Most golfers know the short game matters, yet most practice time still goes on the driving range. Around 60% of shots for a typical club golfer are played within 100 yards of the green, and that's where the fastest improvements are found. The problem is that short-game practice often lacks structure: a few chips, some putts, then home. A simple plan changes that. Here's a practice framework you can follow every week.
Find your weaknesses first
Before planning, find out where you lose shots. Track these for three or four rounds:
- Putts per round, and the number of three-putts.
- Up-and-down attempts and successes from around the green.
- Bunker shots and how many get out and onto the green.
- Shots from 30–100 yards and how close they finish.
Read golf statistics to track.
How to split your time
| Skill | Suggested share | Adjust if… |
|---|---|---|
| Putting | 35–40% | Many three-putts or missed short putts |
| Chipping | 25–30% | Duffed or thinned chips, poor distance |
| Pitching (20–60 yards) | 20% | Inconsistent distances from wedge range |
| Bunker play | 10–15% | Failing to get out, or thinning over the green |
The three phases of a session
1. Technique (10–15 minutes)
Work on one technical point, such as a quiet lower body when chipping or a square face when putting, using drills and training aids. Read putting training aids.
2. Variety (15–20 minutes)
Change lie, distance and target with every ball, as you would on the course. This builds adaptability and feel.
3. Pressure (10 minutes)
Finish with a game that has a score or consequence, such as holing ten putts in a row or getting five of ten balls up and down. Read golf practice games.
A sample weekly plan
| Day | Session | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Rest | — |
| Tuesday | Putting: short putts and start line, then lag putts | 30 minutes |
| Wednesday | Home: putting mat and chipping into a net or basket | 15 minutes |
| Thursday | Chipping and pitching, finishing with an up-and-down game | 45 minutes |
| Saturday | Bunker practice, then a nine-hole short-game challenge | 45 minutes |
| Sunday | On-course: play with one ball, using your routine | Round |
Read short-game practice at home.
Drills for each skill
Putting
- Circle drill: eight balls around a hole at three feet; hole them all.
- Ladder drill: putts to 20, 30 and 40 feet. Read lag putting.
Chipping
- Landing spot drill: chip to a towel, then watch the roll.
- Three-club drill: the same chip with three different clubs. Read the bump and run.
Pitching
- Clock drill: learn your backswing lengths for 30, 40 and 50 yards. Read wedge play: pitching and spin.
Bunkers
- Line drill: draw a line in the sand and practise entering the sand at the line.
- Variety drill: different lies and distances. Read how to hit bunker shots.
Make practice realistic
- Use one ball for some drills, as on the course.
- Go through your routine before key shots.
- Practise from bad lies: rough, slopes and tight lies. Read greenside rough shots.
- Change targets often.
Track your progress
Keep a simple log of your practice-game scores and on-course statistics. Review it monthly and adjust your time split towards your weakest area. Read golf journal.
Frequently asked questions
How much time should I spend on the short game?
At least half your practice time, especially if you're a mid to high handicapper.
Is practising at home worthwhile?
Yes. Putting mats and chipping nets build technique and feel between sessions.
How quickly will I improve?
Many golfers see results within a few weeks of structured practice.
The bottom line
A short-game plan turns practice into progress: find your weaknesses, split your time sensibly and move through technique, variety and pressure in every session. Track your results and adjust. For your up-and-down game, read how to get up and down.