These indoor short game drills are demonstrated by renowned golf professional Martin Hall and former LPGA Tour player Blair O’Neil. The drills are designed to improve your short game, even when you can’t hit the golf course.
Importance of Short Game Practice
Martin Hall and Blair O’Neil emphasize the importance of short game practice in golf. Blair, a former LPGA Tour player, confesses that she wishes she had spent more time on her short game when she was a junior golfer. The drills they present can be practiced indoors and don’t require hitting golf balls, avoiding potential damage to household items.
Setting Up the Swing Path
The first drill aims to align the swing path. Martin uses two alignment rods parallel to the target line, creating a base for the swing. For this drill, the golf player starts with their feet close together, takes a small step with both feet, and then slightly flares out the lead foot. The goal is to move the club back and forth in a controlled rhythm, lightly brushing the ground each time.
Progressing from Small to Big, Slow to Quick
This drill encourages players to start with a small swing, gradually letting the swing become larger while maintaining the same rhythm. As the swing grows bigger, the knees, hips, and shoulders join the movement. This helps create a good rhythm and allows for a more confident strike when you’re on the golf course.
Adding More Descent
For situations where you need a bit more descent or the lie isn’t quite right, another drill involves aligning one rod at right angles to the line of flight. The goal is to make a swing where the club lifts a bit quicker and comes down sharper, aiming to hit the ground at a specific spot without hitting the alignment rod.
Using an Alignment Rod for Better Swing Control
A helpful drill for every golfer is to use an alignment rod behind the grip of the club, holding it with the lead hand. The alignment rod lightly touches the lead side of the body at setup but should not touch the body at contact. This helps the player to maintain control and direction in their swing without the club hitting the side of the body.
Conclusion
These indoor drills demonstrated by Martin Hall and Blair O’Neil are useful for any golfer looking to improve their short game. They offer a practical way to practice when you can’t get to the golf course and can lead to noticeable improvements in your game. For more great tips, subscribe to the Golf Channel on YouTube and watch School of Golf.