Free Golf Tips Online Archives

Short Siding, And How to Play!

"Hi!! A new golfer here. What does it mean to "short-side" yourself? I've heard the term, but not the explanation. Is it good or bad?"

Well, anonymous new golfer, welcome. And to answer part one of your question: Short siding is when you miss a green on the same side as the pin. When you miss a green, putting the next shot close enough to sink the putt is critical, and that's easier when you have a lot of green between your ball and the hole because you have more options for making the shot -- low running chips (Please see HOT TIP below!!!!) or high and soft, while if you are on the "short side", your only option may be a high flop shot that stops quickly, something that is very hard to do for most people and impossible for many. And we NEVER recommend you try that shot.

Another thing to keep in mind is what direction the green slopes and what the landscape on the green between you and the pin looks like. If the pin is near an edge of a green that slopes towards the pin, you may be better off being on the short side, where you can stop a shot quickly hitting into the slope, than on the "long" side, where your shot will run a long way downhill and be very difficult to judge.

One of the key things that determines how good someone is at getting "up and down" around the green is whether he/she generally misses in a place where this will be easy. This means knowing how you generally mis-hit shots, and picking your club and aim point so that a well hit shot is on the green with a makeable putt but a miss will leave you someplace where you can easily get down in 2. The aim point and club selection will often not be at the pin and pin high.

There could be a myriad of places that you want the ball to land. And NEVER fall for sucker pins. Sucker pins are those that are in a well guarded location, but tantalizingly close. Hit it safe, and putt out in two strokes!!

Tip of The Week

We firmly believe we have insisted upon the necessity of keeping your wrist straight / solid / DO NOT FLEX for chips shots. If you find you just can't get the hang of this, then find a pen (or a pencil). Next time you have to keep your right wrist fixed, stick a pen between your watch so that it covers your wrist and part of your palm.

You'll get the hang real quick. If you STILL don't, use a pencil sharpened on both ends. OUCH!! You'll get the hang real fast!! :-)

(Note to readers: We don't REALLY encourage you to use a sharp object. Only if you have medical insurance, and don't mind pain!!)