in the rough or veering off into uncharted territory.

The good news is when your drives go astray, your short game can be your saving grace. Whether you're a casual player or a seasoned veteran, mastering the short game techniques in this guide can turn a potentially disastrous round into a satisfying par-saving performance.

Dive into some proven techniques to rescue your game when your drives go off-course in this exclusive guide only at Pyramid Golf.

When your drive leaves you short of the green or in a tricky spot, the bump-and-run can be your best friend. This technique is ideal for saving par when you have a clear path to the green but need to navigate a bit of rough or a challenging lie.

Use the P3 Pharaoh Wedge , a club specifically designed for bump-and-runs. Open the stance slightly, grip down on the club, and focus on making a smooth, controlled swing. The goal is to strike the ball with a descending blow, allowing it to bump onto the green and run towards the hole.

This shot minimizes the risk of blading the ball or getting too aggressive. The low-lofted club helps keep the ball rolling smoothly, making it easier to judge the distance and control the roll.

Sometimes, you find yourself in a situation where you need to get the ball up in the air quickly to clear an obstacle or land softly on the green. The flop shot is your ticket to a high, soft landing.

Use a lob wedge or sand wedge with a lot of loft. Open the clubface and stance, and make a full, aggressive swing. Aim to strike the ball on the upswing with a slight flick of the wrists to get the height you need.

The open clubface and steep angle of attack allow for a high, soft shot that can clear obstacles and stop quickly on the green.

Chipping is an essential part of your short game, and mastering it can make all the difference when your drives go awry.

For short chips, use a pitching wedge or gap wedge. Position the ball slightly back in your stance, keep your weight forward, and make a controlled, pendulum-like swing. The goal is to make clean contact and let the ball roll out towards the target.

Or, simply switch to the P3 Pharaoh Wedge , a club designed to fix your flawed chipping technique all by itself.

By keeping the ball back in your stance and focusing on a smooth, controlled swing, you reduce the chances of chunky or thin shots. This approach helps you get the ball close to the hole with minimal risk.

Sometimes, you’ll need to rely on your putting skills to salvage a par. Understanding and reading the green’s contours can make a big difference in your ability to sink those crucial putts.

Take time to read the green before you putt. Look at the overall slope, grain direction, and any subtle breaks. Use this information to choose the right line and adjust your speed.

A well-read putt helps you align your shot and choose the correct amount of power. This can be the difference between a miss and a made putt.

Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. When your drives go astray, it’s easy to become frustrated or anxious. However, staying calm and focused can make a significant difference in your short game performance.

Take a deep breath and assess the situation before making your shot. Visualize your shot and commit to your plan. Trust your instincts and don’t let previous mistakes affect your current shot.

A clear mind and focused approach help you execute shots with confidence and precision. Stress and frustration can lead to poor decision-making and execution.

When your drives go astray, your short game becomes crucial to saving par and keeping your round on track. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to handle tricky situations with confidence and finesse. From the bump-and-run to the flop shot, and from chipping to smart putting, each technique plays a vital role in rescuing your game.

The next time your drive goes off-course, don’t panic. Instead, use these proven techniques to save par and keep your game on track.

To better golf,

Matt Stephens

Founder & Inventor, Pyramid Golf