I am more and more convinced that the fastest way to lower scores is NOT just hitting balls on the range.  Here are 3 ways to lower your scores immediately without working on your full swing. 

1- Sharpen up your lag putting.  Try the ladder game---here are the rules:

Set out 3 balls at five foot increments starting at 10 feet out to 40.  Then, create a semi-circle with tees or coins behind the cup in a 3 foot radius.  Your goal is to roll all 3 balls into the cup, or into the semi-circle, before moving back 5 feet.  You can either keep a running total and try to best it each time, OR you can put some serious pressure on yourself and see how many putts you can lag consecutively.  If at any time you miss, you must start OVER.  You can set up the game for uphill putts, and then switch to downhill, sidehill, etc…When you begin to focus only on speed, you will be amazed at how many putts will go in or leave you an easy tap-in.  

2- Make your short putts.  Do the shadow drill--- it’s simple:

Go out to the putting green early in the morning or late in the day.  Find a straight putt and place a few balls right on the shadow line created by the sun and the flagstick.  You can work on two of the crucial areas for success in making short putts: putter face aim and path.  Set the putter perpendicular to the shadow line to ensure you are aimed squarely at the center of the hole. Then, make some short, compact strokes keeping the putter following the shadow line to work on your path.  Don’t let the putter move away from, or too quickly inside, the shadow line.  If you use your shoulders as guide, you will likely keep the path pretty square back and through.  Finally, keep your eyes on the shadow line until you have hit the putt. Don’t follow the ball with your eyes too quickly.  More people miss short putts b/c they look up to follow the ball and they push it to the low side of the cup. 

3- Work on your short chips.  Master the bump-and-run---here are the keys:

When faced with a short shot just around the green, take the club with the least amount of loft needed to chip the ball just onto the green so it will run out to the cup LIKE A PUTT.  Set up closer to the ball with your wrists arched slightly and the ball back in your stance.  Lean the club shaft just forward so you can hit down slightly as you swing through.  Now, here is the KEY: do not “pop” the ball with your wrists.   This will put too much spin on the ball and it will check up and release inconsistently.  You want a very smooth, rhythmic, arms only stroke that creates more overspin.  Most importantly, try and MAKE the shot!  Worst case if you miss, it should be within a 3 foot circle that will hopefully ensure an up and down. 

So, the next time you head out to practice, leave the driver at home and bring only a wedge, putter and a few balls.  Make a commitment to work these 3 drills and trust me, your scores will drop.

© Golf In The Now, Jim Williams. All rights reserved.