Golf is often a game of options and the short game offers lots of them. Too many golfers just grab a wedge and wing it.

From within 5-15 yards of the green, for example, you can run it, fly it or flop it. The putter can be invaluable from right off the green. It’s a good first choice.

If you can’t putt it, then chip it. If chipping won’t work, then pitch or flop it.

Use a putter off the fringe if the ground is smooth. Chip it if you have to clear a rough patch of ground and you have some green to work with. Pitch or flop it if the shot requires air time.

Use your putting grip when chipping and weaken the lead hand (left for right-handers) when pitching.

Setup is critical.

When chipping, use a 6-, 7- or 8-iron. Play the ball back in your stance, hands way ahead. The ball runs 75 percent of the way to the cup.

When pitching, use a sand wedge, pitching wedge or lob wedge. The ball should be centered, with hands slightly ahead. The ball is airborne 75 percent of the way.

The flop shot is a high risk/high reward shot. You can use a pitching wedge or lob wedge. To try it, you must have a good lie. The clubface is wide open. Aim left, then take a full swing while sliding the clubface under the ball with speed for extra lift and killer backspin. If successful, the ball lands dead.

Before trying to pull off a flop shot during a round, practice the shot a lot on the range.