I'm An Expert Short Game Coach And This Is My Favorite Drill...

Finding the time to practice your short game can be tricky, and even when you do get time to go down to your local club, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start with a wedge in your hands. Sometimes, the best tips and short game drills are the most simple, and in this case can be practiced in the comfort of your own home. 

In this article, PGA Tour Coach James Ridyard talks us through his favorite short game drill, which involves an everyday household item...

My Favorite Short Game Drill... Using A Coat Hanger!

This simple drill will train your brain to focus on your finish position. Think of it like a check-point, which we are going to turn into a drill by introducing our everyday household item... a coat hanger.

Ideally, we want the finish position to tick three boxes. Those are to use your body effectively in rotation, have a good arm position at finish, and make sure that your release and shaft position are synchronised with those other two things.

Grip the club together with the coat hanger, as you can see in the image below. Without taking a backswing, turn through to the target. Ensure your chest has turned fully, with soft arms that are still by your side, and the coat hanger is pointing at the centre of your body.

If you have achieved this position, as shown in the image above, you have likely ticked all three boxes, and not ‘cheated' your release, which will force you to pivot effectively.

Hit a few balls with the coat hanger in your grip and check each time that you have achieved that nice, connected finish position.