The Short-Game Priority Rule

When you’re near the green, follow these simple rules:

1. Putt whenever you can.
2. Chip when you can’t putt.
3. Pitch only when you must.

The logic is simple. These shots are listed in order from most predictable to least predictable, and easiest to hardest to execute. A poor putt will almost always leave you in a better position than a poor chip—and a poor chip is usually better than a poor pitch.

There are several reasons for this, most of them fairly obvious. But one key factor that’s often overlooked is centeredness of contact.

As loft increases, so does the potential for mishits. The more the clubface is tilted, the smaller the effective hitting area becomes. In other words, it’s much harder to strike a wedge in the center of the face than it is a putter or a short iron.

That’s why centeredness of contact is such a key factor near the green. A putt struck slightly off-center might roll a few inches off line, but a chip hit off the toe or heel can come up several feet short or long. And a pitched shot struck off-center may not just miss your target—it may miss the green altogether.

So while it’s tempting to reach for loft, the smart player chooses the simplest shot that gets the job done. The more you can keep the swing small, the loft low, and the stroke simple, the more consistent your short game will become.

The best short-game players aren’t just creative—they’re disciplined in their shot selection. They choose the highest-percentage option, not the most impressive one.