Winter Golf Tips: Try the towel drill

I’m not someone who usually uses drills but this is one of my favourites and anyone can do it.

I’ll be the first to admit wedges haven’t always been the best part of my game, but this drill has improved them no end.

Of course, when you’re further down the bag, it’s all about control, not distance. This drill forces you to keep the swing short and sweet.

As you’ll see, I’ve put a towel under my armpits before gripping the club. I want to feel like my arms are moving with my chest. If my arms get away from my body, like in the picture below, the towel will fall out. If this happens, you know you’re getting too long, and the club is moving away from your body. The aim is to keep the towel in place throughout the swing. 

• Rotate with the driver

Start doing this on the range and I guarantee you’ll see wedges going to the same spot more often, and your strike will become a lot more consistent.

THE BASICS

1. Swing Short

If you get too long in your backswing, the towel is going to fall on the ground. Make a real effort to keep it in place.

2. Rotate

If you don’t move your chest with your arms, it’s going to be impossible to make any kind of swing at the ball. Make sure you rotate back and through.

3. Swing Slow

This isn’t about power, it’s about control. Start by taking slow swings with this drill to get the feeling before speeding things up.

This tip first appeared in the bunkered Winter Guide 2022/2023. To subscribe, click here. International subscriptions also available.