Most golfers don’t have a practice problem

James Ridyard explains that a lack of improvement in the short game often stems from a diagnosis problem rather than a lack of practice. He identifies that performance breaks down in three specific areas: technique, skill, and performance. Ridyard encourages golfers to stop collecting random tips and instead use a structured assessment to identify their biggest opportunities for improvement.

• Identify if your short game failure is a result of technique, skill, or performance.
• Stop collecting random 'swing thoughts' from social media as they rarely lead to a cohesive game.
• Effective practice requires a specific diagnosis rather than guesswork.
• Chasing inconsistent tips like 'opening the face' or 'using the bounce' without context can hinder progress.

Go deeper

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• Chipping — The lesson, across every coach
• James Ridyard — Every video, sorted by what it teaches