Master Your Short Game: Why Driving Distance Isn’t Everything

Hey there, fellow golf enthusiasts! After nearly 30 years in this glorious game, I’ve seen it all. From club-happy newbies to seasoned pros, everyone seems to be on a quest for that elusive driving distance. You know the type: they’re at the range, smacking drivers like it’s going out of style, yet they can’t break 90. What gives?

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Sure, it’s impressive to belt a drive 280 yards (trust me, I totally get it!), but what happens next? Spoiler alert: if you can’t chip or putt, that sizzle fades fast when you take four shots to finish from 30 yards out.

Did you know that, on average, a whopping 60% of golf shots occur within 100 yards of the hole? Yet, golfers continue to worship the distance club like it’s the Holy Grail of improvement. Instead of focusing on the short game—the true game changer—they’re chasing after bigger drives, missing the true art of golf.

Here’s a fantastic little secret: You can work on your short game without ever stepping outside. Yup, that’s right! Whether it’s your living room, your backyard, or even your office during lunch breaks, you can transform those spaces into a mini short-game practice zone.

Here’s a truth bomb that I hope resonates with you: the more effort you put into your short game (even at home), the quicker you’ll see improvements. But let’s be real—it’s about practicing with purpose, not just rolling a few putts mindlessly.

The Mistake Costing You Strokes

Over my years of teaching, I’ve encountered a recurring mistake among golfers: they often assume the short game is simply about "feel" that you can’t really practice systematically. This mindset leads them to spend loads of money on shiny new drivers while their wedge skills gather dust.

Just last week, one of my students—a good guy—missed six putts inside of eight feet during a round. Not a single putt had consistent speed or line. No practice routine, no fundamentals, just missed opportunities. That lack of attention on putting effectively kicked his chances of breaking 80 to the curb.

Seven Drills to Transform Your Short Game at Home

1. The Carpet Putting Track

Grab a couple of alignment sticks (or yardsticks) and set them up on your carpet to create a narrow channel slightly wider than your putter head. Spend 10 minutes rolling putts through this track every day. It’s simple but effective—perfect for getting you used to creating a more reliable path for those nerve-wracking four-footers.

2. The Coin Drill Progression

Put a coin on your carpet and practice putting over it from three feet away, aiming for consistent roll. Start with five solid putts, then widen the distance to six and then nine feet. This number drill helps you work on distance control while setting you up to hit the ball more cleanly.

3. The Towel Chipping Setup

Lay a towel out in your backyard (or living room, no judgment!). Practice chipping balls onto it from various distances using different clubs—like a 7-iron, 9-iron, and wedge. This exercise gives you immediate feedback on your accuracy and how well you control your landing spots.

4. The Wall Putting Stroke

Stand with your back against a wall while making putts. Your goal is to keep your shoulders and arms moving in sync without any body sway. Hit 20 putts this way daily—it’s great for synchronizing your motion and keeping things steady under pressure.

5. The One-Handed Chipping Drill

Practice chipping using only your lead hand (that would be your left hand if you’re a righty). This forces you to use the right wrist hinge, helping you avoid that dreaded “flip” that causes skulls and chunks. Start small and increase your distance gradually as you improve.

6. The Speed Ladder Putting

Set up targets at three, six, and nine feet from a wall, and focus on rolling the ball to stop at each target. This practice builds your distance control, helping prevent those annoying three-putts when you have a good approach shot.

7. The Pressure Putting Routine

Want to build mental toughness? Try making five consecutive three-foot putts. If you miss one, you have to start over. This drill mimics real-game pressure and helps solidify your routine for crucial putts on the course.

The One Thing That Ruins Home Practice

Here’s a hot tip: avoid practicing without specific goals when you’re limited on space. Even in your living room, refine your focus. Random rolling is a sneaky way to build bad habits—you may not notice until it’s too late.

Instead, aim for specific targets and keep track of your results even if it’s just putting into a coffee mug. It will add some purpose to your practice!

Why Golfers Stay Frustrated with Scoring

Let’s be honest: short-game practice can feel a bit dull compared to the thrill of crushing drives. Many golfers mistakenly believe that just making putts counts as practice. But the simple truth remains: focused practice outweighs mindless repetition every time.

We’re dopamine-driven creatures, and nothing feels as immediate as hitting a booming drive down the fairway. But here’s my advice: get these seven drills under your belt. They’re proven methods that will elevate your short-game skills and directly impact your scoring.

So please, don’t continue wasting your precious time at the range, particularly when your living room holds the keys to better golf. Your short game isn’t trying to toy with you; it’s the shortcut to improvement if you practice the right way. Embrace that opportunity, and you’ll be sinking more birdies before you know it!

Remember, it’s all about the finesse, not just the speed! Let’s turn to practice with a purpose and take our short games to exciting new heights! 🏌️‍♂️✨