Distinguishing Long Game and Short Game in Golf – The Key to Comprehensive Score Improvement

In golf, a long shot can make a strong impression, but it is the short shots that ultimately determine your final score. That’s why every golfer, whether a beginner or experienced player, needs to clearly understand and differentiate two essential skills: the Long Game and the Short Game. Each plays its own role in a golf strategy, and a harmonious combination of these skills is the key to improving your level and effectively lowering your handicap.

What is the Long Game?

The Long Game includes shots over 100 yards, usually performed during tee shots or fairway shots to approach the green. It reflects a player’s strength, accuracy, and swing technique. Clubs commonly used for the Long Game are drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, and long irons such as 3-6 irons. To excel in the Long Game, golfers must practice proper posture, control ball flight, and maintain a smooth swing rhythm. However, hitting far isn’t just about power – it’s an art combining technique, clubface angle, clubhead speed, and personal feel.

What is the Short Game?

Conversely, the Short Game covers shots under 100 yards to the green, including pitching (high approach shots), chipping (gentle shots near the green’s edge), bunker shots (sand shots), and putting (rolling the ball on the green into the hole). If the Long Game is about power, the Short Game is about finesse. This area demands good ball feel, control over hand force, and accurate reading of the green’s slope. While it requires less strength, the Short Game accounts for 65–70% of the total shots in a round of golf. Therefore, focusing only on long shots without practicing short game skills makes it very difficult to significantly improve your score.

Balancing Long Game and Short Game is Essential

A precise driver shot helps you reach the green quickly, but if you can’t execute delicate chips or accurate putts, you may still lose strokes. That’s why professional coaches often recommend spending at least 60% of your practice time on the Short Game, especially if you want to improve your score rapidly.

T&T Golf Academy – Your Place to Elevate Golf Skills

To practice both Long Game and Short Game systematically, you can join courses at T&T Golf Academy, equipped with modern facilities including a two-level driving range, regulation green and bunker areas. Additionally, students can experience a putting green that simulates real course conditions, as well as a 3D virtual course with real-time shot data tracking technology.

T&T Golf’s programs are flexibly designed for all skill levels, from beginners to players with established handicaps, guided by professional coaches holding international certifications. Importantly, students receive personalized training plans to assess strengths and weaknesses and develop comprehensively in both fitness and golf technique. Practical, scenario-based lessons are also regularly organized to help students master every situation on the course.

A long, powerful swing makes you stand out, but a solid putt wins the game. You can master both skills when you train at T&T Golf Academy – not just a training ground, but the professional and classy starting point for your golf journey.