Sept. 26, 2005

Every month, the South Carolina men’s golf program will offer a “Tip of the Month” right here at USCsports.com. September’s topic is the short game.

Everyone has heard the saying,”you drive for show, and putt for dough”. Why is it, that everyone likes to practice that “show,” but will not practice what will make them that “dough”?

The easiest way to get better, quickly, is to practice the short game. The short game is the most overlooked aspect of the game of golf. Requiring as little as a small backyard, the short game is the cheapest and most convenient part of your game to improve. Even when you’re at the golf course, go to the putting green instead of the range. Most facilities do not charge to use the putting green.

When you analyze your game, count how many times you hit that big headed driver, and how many times you have 80 yards or less to the pin. For the average player, my guess is that the ratio is at least 3/1 — not in favor of the driver!

And lastly, as most of us do, when you are running to the tee with five minutes to spare, hit some chips and putts instead of those drivers. You’ll have a more enjoyable round of golf!

May all your putts fall……Go Cocks!

Michael Burcin
USC Assistant Men’s Golf Coach