short game

noun

1. the aspect of golf considered in relation to the ability of a player to hit medium or short shots, as chip shots, pitch shots, and putts, with accuracy.

2. a card game in which not all cards in the pack are dealt before play.

Word History and Origins

Origin of short game¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

From tee to green he was always not as precise, however, and that continued on Friday as his short game helped keep him ahead of the chasing pack.

Read more on BBC

Having said that, the champion almost always knits together a blend of experience, recent form, distance off the tee and a crisp short game.

Read more on BBC

"I was always pretty good at the long game, but I had to work a lot harder on my short game and I learned how to practise more effectively."

Read more on BBC

As for McIlroy, since 2013 he is 56 under par for the back nine at TPC Sawgrass - 20 shots better than any other player - but he struggled throughout, hitting only five fairways from the tee, while his short game deserted him, leaving chips short and failing to drop par putts.

Read more on BBC

Majors slipped from her grasp due to short game woes; her vulnerabilities making her all the more interesting.

Read more on BBC