The Art of the Short Game: Tour-
Tested Secrets for Getting Up and
Down by Matthew Rudy
Method Feels Right
The hottest instructor in golf (Sports Illustrated) takes on old-school gurus
with a far more accessible, intuitive, and innovative approach to those
essential chip shots, pitches, and bunker rescues.
Veteran golfers know that the secret to a lower score is a solid short
game, but mastering those small strokes can be maddening—even for
the pros. One of golf’s most revered instructors, Stan Utley now reveals
the step-by-step tactics behind his revolutionary short-game techniques in
The Art of the Short Game. After introducing readers to his
groundbreaking philosophy that explains why most players don’t see all
the shots available to them near the green, Utley moves on to shatter

conventional wisdom about stance, grip, and ball position. From choosing
the right clubs (including a checklist of must-haves that should always be
in your bag) to spin reduction during chipping and fearless sand play, The
Art of the Short Game demystifies the most aggravating shots on the links.
Though Utley’s primer features a full set of drills, accompanied by more
than seventy-five photos, his approach is far removed from the
monotonous, mechanical instruction of yesteryear. Giving a time-tested
secret weapon to every golfer at every level, Utley’s short-game methods
turn trouble shots into triumph.
Personal Review: The Art of the Short Game: Tour-Tested
Secrets for Getting Up and Down by Matthew Rudy
After struggling for 20 years around the greens (12 - 15 HDCP), I finally
decided to try something like read a book (duh!). My only regret is not
buying this book sooner.
I picked this one over Pelz' book due the glowing reviews on Amazon.
What I find interesting in the reviews is the complete love/hate relationship
with the book (90% love). I fall into the "love" camp, this book totally
clicked with me. I was always anxious and unsure of myself around the
greens and this book w/in a week of reading has nearly eliminated that.
That alone, was worth the price of this book, as I actually look forward to
up/down opportunities (and practicing them). Imagine that, actually looking
forward to these shots, what a concept! While I don't agree with everything
in the book (using one club around the greens for example), I do agree
with his philosophy of mimicking the full swing with chip/pitch shots. It's
completely intuitive and natural; it just feels right standing over the ball (vs.
my previous methods). The pivot move and lower body movements he
advocates has me hitting the ball consistently and cleanly. No more skulls
and two-foot muffed shots. But it does, as others have noted, take some
time to digest (and time to practice).
As far as the content, I found the book easy to follow, to the point, and well
written (those who say otherwise must be reading a different book). The
only complaint about the book, as some noted, were the photos and
descriptions vs. the text, I found some of them hard to follow. Maybe that's
because I'm more of a visual learner. I had to read and re-read this book
in certain sections, with notes and highlights, to fully digest Utley's advice
and methods. But if you use this book how I have, as a reference and
study guide, this is a minor issue. I would have also liked to see more
bullet points and a "1-2-3" sequence of things for each shot he talks about.
Perhaps improvements for the next edition. The summary section at the
end was excellent, as were the section on the drills. (I definitely agree with
the reviewers who suggested that you should read and practice the drill
section before trying on the course/practice green. Most of the drills you
can do in your house, garage, yard...very simple and they will give you a
good "feel" for the proper technique).

For those negative reviewers out there, I say lighten up! There are many,
many ways to play this game with no right/wrong way, ultimately you need
to decide what works for you and what you're comfortable with. Simply
take away what works and be happy. And if Utley's methods and
teachings don't work for you, than maybe you haven't practiced enough or
haven't given yourself time to adjust (as you will need to do). Or maybe
you are dense and need to have your head examined...have fun going
back to your methods and the skulling and chilli dipping your shots.
In all seriousness, this book will not solve all your ills as some reviewers
seem to suggest, I think 3-5 strokes off my score is likely where I'll be. But
that's the 3-5 strokes I've been missing to shoot my 1st sub-80 round. If
you practice, and adopt these methods correctly, you will improve and
score, that much I promise you. And after all, as Utley says, isn't that the
point? Do yourself a favor, buy this book, it is the only short game book
you need (other than Utley's Art of Putting, which I bought after reading
this book).
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