5 Proven Drills from Scratch Golf Academy to Sharpen Your Short Game

When it comes to lowering your handicap, the short game is where golfers win or lose the most strokes. You’ve probably heard it before: “Drive for show, putt for dough.” It’s true. While long drives might feel impressive, the real key to consistent scoring lies in your ability to chip, pitch, and putt under pressure.

At Scratch Golf Academy, founded by renowned coach Adam Bazalgette, short-game mastery is treated as a non-negotiable part of becoming a well-rounded golfer. Many amateurs focus heavily on their swing mechanics or distance, but neglect the shots inside 100 yards. That’s why drills matter—they give you structure, repeatable skills, and confidence.

Whether you’re just starting out, exploring online lessons through ScratchGolf.com, or chasing the dream of true scratch golfing, these five proven drills can dramatically improve your performance around the greens.

1. The Ladder Drill (Distance Control for Putting)

One of the biggest challenges in putting isn’t the line—it’s speed control. Leaving putts short or blasting them way past the hole is a silent scorecard killer.

The Ladder Drill helps you learn feel and distance management:

• Set up six tees (or coins) in one-foot intervals, starting three feet from the hole.
  
• Place three balls at the first tee. Putt them, aiming to stop each ball between the first and second tee.
  
• Move back a foot after every successful round.
  

This drill trains your touch and prevents three-putts, a major hurdle for golfers striving toward scratch golf.

2. The Circle Drill (Building Pressure on Short Putts)

Missing short putts can derail even the most consistent round. The Circle Drill is a favorite at Scratch Golf Academy because it forces you to sink putts under mild pressure.

Here’s how:

• Place six to eight balls in a circle, each about three feet from the hole.
  
• Put each ball in succession, going around the circle. If you miss, start over.
  

The goal is to complete the full circle without missing. This drill mimics the mental challenge of “must-make” putts in real rounds and builds confidence.

3. The One-Handed Chip Drill (Improving Feel Around the Greens)

Chipping looks simple, but it’s where most amateurs chunk or skull shots. The One-Handed Chip Drill improves your natural feel by isolating one hand at a time.

• Place three balls just off the green.
  
• Using only your lead hand (left for right-handers), chip each ball onto the green.
  
• Then repeat with your trail hand.
  

This exercise teaches touch, balance, and the proper use of the club’s bounce. It also gives you better feedback about which hand might be dominating your motion. After practicing, combine both hands, and you’ll notice a much smoother, controlled chip.

4. The Landing Zone Drill (Mastering Pitch Shots)

Pitch shots are essential for saving par when you miss a green. The Landing Zone Drill, taught extensively through Scratch Golf Academy programs, gives you a system for consistency.

• Place a towel or small target area on the green, about 10–15 yards away.
  
• Hit pitch shots from the rough or fairway, aiming to land the ball on that towel.
  
• Adjust the distance of your landing zone to practice different trajectories.
  

This drill sharpens your ability to predict how far the ball will roll after it lands, leading to tighter proximity to the hole and fewer wasted shots.

5. The Par-18 Game (Simulating Pressure Situations)

Practice is great, but competition brings out true nerves. The Par-18 Game makes practice fun while applying real pressure to your short game.

• Choose nine different chipping and putting stations around the green.
  
• Play each as a “hole,” giving yourself two strokes maximum per station.
  
• Keep score—the goal is to shoot even par (18) or better.
  

This combines chipping, pitching, and putting in a game-like format. Not only is it engaging, but it also prepares you for course conditions where every stroke matters.

Why These Drills Work

What makes these drills so effective is their combination of technical and mental training. You’ll build:

• Distance control (Ladder Drill)
  
• Confidence under pressure (Circle Drill, Par-18)
  
• Natural touch (One-Handed Chip Drill)
  
• Consistency with pitch shots (Landing Zone Drill)
  

Scratch golfers aren’t necessarily longer hitters—they’re smarter, more efficient, and more consistent around the greens. These drills move you closer to that level.

Final Thoughts: From Practice Green to Scratch Golfing

If your goal is to move beyond weekend golf and truly refine your game, your short game must become a strength. The drills above, many taught directly through ScratchGolf.com and Scratch Golf Academy programs, give you the roadmap.

But remember—drills alone won’t make you scratch. You need structured guidance, feedback, and the right strategy to ensure your practice translates into scoring results. That’s where working with professionals and proven programs makes the difference.

Ready to Take Your Short Game to the Next Level?

Don’t leave your golf progress up to chance. At Scratch Golf Academy, you’ll get step-by-step training, proven practice systems, and world-class instruction from Adam Bazalgette himself. Whether you’re interested in improving your short game, dialing in your full swing, or finally chasing your scratch golfing dream, you’ll find everything you need.

Explore lessons, drills, and exclusive training now at ScratchGolf.com—and start lowering your scores today.