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DRILL OVERVIEW
Short Game Routine to Build Rhythm
Your drill at a glance
ChippingDrill category
Consistent rhythmBenefit
15 minutesPractice time
3 / 10Difficulty
Wedge and golf ballsEquipment
This drill is from the Golf Practice Made Fun App.
A reliable short-game routine helps you play with rhythm instead of rushing. James Sieckmann’s four-part routine is grouped into three teaching steps below, taking you from planning your chip to making a committed swing. The aim is to approach each ball with the same calm sequence.
Watch James Sieckmann explain the routine
Follow the four stages starting at 0:19 in this Titleist video.
Step 1. Assess the Lie and Design Your Shot
Stand behind the ball and study the lie. Choose your wedge, landing spot and the amount of rollout you want. Decide on a shot that suits the lie, rather than choosing a swing before you have a plan.
What to do
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Read the lie | Notice whether the grass is short, fluffy, or sitting against the ball. |
| Choose the landing spot | Pick a specific area where the ball should first land. |
| Picture the rollout | Visualise how the ball will travel towards the hole after landing. |
Step 2. Step Into the Ball and Visualise the Shot
Walk into your address position while looking at the target. Picture your intended shot and settle into a comfortable stance with a clear idea of where the ball is going.
Don't rush this stage: let the target picture guide the swing you're about to make.
Step 3. Rehearse Twice, Look and Hit
Make two unhurried rehearsal swings beside the ball. Feel the length and rhythm required to land the ball on your chosen spot. Neither rehearsal needs to be a full swing.
Use the second rehearsal to reinforce the same comfortable motion, rather than introducing another swing thought.
Take one final look at the target, return your eyes to the ball, and play the chip. Trust the shot you designed and reproduce the feeling of your rehearsal swings without hesitating.
Quick practice checks
| If you notice... | Try this |
|---|---|
| You change your mind at address | Step away, choose the shot again, and restart your routine. |
| Your rehearsals get hurried | Slow down enough to feel the club swinging freely twice. |
| You hit immediately after addressing the ball | Build in one final look at the target before swinging. |
Score your short-game routine
What to do
Play eighteen chips and use the full short-game routine before each shot.
| Score | When to award it |
|---|---|
| 1 point | You assess and design the shot, step in and visualise, rehearse twice, then look and hit. |
| 0 points | You skip part of the routine. |
Add your points for a total out of eighteen.
George’s Conclusion
A dependable routine can give your short game a calmer rhythm, particularly when the shot feels awkward. Start by choosing the shot, rehearse its feel twice, and then commit. Keep your four stages consistent while you practise; the shot result is useful feedback, but the habit is what you're building.
MAKE THE NEXT BUCKET COUNT
Pick a card. Practise with purpose.
