I can drive the ball fine, I am an adequete putter, and can hit off the fairway decently...but my short game is crap. I cant get a ball just off the green up to the green, I cant use a pitching wedge to save my life. Anyone got any tips?

I have pretty much the same problem, I used to take a lot of lessons and go to free clinics when I was younger at a course by my house...The pro there taught me the Flop Shot; it's helped me out a lot, I'm nowhere near a good golfer but it really has helped my short game; or lack thereof , dramatically.

 

It's just a motion I found that you need to practice with repeatedly for it to be successful, whether it's at the range or with wiffle golf balls in your back yard., It's a great shot to get up onto the green from inside 20 or 30 yards.

 

It's kind of hard to describe the motion and stance, but this article might give you an idea, If you're near a local course, the golf pro there would definitely be able to show you the basic stance and motion of it if the article doesnt suffice...but all in all it's a pretty simple and effective (if practiced enough) shot.

 

 

http://www.golflink.com/tips/sullivan/flopshot.shtml

I would also suggest investing in a lob wedge. It's become one of my favorite clubs...I just have to learn how to cut down on my 3-putts.

Loose grip, straddle the ball so it's directly between your legs. Use a 60 degree wedge.

 

Oh, and this is the biggie, finish the swing; "stiff swinging" pushes the ball farther, have a shorter back-swing if you're close, don't cheat on the follow through.

Just hit the ball on the green everytime. Problem solved.

Just hit the ball on the green everytime. Problem solved.

 

 

If you can drive the green everytime Lefty you should be on tour. Thanks for all the tips everyone, I got a few more from the chiropractor checking that is working on my torn rotator cuff(he went to a golf seminar this past weekend), and he made my day by saying I could play again. Just told me not to overswing or I'll re-tear it, since it is nowhere near healed.