Lower Your Handicap Top Golf Drills from the Pros

1. Lower Your Handicap: Top Golf Drills from the Pros If you're a golfer chasing that elusive lower handicap, you're not alone. Whether you're stuck in the mid-teens or trying to break into single digits, one thing’s clear: pros aren’t just born—they train smarter. The good news? You don’t need a tour card to benefit from the same drills the best in the game use to sharpen their skills. We’ve gathered some of the most effective golf drills that tour professionals swear by. These aren't gimmicks—they're battle-tested techniques that can help tighten your game, build consistency, and ultimately shave strokes off your scorecard. 1. The Gate Drill – Perfect Your Putting Path Used by: Tiger Woods Even the longest drives won’t save your round if you're missing short putts. Tiger Woods has used the Gate Drill for years to keep his putting stroke dialed in. How to do it: Place two tees just slightly wider than your putter head on the green. Align them to your target line about 3–5 feet from the hole. Practice rolling putts through the “gate” without touching the tees. Why it works: This drill builds muscle memory for a straight-back, straight-through stroke. You’ll start seeing fewer lip-outs and more solid contact on those knee-knockers. 2. The Alignment Stick Drill – Groove Your Swing Path Used by: Rory McIlroy Ball striking is the name of the game. Rory uses alignment sticks to ensure his swing stays on plane. How to do it: Place one stick along your feet to align your stance. Place another just outside the ball, angled along your swing path. Take slow, deliberate swings, focusing on following the line. Why it works: This helps eliminate over-the-top moves or inside-outs that cause slices and hooks. It also encourages consistency at setup. 3. One-Handed Chipping Drill – Soft Hands Around the Green Used by: Phil Mickelson

2. Short game wizard Phil Mickelson is all about feel. This drill builds soft hands and great control. How to do it: Take a few balls and a wedge. Hit chip shots using only your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers). Focus on a smooth, controlled swing—let the club do the work. Why it works: It forces you to control the club face and engage the proper chipping motion, avoiding “flipping” with your wrists. 4. The 9-Shot Drill – Command Every Trajectory Used by: Tiger Woods Tiger made this one famous. If you can master all 9 ball flights, you can take on any course in any condition. How to do it: Practice hitting three trajectories (low, medium, high) with three shot shapes (draw, straight, fade). Start with short irons and work your way up. Why it works: You’ll gain complete control over your ball flight, learn how to manage wind, and build creative shot-making skills. 5. Lag Putting Drill – Eliminate 3-Putts Used by: Justin Rose Long putts are where strokes slip away. This drill helps you improve pace and distance control. How to do it: Set up three tees at 20, 30, and 40 feet. Try to get the ball to stop within a 3-foot radius around each tee. Focus on smooth tempo and feel, not just mechanics. Why it works: This builds your feel for longer putts, which is essential for saving par or setting up an easy tap-in. Pro Tips for Maximizing These Drills

3. Consistency beats intensity: Do a few reps daily rather than one long session every few weeks. Record yourself: Video helps catch things your eyes miss. Keep it fun:Mix drills up so it doesn’t feel like a chore. Track your progress:Whether it’s fewer putts per round or fairways hit, monitor your gains. Final Thoughts Lowering your handicap isn’t about reinventing your swing—it’s about smart practice. The pros got to where they are through relentless drilling and attention to detail. Add these proven drills to your routine and watch your scores drop. Next time you're on the course, you won't just play golf—you'll play like a pro. Ready to level up your game? Try adding one of these drills to your next range session and let us know how it goes!