Ladder — Golf Drill

Distance control separates good golfers from great ones, and the ladder drill has become a cornerstone training method for players at every level looking to dial in their short game precision. WhyGolf demonstrates this perfectly in his tournament preparation routine, using bucket placements at 2-yard increments from 3 to 13 yards to develop pinpoint accuracy from each spot. Meanwhile, Cordie Walker GolfWell takes the concept further with his systematic approach of landing shots at specific yarda

How to practise it

  1. Set your ladder targets at 20, 40, and 60 yards Mark three distinct landing zones with alignment sticks or natural landmarks. These will be your ladder rungs for the entire session.
  2. Start at 20 yards with half-swing rehearsals Make slow practice swings focusing on the length needed for this distance. Feel the backswing and follow-through that produces 20-yard carry.
  3. Hit three balls to each target ascending the ladder Work from 20 to 40 to 60 yards, hitting three shots at each distance before moving up. Track how many land within 5 yards of target.
  4. Work back down the ladder without practice swings Following Cordie Walker's method, descend from 60 to 40 to 20 yards. This tests your ability to dial back distance after longer shots.
  5. Complete the challenge sequence Count total shots needed to land one ball within target range at each distance going up and down. Record your score for next session.

What is the ladder drill and how do I practice it?

The ladder drill involves hitting shots to specific yardages in sequence, focusing on distance control rather than direction. As shown by WhyGolf and Cordie Walker, you practice landing balls at predetermined distances like 20 yards, then 30, then 40, building precision in your short game through sy

How can the ladder drill improve my tempo and consistency?

According to ClubFaceUk, Tiger Woods used the ladder drill daily to develop proper tempo and avoid rushing his swing. The drill forces you to focus on controlled, consistent swings rather than power, which naturally improves your rhythm and builds repeatable mechanics that lead to better distance co

Should beginners focus on ladder drills or is it too advanced?

Based on Big Swing Golf's beginner coaching series, ladder drills can benefit golfers at any level when incorporated into proper lesson structure. New golfers should master basic fundamentals first, but distance control drills like the ladder can be introduced early to develop feel and consistency a

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the ladder drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. MrShortGame Golf: 7 Driving Range Secrets to Break 80 FAST! (from 12:50). Hit progressive shots starting very short and incrementing distance slightly with each ball to build touch and distance control.
  2. Cordie Walker GolfWell: Ladder drill feature with @bushnellgolf @foresightgolf. A distance control game where the golfer attempts to land the ball at specific yardage increments (20, 40, 60 yards) and then works their way back down the ladder.
  3. ClubFaceUk: TIGER WOODS DID THIS TEMPO DRILL EVERY DAY | LOWER YOUR SCORES (from 0:12). Hit three golf balls placed in a line about a club-head length apart in one continuous, unhurried motion to build rhythmic consistency.
  4. James Ridyard: The EASIEST Bunker Shot System you have EVER seen!! Forget EVERYTHING you think you need.. (from 7:08). A performance drill where you attempt to land consecutive bunker shots progressively further onto the green without failing.
  5. WhyGolf: Day in the life @golfstronghitbombs (from 0:10). Hit chips to a bucket in 2-yard increments (3, 5, 7, up to 13 yards) to dial in specific distances.
  6. Cameron O'Neal Golf: How Does A Mid-Handicap Golfer Practice? (from 13:40). A distance control drill using tees at 5-foot increments from 10 to 30 feet, aiming to stop balls within 18 inches of each tee.

Expert Tips