Golf would be easy if every player hit every green in regulation. That’s rarely the case. Missing greens is inevitable and that’s where the skill of getting “up and down” becomes essential. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “up and down” and wondered what it means or if you’re looking to improve your ability to get up and down, read on.
What does “up and down” mean in golf?
In golf, “up and down” refers to the ability to get the ball in the hole in two strokes. It involves hitting one shot onto the green and then making the subsequent putt.
While most golfers think of an up-and-down as a chip or pitch followed by a putt, you can technically get up and down from anywhere on the course. For example, if you’re playing a par-4 and your tee shot finds the water, you still can get up and down for par even with a penalty stroke.
Getting up and down from a bunker is often called a “sandy.”
The two key components of an up-and-down
There are two key components to getting up and down. The first is your proximity to the hole and the second is your ability to make a putt.
Proximity to the hole
If you struggle to get up and down, work on your pitching and chipping. As well, know how to hit various shots using your wedges and short irons.
Don’t forget to look at both the slope and break of the putting surface when you are close to the green. Use this to your advantage to find a spot to land your approach shot and let it move close to the hole.
Putting ability
When you get those tap-in up-and-down opportunities, take them and run. However, most up-and-downs require you to make a putt in that five- to 15-foot range. Make sure you practice putts from this length.
Ideally, pick a putter that is highly effective from 10 feet so you’ll have greater confidence on the greens. In addition, make sure you choose a golf ball with good greenside performance and feel.
How to practice getting up and down
While you may practice chipping and pitching at times, it’s important to also practice getting up and down. The best way to do this is to head to the practice green with one ball, your wedges and a putter.
Place your ball in a spot and try to get up and down. Record whether you’re able to do it. Pick another spot and keep moving around the green until you can get up and down five or even 10 times.
Practice in different conditions such as tight lies, rough, bunkers, etc. Giving yourself a nice lie in practice can be tempting but the chances of ending up in a lie like that on the course are slim.
Distance control (landing zone) practice
Once you have worked on this one-ball drill to help simulate actual course conditions, work on some distance control practice. The most important part of controlling the distances of your shots is to make sure you pick the perfect spot to land.
A great distance control drill is where you attempt to hit each chip shot slightly further than the last. You’ll hit the first chip just a few feet. Now try to hit the next one just past the first ball and continue this way, trying to see how many balls you can land between the first ball and the hole.
If you hit a shot behind the last ball in the sequence at any point, start over. Aim to have five or 10 golf balls fit in that space between you and a hole (30 to 50 feet away).
You can also practice this by setting up a ladder on the chipping green with your clubs as seen in this video.
One-putt practice
Always spend some time working on one-putt practice. Try a putt from 10 feet, move to the other side of the hole, line up again and try one from eight feet. Don’t bring 10 golf balls with you to the practice green. It’s not going to help your game.
Final thoughts
Getting up and down will help you lower your scores. Stop practicing chips, pitches and putts separately. Instead, start practicing getting up and down. Doing this will give you less pressure on the course and a little more confidence in your ability.
Jason S
2 years ago
Great article. I really love these types, so keep them coming!