An “up and down” in golf typically refers to a player saving par after missing the green in regulation. In most cases, a golfer will find themselves in a bunker or in the rough with just two shots to hole out in regulation. The “up and down” terminology comes from the golfer’s ability to get the ball “up” onto the green and then “down” into the hole on consecutive chips and putts.
The up and down is regarded as a true skill in the golfing world — one that many of the pros have made a living out of. The up and down is also related to other terms like “scrambling” and “sand saves” which are similar but carry slightly different meanings.
Like many things in golf, there is no one set definition for the up and down. This means that you don’t necessarily have to be trying to save par. You could have an up and down to make a birdie for instance, or an up and down to make a triple bogey. In the general sense of the term, it’s anything that allows you to go from beyond the putting surface to the hole in two shots.
Obviously, in some cases coining two shots an up and down won’t really work, so use your best judgment when throwing around this term.
Common ‘Up and Down’ Scenarios
If you’ve golfed enough, you’ve likely found yourself in an “up and down” scenario on several occasions. You may even have completed an up and down yourself. Here are some common up and down scenarios.
Sand Saves
When someone mentions an “up and down” — especially at the pro level — what they’re commonly referring to are sand saves, which are pitches from the bunker that put you close to the hole for a one-putt.
Pitch From the Rough
Aside from bunker shots, the other most common “up and down” scenarios occur in the rough. You could find yourself in a deep patch of thick rough and need to get a chip close so that you have a reasonable putt to save par.
Up and Down Percentages
Many pro players will actually track and record their up and down percentages so they can see their efficiency in real time. The “scrambling” statistic sheet showcases this. It contains a list of any one player’s ability to make par or better after missing a green in regulation. Some players have a scrambling percentage of more than seventy percent!
Why Is an Up and Down So Important?
For those looking to improve their golf game, learning how to master the up and down is essential. Here’s why.
Keeps Your Score Low
The most obvious benefit is that an up and down will keep your score low. Every stroke matters in golf — one par save can make the difference between a win and a loss.
Separates You From Your Competitors
Many players, when they find themselves in a bunker or deep rough, start to get demoralized. How the heck am I going to get out of this, they think. Why did I put myself in this situation? I should’ve aimed over to the right, I should’ve used a nine iron, I should’ve —
You get the picture.
A bad shot can put us in our heads and make our next shot even worse. The best golfers always do the opposite. They accept that the past is in the past. They embrace the present moment and focus on how they can enact change now, with this shot in front of them.
One of the best examples of this is Tiger Woods at the 2007 Masters. Facing an almost impossible shot from the rough that could have landed him in the water with one wrong move, he holed out. While this wasn’t technically an up and down, it shows the mindset you need in order to stay cool in those situations.
Shows Your Resilience
Golf is all about mental resilience — staying tough in the face of bad odds and poor shots. An up and down is one of the best ways to express your resilience on the course.
How to Get Up and Down in Golf
Some might tell you there’s no secret way to make an up and down in golf, but there is.
Practice
It’s just a ton of painstaking practice. The reason the pros have such a high scrambling percentage is because they’ve been in those situations, time and time again. They’ve spent countless hours practicing chipping from the bunker, pitching from the rough and putting from nearly every angle on the putting green so that when they’re faced with a similar situation, they’ll have the knowledge and confidence to get the ball in the hole in two.
Besides practice, here are some other ways you can get up and down in golf.
Stay Cool
One of the most important things to remember in an up and down scenario is to stay cool. A lot of golfers can start to get lost in past shots or bad scenarios. Remember to stay present and lean on your foundational skills.
Utilize Spin On Your Ball
If you have the ability to do it, use spin on your ball in an up and down scenario. Putting backspin on the ball will allow you to have more control over your shots and also set yourself up for an easier putt.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the up and down in golf.
What Is the Difference Between a “Sand Save” and an “Up and Down”?
An “up and down” and a “sand save” are similar in that they both involve getting the ball onto the green and into the hole in two shots after missing the green with an approach shot. The difference is that a “sand save” specifically refers to a situation where the golfer has to hit their second shot out of a bunker.
How Can I Improve My “Up and Down” Percentage?
Practice. To improve your “up and down” percentage, you can work on your chipping and putting skills, as well as your ability to read greens and judge distances. Practicing different types of chip shots and learning to use different clubs can also be helpful.
Up and Down in Golf: The Bottom Line
The up and down is a common term you’ll hear thrown around the golf course. If you’re able to get efficient at completing an up and down, you’ll see your golf game start to vastly improve.