After teaching many women for many years, I’ve noticed the same short game issues appear time and again. In many cases, these challenges stem from common root causes — such as equipment that doesn’t fit properly or instruction geared toward players with higher clubhead speeds. Too often, women are simply given the wrong information.
Here are some common examples I’ve seen, and how to improve them.
1. Too little bounce on lofted wedges
Players with lower clubhead speeds often benefit from more bounce (typically 12 degrees or more) so the club can glide rather than dig into the ground. This allows the club to move smoothly across the turf and still produce solid results, even if it contacts the ground before the ball.
I often compare this to a rock skipping across water. As long as the bounce interacts properly with the ground, it can help salvage shots from less-than-perfect contact. Tools like Ping’s wedge fitting system can be very helpful in identifying the right wedge and bounce for your game.
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2. Opening the clubface in bunkers
Many women are told to open the clubface in bunker shots. While that can be effective for players with high clubhead speed, it often doesn’t apply to most women.
When the face is opened, some players struggle to generate enough distance, leaving the ball stuck in the bunker. Instead, try keeping the clubface square, playing the ball slightly forward in your stance, and letting the bounce do the work. This approach can help you produce enough carry to get out consistently.
3. Trying to ‘lift’ the ball on pitch shots
The instinct to scoop or lift the ball often comes from other sports, but it doesn’t work in golf. The loft of the club is designed to get the ball airborne. You don’t need to help it.
From a solid posture, focus on extending your arms downward through impact so the clubhead reaches the ground. A gentle “thump” into the turf ensures proper contact and allows the ball to launch naturally.
4. Choosing a pitch shot instead of a bump-and-run
Shorter, simpler strokes are generally more reliable and less risky. Just because you’re near the green doesn’t mean you should automatically reach for a sand wedge and take a bigger swing.
A lower-trajectory bump-and-run is often the smarter play, helping you control distance and reduce risk while getting the ball closer to the hole.
5. Misunderstanding acceleration in putting
Golfers are often told they “decelerated” when a putt comes up short, but this is rarely the real issue. If your backstroke length is appropriate and you allow the putter to swing naturally, the ball will typically travel the correct distance.
If a putt comes up short, the adjustment is simple: increase the length of your backstroke. A longer stroke creates more natural speed through the ball without forcing acceleration.
