The Up-and-Down Simulator
Stop dropping 10 balls in the same spot. This drill forces you to read lies, pick landing spots, and hole out under pressure.
The Rules
- Take exactly one ball and your wedges/putter to the practice green.
- You will play 9 distinct "holes" (chips/pitches).
- For every shot, you must go through your full pre-shot routine. Read the lie.
- You must putt out every single ball until it is in the hole. No gimmies.
- Passing Score: You must get up-and-down (2 strokes from off the green) at least 6 times out of 9.
The 9 Stations
Adapt these to your local practice facility, but ensure variety.
1
The Basic Chip
Standard lie, 10 yards of green to work with. Use an 8-iron or pitching wedge.
2
The Short-Sided Flop
Ball in the rough, pin is tight (only 3-4 yards of green). Requires loft and spin.
3
The Texas Wedge
Ball resting against the fringe. Too close to chip cleanly. Use the putter.
4
The Bunker Splash
Standard greenside bunker shot.
5
The Buried Lie
Step on the ball in the rough. You must force the clubhead down and accept the release.
6
The Long Pitch
25 yards out. Requires controlling the trajectory and spin.
7
Uphill / Into the Grain
Ball sitting down slightly, uphill chip. Must ensure you hit it hard enough.
8
Downhill / Down Grain
Terrifyingly fast downhill chip. Requires soft hands.
9
Player's Choice (Pressure)
Pick your hardest shot. You know the score. You either make the up-and-down to pass the drill, or you fail.
Track Your Scrambling
Use our Strokes Gained calculator to see how much your short game is impacting your overall handicap.
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