Random Practice — Golf Drill

Random practice is the strategic variation of golf shots—changing clubs, targets, and lies—to simulate the unpredictable nature of a real round. It is the essential training phase for any golfer, from high-handicap beginners to competitive single digits, who finds themselves hitting "pure" shots on the range but failing to translate that rhythm to the first tee. The core problem it solves is the "illusion of competence" created by block practice; hitting twenty 7-irons in a row might feel good,

How long does it take to see results from random practice?

While block practice offers 'instant' gratification, random practice results usually show up on the course within 2-3 sessions. You might feel worse on the range initially, but your scores will reflect the improvement.

Can I do the Low Point Control Drill at home?

Yes! You can use a [Low Point Control Drill](/drills/low-point-control) on a specialized hitting mat or even use a piece of masking tape on a carpet (without a ball) to monitor where your club head bottoms out.

What equipment do I need for these drills?

Most of these require minimal gear. An alignment stick for posture calibration and some spray chalk for the ground are the best low-cost tools to get started.

How each of them teaches it

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

1. Dan Grieve: Transform Your Short Game in Just 15 Minutes (from 5:08). A 5-minute session using only one ball thrown to random positions to simulate on-course conditions and varied lies.
2. AlexElliottGolf: 3 MUST DO'S TO BECOME A GREAT GOLFER (from 1:40). Alternating clubs and targets on every shot to simulate real course conditions rather than hitting the same club repeatedly.

Expert Tips

• Meandmygolf: To master ball striking, use a chalk line on the ground and focus on hitting the turf consistently past the line. Play a game to see how far past the line you can move the divot while maintaining balance.
• AskGolfGuru: Stop hitting the same club to the same target. If your brain isn't forced to solve a new problem on every swing, you aren't building 'retention'—you're just grooving a temporary feel.