Master Your Game Around the Greens: 3 Essential Drills to Improve Approach-Putts for Consistency, Accuracy, and Calmness on the Golf Course

Where the pros make the difference is often in their ability to properly negotiate shots around the green. Reducing the number of putts through precise approaches can turn an average scorecard into an excellent performance. Yet many amateur golfers struggle to properly gauge and control their shots in this key zone.

Here are three drills that will help you gain mastery and confidence on your approach-putts.

1. Feeling – Develop a smooth and consistent touch

One of the major problems for amateurs is too much tension in the hands and arms. This tightness leads to irregular contact, causing topped or thin shots. The key to a good short game lies in relaxation and consistent contact.

📝 Drill: The right pressure for optimal contact

• Hold your club with a pressure of 4 to 5/10 – imagine holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing any out.
• Let your arms hang naturally, with a slight bend in the elbows.
• Make practice swings while maintaining this relaxed feeling.

💡 Why does it work?
A relaxed grip promotes better wrist release and cleaner ball contact. You will quickly notice an improvement in the fluidity of your stroke.

‍2. Technique – Eliminate lateral movements for more consistency

‍One of the most common errors on a chip shot is a lateral body shift. A good approach shot relies on a rotation around a fixed point. This anchor point is your left side (for a right-hander).🔥 Drill: Anchor your weight on the front foot

• Imagine a post running through your left foot, left hip, and left shoulder.
• Place 70% of your weight on your front foot and maintain this position throughout the motion.
• Take a few swings lifting slightly the heel of the back foot to emphasize rotation without moving sideways.
• Hit a few balls while keeping this posture.

💡 Why does it work?
By eliminating lateral shifts, you gain stability and accuracy. Your approach shots will become more repeatable and effective.

‍3. Strategy – Vary your clubs to adapt to each situation

‍Many golfers have a favorite wedge they always use around the green. However, each situation requires a different approach. Adapting your club according to the desired landing spot allows better control of distance and ball roll.🏌️ Drill: Compare the roll of different clubs

• Take three different clubs: a 7-iron, 9-iron, and a wedge.
• Aim for the same landing spot on the green.
• Observe the roll distance after impact for each club.
• Note your results and use this strategy on the course.

💡 Why does it work?
A 7-iron will produce a longer roll, ideal for a clear green. A wedge will generate a higher flight and less roll, perfect for overcoming an obstacle. By mastering these differences, you will be able to choose the right club for each situation and avoid costly mistakes.Adopt these drills and transform your short game!

‍By incorporating these exercises into your training, you will quickly:

‍
✅ Improve the quality of your contact thanks to a more relaxed grip.
✅ Gain consistency and accuracy by eliminating lateral movements.
✅ Make the right strategic choices by adapting your clubs to each approach shot.Fewer putts, more birdies, and above all more peace of mind on the course!