WHEN you are on the range, chipping green or putting green, do you just go through the motion of hitting balls, one after another? This can become monotonous, so why not add a few games to make it a bit more fun?

If your practice fairway has distance flags or signs, and you have finished the serious part of your session, why not have a nearest-the-pin challenge and see how close you can get to each flag? To increase the difficulty, use different clubs to reach the one chosen flag. This will make it more of a challenge than just hitting the club you know will reach that distance.

Chipping and practice putting greens have a number of flags on them. The nearest-the-pin competition can also be done on either. If space and time allows, set yourself a challenge to get a ball close to every flag on the green using different styles of shot each time.

When putting, pick targets and score your putts like this: one putt (birdie), two putts (par) and three putts (bogey).

To increase the fun element of your training, arrange to meet a friend and get them to join in. It will bring out the competitive side in both of you.

Games like these are not only fun to play, they will also help you discover the strengths and weaknesses of your short-game. Once you have identified your weaknesses, contact your local PGA Professional to book a lesson and get some drills to strengthen those aspects of your game.

Jason Laws is the NSW PGA Teaching Professional of the Year. 

If you have any questions, email me at [email protected]