Course Management · Drill
Make More Birdies on Easy Holes
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Long holes and short two-shotters are where you can score. Get the tee shot in the short grass, even with less than driver. Plan three shots on a par 5 unless reaching in two is a sure thing. Lay up to a wedge distance you love. Then practice those wedges. Hit to a short, middle and full wedge distance, trying to finish inside 10 feet. On the green, try a putting ladder. Three putts from 10 feet, two from 15 and one from 20.
The drill
- Find the fairway first.
- Play par 5s as three shots unless sure.
- Lay up to your favorite wedge.
- Practice three wedge distances.
- Run a 10-15-20 foot putting ladder.
Why it works
Easy holes pay off when you give yourself a full wedge or a short iron into the green from the short grass. A ball in the fairway gives you clean contact and a predictable spin, so distance control improves. Laying up to a distance you trust turns a hard second shot into a repeatable third, and a set of practiced wedge distances plus a putting routine means more putts from inside makeable range.
Common mistakes
- You hit driver on every easy hole even when it brings trouble into play.Pick the club that keeps the ball in the short grass, even if it is a hybrid or iron.
- You lay up to a random spot, such as a flag or a hazard line, instead of a set distance.Choose the yardage of your favorite wedge and pick the club that leaves you that number.
- You practice wedges without a target or a finish rule, so misses do not count.Pick a target at each of the three distances and count only shots that finish inside 10 feet.
How you'll know it's working
- Your wedge shots at each of the three distances finish inside 10 feet more often over several rounds of practice.
- Your carry distance with each wedge repeats, with the ball landing near the same spot on shot after shot.
- You complete the putting ladder, making the 10, 15 and 20 foot putts in order, with fewer attempts each time you repeat it.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Use a larger target, such as 15 feet, and repeat the putting ladder from shorter distances until you can complete it.
Harder: Hit each wedge distance to a new target in random order and move on only after you finish inside 10 feet, then start the putting ladder over if you miss.
Common questions
Should I always lay up on a par 5?
No. Go for the green in two only when you are sure of the distance and the lie and the miss is not costly. Otherwise plan three shots and lay up to a wedge distance you like.
How far from the hole should I lay up?
Lay up to the distance you hit your favorite wedge most consistently. This is a number you know well, so you can hit the third shot close.
