Quick Tip:
- Don’t try to hit wedge shots randomly; focus on hitting each shot shorter than the last.
- Start with the ball landing near the back of the green, then work your way closer step by step.
- Practice different shot types with the same club to master distance control.
The Most Common Mistake: No Consistent Distance Strategy
Many golfers struggle with wedge distance control because they don’t have a clear plan—they just hit shots without a method to gauge how far each one goes. This leads to inconsistent distances and missed greens, especially in scoring range. Without a reliable way to measure and repeat distances, scoring suffers.
Why This Happens
This problem comes down to how amateurs approach wedge shots. They often hit full swings or random lengths without a target-based progression. The lack of feedback and repetition means they don’t develop a feel for how far each swing carries. This inconsistency is compounded by the fact that wedges require precise touch, and small errors in swing length or speed cause big distance variations.
The Fix: Step-by-Step Ladder Drill
Drew Stoltz, co-host of GOLF’s Subpar Podcast, shares a simple drill called the ladder drill that targets this very issue. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Find a large flat area on a chipping green with plenty of room to work. Pick a spot on the green as your starting target.
Step 2: Using one wedge, hit your first shot aiming to land just short of the back edge or fringe of the green. This sets your longest distance for the drill.
Step 3: For your second shot, aim to land the ball closer to the hole than the first shot, but importantly, the ball must stop short of the first shot’s landing spot. Your goal is to hit a shot shorter than the first.
Step 4: Continue this pattern, progressively hitting each ball shorter than the previous one, working your way toward the hole or the front of the green.
Step 5: If you ever hit a shot that goes past where your last ball landed, stop and note how many shots you successfully placed on the green before overshooting. That number is your drill score.
Step 6: Pick up your balls and try to beat your score, sharpening your feel for different wedge distances.
The Drill in Action: Why It Works
This drill forces you to control wedge distances precisely with the same club, teaching you how to vary shot speed, trajectory, and spin. You’ll learn to produce low runners and high soft shots depending on the distance needed. Drew Stoltz uses this with his Cobra King wedges to sharpen his touch before rounds. Over time, you build reliable distance control that translates directly to better scoring around the greens.
By consistently practicing this ladder drill, you develop an intuitive sense for wedge distances, eliminating guesswork. This is far more effective than random wedge shots or pure feel-based practice.
Take the Ladder Drill to the Range Today
Grab a handful of balls and head to a chipping green with enough space. Follow the steps closely and track your score. Focus on making each shot shorter than the last. Try different shot types—like a softer lob or a running chip—with the same wedge to see how your distance changes. This drill is straightforward and can be done in 10-15 minutes but will pay big dividends in scoring precision.
All The Golf reported this drill as a practical way to improve wedge distance control quickly and effectively. It’s a tool every serious player should add to their practice routine.
What to watch next: Apply the ladder drill before your next round and pay attention to how your wedge distances improve under pressure. The next real test will be translating this control into lower scores during tournament or league play. For a broader view, explore our coverage of golf tips and game improvement guides.
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