Why Your Short Game Distance Control Never Improves
James Ridyard explains why golfers struggle with distance control despite having a decent strike, attributing it to a lack of skill variability. He introduces the Skill Variability Triangle—Consistency, Range, and Adaptability—and demonstrates a 3-tee landing spot drill to help players calibrate trajectory with rollout. Ridyard emphasizes that real learning occurs through the struggle of adapting to different shots rather than repetitive block practice.
Distance control is a skill found in the 'Skill Pillar,' requiring more than just good technique.
The Skill Variability Triangle consists of Consistency (repetition), Range (changing ball flight), and Adaptability (matching landing spots to rollouts).
Range is defined as your ability to intentionally change trajectory and ball flight for different outcomes.
The 3-tee drill forces you to match different landing spots with the necessary trajectory to reach the hole.
Effective practice should look 'messy' because learning happens during the struggle of adapting to new variables.
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