Refining distance control with your wedges is one of the fastest ways to lower your golf scores, though achieving consistency can be challenging. Fortunately, Drew Stoltz, co-host of GOLF’s Subpar Podcast, offers a straightforward drill to enhance your short game precision.
Known as the ladder drill, this method requires minimal equipment—just a selection of balls and access to a chipping green. The drill focuses on systematically improving your ability to judge and execute varying shot distances with the same club.
Stoltz emphasizes that the drill is specifically designed to sharpen wedge distance control. “The key is repetition,” he explains. “By practicing this before a round, you’ll develop a better feel for how different swing lengths translate to specific yardages.”
To perform the drill, choose a target area on the green with ample space. Select one wedge and set a goal to land each subsequent shot progressively closer to the target without overshooting. Start by attempting to place your first shot near the back fringe of the green, then position each following ball slightly closer than the previous one. Continue this sequence until a shot lands beyond the intended range.
Your score is determined by the number of successful shots landed on the green before overshooting. After completing a round, retrieve the balls and attempt to surpass your previous score, reinforcing muscle memory and shot-making adaptability.
Stoltz adds that this drill teaches players to execute a variety of wedge shots—from low-running approaches to high, soft landings—with a single club. “The repetition builds intuitive control, which is critical for consistent short-game performance,” he notes.