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Most golfers know they need to improve their short game—they just aren't sure what they should actually be working on.

Should you change your technique? Change your equipment? Spend more time Practicing? Or is the problem really your decision-making?

In this episode of The Golf Intervention, Eric Layton, PGA, and Rob Failes, PGA, walk through a simple framework for diagnosing your short game so you can stop guessing and start practicing with purpose.

Rather than assuming every missed chip or poor pitch shot is a swing problem, they explain how to identify whether your biggest opportunity is strategy, skill, or swing—and why each one requires a different approach.

You'll learn how to evaluate your own game, recognize the difference between poor decisions and poor execution, and build a short game practice plan that actually translates to lower scores.

In this episode:

• How to assess your short game to determine what need improvement
• The difference between strategy, skill, and swing—and why it matters
• Common reasons golfers struggle taking what they do in practice to the course
• How to practice your short game more effectively
• A simple action plan to start lowering your scores around the green

If you've been searching for a better way to improve your short game, this episode gives you a practical framework you can use the next time you practice or play.

The Golf Intervention is a podcast dedicated to helping golfers improve through better strategy, smarter practice, and evidence-based coaching—not just more swing tips.

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Episode Description:

How should your short game swing change as you improve? We break down the best chipping and pitching techniques for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 golfers. Learn how to choose the right technique for your current ability and improve your scoring around the greens.

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In this episode of The Golf Intervention, Eric Layton, PGA and Rob Failes, PGA continue their series on short game performance by breaking down the three ball flight skills that determine success around the greens.

Most golfers spend countless hours practicing techniques and mechanics without understanding the actual skills that create better shots. In this episode, Eric and Rob explain why improving short game performance starts with controlling ball flight and contact, not chasing swing positions.

The discussion centers on three critical skills:

Arc Location – The primary driver of contact quality. Learn why controlling where the club reaches the bottom of its arc is the key to solid strikes, predictable turf interaction, and consistent short game performance.

Spin Loft – The major influence on launch and spin. Discover how the relationship between club delivery and loft affects trajectory, spin rates, stopping power, and shot predictability around the green.

Club Speed – The skill that controls distance. Eric and Rob explain why speed control is often overlooked and how golfers can improve their ability to hit shots the correct distance.

The episode also explores how these skills apply differently to golfers at various levels:

• Level 1 Golfers – Developing reliable contact and reducing costly mistakes around the greens.
• Level 2 Golfers – Improving trajectory control, distance control, and shot versatility.
• Level 3 Golfers – Refining precision, consistency, and advanced scoring skills.

If you've ever wondered why your short game practice isn't translating to lower scores, this episode provides a framework for identifying which skill is holding you back and how to practice more effectively.

Topics Covered

• Short game skill versus technique
• Arc location and contact quality
• Understanding low point control
• How spin loft influences launch and spin
• Distance control through club speed management
• Skill development for Level 1 golfers
• Skill development for Level 2 golfers
• Skill development for Level 3 golfers
• Smarter short game practice strategies

Keywords

Golf short game, short game skills, golf instruction, chipping tips, pitching tips, wedge play, distance control, low point control, arc location, spin loft, launch and spin, golf coaching, golf improvement, golf practice, golf performance, scoring improvement, Golf Intervention podcast, Eric Layton PGA, Rob Failes PGA.