Five drills to enhance your short-game distance control

Intro paragraph

The difference between an average round and a memorable one on the golf course often hinges on a player’s ability to navigate the short game with precision. Recognizing this, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Kellie Stenzel has identified five focused drills that aim to elevate distance control around the greens. These exercises promise to refine your touch and enhance your confidence, enabling you to approach your short game with a newfound sense of mastery.

Context and background

The short game, encompassing all shots from within about 100 yards of the hole, is critical in reducing scores and improving overall performance. Statistics reveal that nearly 60% of strokes in a typical round are taken from this range. With such a significant portion of the game reliant on extraordinary finesse, players often dedicate countless hours perfecting their putting and chipping skills. However, even seasoned golfers struggle with distance control due to its intricate nature, making drills like those proposed by Stenzel essential for consistent improvement.

Drills that deliver: enhancing distance control

The five drills put forth by Kellie Stenzel serve to instill a deeper understanding of the tools a golfer possesses when playing around the greens. Here’s a closer look at each exercise:

• The clock drill: This involves placing balls at various points around the hole, mimicking the positions of numbers on a clock face. By practicing putts from 3, 6, and 9 feet, players learn how different distances feel and develop the ability to adjust their stroke length accordingly.
• One-handed chipping: By practicing chips with one hand, golfers can emphasize the role of their body and wrist action, helping refine touch and learn to rely on feel rather than brute strength when controlling distance.
• Landing zone drill: Using alignment sticks or objects on the green, players can set landing zones for their chips and pitches. This drill focuses on consistent ball landing locations, allowing golfers to see how different trajectories affect distance.
• Distance control with varied lies: By practicing chip shots from multiple lies—tight lies, rough, and sloping surfaces—players enhance their adaptability and learn how to gauge the impact of different grass types on ball behavior.
• Target practice: Utilizing targets on the green, golfers can practice hitting various distance targets with their short game clubs. By focusing on precision over power, players develop an understanding of how to gauge distance visually.

These drills require minimal equipment, making them easily accessible for golfers at all skill levels. By incorporating them into practice routines, players can focus on breaking down the barriers that hinder their success from short-range positions.

In their own words

“Having a solid understanding of distance control is fundamental to mastering the short game. These drills help players build that awareness and trust their feel.”

— Kellie Stenzel

“I often tell my students that the short game isn’t about power; it’s about finesse and feel. It’s crucial to practice with intention.”

— Kellie Stenzel

What’s next

As we turn our sights to the upcoming tournament season, improving one’s short game remains a critical focus for many players. Athletes looking to sharpen their skills will do well to integrate these distance control drills into their practice routines. Whether you're an amateur excited about an upcoming club championship or a seasoned player leading into a professional event, these techniques can provide the edge needed to navigate the greens with confidence. Stay vigilant and keep practicing, as every small improvement can lead to greater success on the course.