Landing Spot — Golf Drill

Mastering where your golf ball lands—not just where it finishes—is one of the most overlooked skills that separates consistent players from those who struggle with distance control. Professional instructor Dan Grieve emphasizes a game-changing approach: focus primarily on your landing spot rather than the pin when practicing distance control. This shift in mindset transforms how you approach every shot, from delicate wedges to full iron swings. By applying the principle of "aim small, miss small

How to practise it

  1. Identify your carry-to-roll ratio Hit 5 wedge shots and observe where each ball lands versus where it stops. Note the consistent percentage split between carry and roll distance.
  2. Place visual markers at landing spots Set cones or towels at your calculated landing distances for 50, 75, and 100-yard shots. These become your precision targets.
  3. Practice 'aim small, miss small' principle Hit to each marker with deliberate focus on landing the ball within a 3-yard circle of each cone. Ignore where the ball finishes rolling.
  4. Shrink your target zones Reduce acceptable landing areas to 2-yard circles around each marker. Maintain the same swing tempo while increasing precision demands.
  5. Remove markers and visualize landing spots Hit shots to various distances without physical targets, mentally painting specific landing areas before each swing.

How do I control my distance better when hitting to the pin?

Focus on your landing spot rather than just aiming at the flag. As Dan Grieve demonstrates, by aiming at specific targets and understanding your carry-to-roll ratio, you can get much more consistent results even if you don't hit your exact target.

What's the best way to practice landing spot accuracy?

Use the cone drill that Dan Grieve shows - place a cone at your intended landing spot and practice hitting to it. Remember the golf saying 'if you aim small, you miss small' - even when you miss your target slightly, you'll still end up close to the pin.

How much should my ball roll versus carry with different clubs?

Dan Grieve explains that his 7 iron has a 25% carry, 75% roll ratio, meaning most of the distance comes from the ball rolling after landing. Understanding your own carry-to-roll ratios for each club is crucial for picking the right landing spots.

How each of them teaches it

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

  1. Dan Grieve: One of the most effective drills? (My 7 iron is 25% carry, 75% roll) (from 0:11). Placing a physical marker (like a cone) on the green to focus on the landing point rather than the hole to improve distance control.
  2. Dan Grieve: Controlling distance!. Place a physical marker, like a cone, on the green to focus exclusively on your landing target rather than the pin.

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