Improving your short game can make a huge difference in your overall golf performance. Here’s a simple yet effective practice routine you can follow to sharpen your skills around the greens.
Chipping Drills
Basic Chip Shots: Start with 10 chips from a short distance (about 10-15 yards) to different targets. Focus on your grip and stance.
Different Lies: Practice chipping from various lies (tight grass, rough, uphill, downhill) to develop versatility in adjusting your technique.
Pitching Techniques
Lob Shots: Use a sand wedge to practice lobbing the ball over an obstacle and landing it softly on the green. Aim for consistency in height and distance.
Controlled Pitching: Try to pitch from 30-40 yards, focusing on distance control. Use a clock method where you swing back to different positions that correspond to various distances.
Putting Practice
Short Putts: Set up a line of balls just a few feet from the hole. Make 10 putts in a row from each position before moving back.
Lag Putting: From 30 feet, practice getting the ball to stop within 3 feet of the hole. This helps with distance control on longer putts.
Routine Summary
Total Time: Spend about 30-45 minutes on your short game.
Frequency: Try to practice 2-3 times a week.
Stay focused on your technique, and don’t forget to have fun! What’s your go-to drill? Feel free to share your experiences and tips!
To get started with your short game, focus on your grip. A light grip ensures better feel and control. Especially for chipping, a neutral grip allows for a smoother swing.
I think having a solid routine is key. I like to break my practice into sections—chipping first, then pitching, and finishing with putting. It keeps things fresh and focused!
One fun drill is the ‘Around the World’ putting drill. Set up tees around the hole and try to make it from different angles. It’s not just effective but also exciting!
A little humor goes a long way! I aim to make more putts than my dog makes messes in the backyard; otherwise, I’m just bringing home a lot of extra practice balls!
Just remember that every golfer struggles with the short game at some point. Reflect on your progress, and celebrate small wins. It can be a long journey!
To improve your short game, I recommend starting with the ‘Ladder Drill’. You set up targets at various distances and work your way back. This helps with distance control and accuracy.
Great suggestion! I’ve found that mixing in a ‘Chipping Gate Drill’ helps fine-tune my chipping accuracy as well. You just need two tees to create a narrow gate.
I’ve been focusing on the ‘One-Handed Chipping Drill’. Striking the ball with one hand, alternating between left and right, really enhances your feel and touch around the greens.
That drill sounds effective! I also like to do a ‘Pitching Ladder’ exercise, where you set up different targets but with varying heights. It keeps the practice fresh.
I think the ‘Short Game Challenge’ is fun! You set a timer and have to make a certain number of putts or chips within a timeframe. It puts some pressure on and simulates game conditions.