Tee In Front — Golf Drill

The 'Tee In Front' drill is a fundamental ball-striking exercise where a golfer places a secondary target—typically a wooden tee—roughly two to four inches ahead of the golf ball. It is designed for everyone from high handicappers struggling with 'thin' shots to competitive players looking to refine their low-point control. The core problem it solves is the 'scoop'—that frustrating tendency to try and lift the ball into the air, which inevitably leads to fat strikes or topped shots. We’ve all fe

What if I hit the ball clean but keep missing the tee in front?

This usually means your swing's low point is exactly at the ball. While it feels 'clean,' you aren't getting maximum compression. Focus on 'chasing' the tee with the clubhead to move that low point 2-3 inches forward.

Can I use this drill for my irons and wedges too?

Absolutely. In fact, it's one of the best ways to ensure you take a proper divot after the ball. For wedges, you can move the tee slightly closer to encourage an even steeper strike.

How many balls should I hit with the tee in place?

Try the '3-to-1' rule: hit three balls with the tee in front to establish the feel, then hit one ball without the tee while visualizing its location. This helps transfer the 'feel' to the course.

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the tee in front drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. Georgia Ball Golf: 3 Changes Every Golfer Should Make To Score Lower (from 5:06). Place a tee or a grain of grass just in front of the ball and focus on striking the ball then taking the object away to ensure downward ball-to-ground contact.
  2. Your guide to better golf - Marcus Edblad PGA Pro: Improve your wedge game, part 1: Impact (from 7:34). Place a tee roughly 2-3 inches in front of a golf ball; the goal is to strike the ball and then hit the tee to ensure a downward strike.
  3. We play golf: The secret to pure iron striking? Don't look at your golf ball! (from 3:01). Place a tee a few inches in front of the ball and focus your eyes on it during the swing to ensure the club's low point occurs after the ball.
  4. True Swing by Erika Larkin: TOP 5 GOLF TIPS FOR WOMEN! (from 4:15). Place a tee or coin one clubhead length in front of the ball and practice hitting both the ball and the tee to ensure proper ground interaction.

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