Most golfers practise the same way: a bucket of balls, the same club, the same target, over and over. It feels productive, but it rarely transfers to the course, where every shot is different and there is only one chance. Practice games fix that. They add a target, a score and a consequence for missing, so you practise under a little pressure, just like on the course. They are also much more fun. Here are some of the best games for every part of your game.
Putting games
1. Around the world
Place four to eight balls in a circle around a hole, each about three feet away. Hole them all in a row. If you miss, start again. When you can complete it, move the circle to four feet, then five.
Trains: short putts under pressure, and reading breaks from every side.
2. The ladder
Place tees at 20, 30 and 40 feet from a fringe or a line. Putt one ball to each distance, trying to stop it within a club-length past the tee without reaching the next. Score a point for each successful putt.
Trains: distance control for long putts.
3. 3-6-9
From 3, 6 and 9 feet, try to hole two of three putts at each distance before moving on.
4. Two-putt challenge
Play nine putts from random long distances around the green. Count how many you two-putt or better. Aim for nine out of nine.
Read putting drills to stop three-putting.
Short-game games
5. Up-and-down nine
Drop nine balls around the green in different lies: fringe, rough, bunker, uphill and downhill. Play each one as you would on the course, chip and putt, and count how many you get up and down in two. Record your score.
Trains: shot selection and pressure. Read chip or putt? How to choose.
6. Par 18
Create nine short-game "holes" around the practice green, each a par 2 (one chip or pitch, one putt). Play the nine holes and add up your score. Can you beat 18?
7. Landing-zone game
Place a towel on the green. Chip balls with different clubs, scoring a point for each ball that lands on the towel.
Trains: landing spots and club selection. Read how to chip in golf.
8. Bunker circle
Place a circle of tees about six feet across around a hole. Play ten bunker shots and count how many finish inside the circle. Read how to hit bunker shots.
9. 21 (for two or more)
Each player chips to a hole from the same spot. Closest to the hole scores one point; holing out scores three. First to 21 wins, and the winner chooses the next spot.
Wedge games
10. Distance ladder
Pick targets at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 yards. Hit one ball to each, then back down the ladder. Score a point for each ball inside a certain distance from the target.
Trains: wedge distance control. Read wedge play: pitching and spin.
11. Random yardage
Ask a friend or use a launch monitor to call out random distances between 40 and 100 yards. Hit one ball to each.
Range games
12. Play the course
Play your home course on the range. Hit your tee shot with the club you would use, picture where it finished, then hit the approach with the right club, and so on. Use your full pre-shot routine for every shot. Read golf pre-shot routine.
13. Fairway finder
Pick two targets on the range to represent the edges of a fairway. Hit ten drives and count how many finish "in the fairway". Try to beat your score each session.
14. Nine-shot game
With a mid-iron, try to hit nine different shots: high draw, high straight, high fade, mid draw, mid straight, mid fade, low draw, low straight and low fade. It builds control and creativity. Read how to hit a draw and a fade.
15. One-ball challenge
Pick a target and hit one ball only. If it finishes within a set distance, move to the next club; if not, start again. One chance, just like the course.
Games with friends
- Closest to the pin: each player hits one shot to the same target; the closest wins a point.
- H-O-R-S-E: one player chooses a shot; the others must match it or take a letter.
- Worst-ball scramble: play two balls and always play the worse one. It is hard, but brilliant practice.
Read golf side games: skins, Nassau and wolf.
How to structure a practice session
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5 minutes | Warm-up and short wedges |
| 15 minutes | Technical work on one change |
| 20 minutes | Games: one range game and two short-game games |
| 10 minutes | Putting games |
Record your scores. Read our driving range practice plan and golf practice at home.
Frequently asked questions
Why are practice games better than hitting balls?
Games add targets, scoring and pressure, so you practise in a way that matches the course and transfers more easily.
How long should a practice session be?
Even 30 to 45 minutes of focused practice with games is more valuable than a long session of ball-bashing.
What is the best putting game?
"Around the world" for short putts and the ladder drill for distance control are two of the most effective.
Can I play these games at home?
Many putting and chipping games work at home on a carpet, a putting mat or into a net. Read golf nets and hitting mats.
The bottom line
Practice games make practice more fun and more effective. Add targets, scores and consequences, change shots often, track your results and play with friends. Spend most of your time on the short game and putting, and your scores will follow. For more help taking practice to the course, read how to break 90.
For a structured plan, read a short-game practice plan and short-game practice at home.