Women's Golf Lifestyle, Education, and E-commerce

Beyond the Basics: Drills to Sharpen Your Short Game

The energy in women’s golf is undeniable. With female on-course participation soaring by 46% since 2019, reaching approximately eight million women by early 2026, our community is growing faster than ever! This vibrant expansion isn’t just about getting on the course; it’s about getting better, feeling more confident, and truly enjoying every round. And for many, that journey to lower scores and more smiles begins right around the green.

The short game – those crucial shots from 100 yards in – is where rounds are truly won or lost. Forget random chipping and putting; the latest trends in women’s golf education point to a clear path: structured, purposeful practice. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, honing these skills transforms your score and your confidence. This isn’t just theory; the global women’s golf market, projected to reach USD 6.74 billion by 2032, shows a clear demand for resources that help us play our best. Let’s explore some of the most effective drills and approaches making waves in 2025-2026, designed to sharpen your short game and make you a scoring machine.

Swing Smarter: Unlock Your Best Golf Tips Here!

The Power of Purposeful Practice

Gone are the days of aimlessly hitting a bucket of balls. Today’s most effective training emphasizes routines that target specific skills. Companies like Hackmotion are leading this charge, introducing detailed 30- and 60-minute short game practice plans in early 2026. These routines cover everything from partial wedges (80, 60, 40 yards) to high shots from the rough, bump-and-runs, and essential bunker shots. They even incorporate training aids like alignment sticks to refine wrist position, ensuring every minute you dedicate to practice truly counts.

This structured approach is a game-changer, moving us from merely practicing to actively improving. It’s about building muscle memory and understanding the nuances of each shot, leading to more consistent results on the course.

Master Your Pitches: Precision and Control

Pitching is an art, a delicate balance of distance and accuracy. Two recent developments offer fantastic ways to refine this critical skill.

#### Lydia Ko’s Landing Zone Precision Pitch

Inspired by LPGA star Lydia Ko’s incredible short game, a “Landing Zone Precision Pitch” drill gained significant attention from PGA professionals in March 2025. This drill is all about consistency. You’ll focus on maintaining a smooth tempo while adjusting your backswing length to control both the distance your pitch travels and how much it rolls out.

How to do it:
1. Set up small towels or targets at 5, 10, and 15 feet from the green’s edge.
2. Practice pitching golf balls, aiming to land them precisely on each towel.
3. Pay close attention to how a shorter backswing leads to less distance and roll, while a slightly longer one adds more. The key is finding your consistent tempo for each distance. This drill builds feel and control, crucial for those tricky approaches.

#### Kellie Stenzel’s Pitching Guide

Club Selection: Choose the right tool for the job – a Lob, Sand, or Gap Wedge.
Utilize the Bounce: Understand how the club’s bounce helps prevent digging and promotes clean contact.
Square Clubface: Ensure your clubface is square at impact for consistent direction.
Backswing for Distance: Calibrate your distance primarily through the length of your backswing, much like the Lydia Ko drill.

These principles, when combined with purposeful practice, provide a robust framework for improving your pitching prowess.

Sharpen Your Chipping: The Art of the Approach

Chipping can feel intimidating, but with the right guidance, it becomes a reliable part of your game.

#### Erika Larkin’s “See it, Feel it, Swing it” Method

In March 2026, Erika Larkin and True Swing Certified Coach Dan McCabe introduced a brilliant 3-step chipping process: “See it, Feel it, Swing it.” This approach simplifies the shot by:
1. See it: Evaluate the lie of your ball, identify your desired landing spot, and visualize the trajectory.
2. Feel it: Connect to the shot with a “tossing” feel. Imagine gently tossing the ball to your landing spot. This helps bypass overthinking and engages your natural athleticism.
3. Swing it: Commit to the swing with confidence, trusting the feel you’ve established.

This method, available through True Swing by Erika Larkin’s online courses, helps you develop an intuitive understanding of chipping, reducing tension and improving consistency.

#### Single-Hand Chipping (MyGolfSpy At-Home Drills)

single-hand chipping

Practice chipping using only your lead hand (left for right-handers, right for left-handers). This drill isolates the leading arm and wrist, enhancing your feel for the clubface and promoting a clean strike. It forces you to rely on proper body rotation and wrist hinge, building a more consistent chipping motion.

Beyond the Green: At-Home and On-Course Versatility

The growth in women’s golf is also fueled by the accessibility of instruction. The convenience of at-home drills means you can work on your game even when you can’t get to the course. MyGolfSpy’s drills also include using alignment sticks for putting paths, helping you groove a consistent stroke.

For those seeking in-person expertise, the options are expanding. TeachMe.To, an e-commerce platform connecting golfers with coaches, reported a 79% increase in female golf bookings over the past year. Resorts like Treetops Resort and Shanty Creek Resort are offering dedicated Ladies Golf Schools and clinics in 2025-2026, providing comprehensive instruction including short game. Companies like Patti Butcher Golf Enterprises (“Women In The Swing”) and Jordan Lintz Golf (“Ladies Short Game School”) are also providing women-specific programs.

Elevate Your Game with Expert Guidance & Community

The rising tide of female golfers means more resources and more support. LPGA Teaching Professionals such as Megan Johnston, Shauna Elliott, Meredith Kirk, Cathy Kim, and Nathalie Filler frequently share valuable short game lessons and drills, many of which can be found through platforms like GOLF.com and Women’s Golf Magazine.

Whether you’re looking for personalized club fitting at specialty stores or exploring new gear from brands like PXG, XXIO, Alskar Golf, or Callaway Golf Balls, the market is thriving with options tailored for you. The 18-35 age group dominated the Women’s Golf Market in 2025, showing how millennial and Gen Z engagement is shaping golf as a social and wellness activity. This is our time to connect, learn, and grow together.

Ready to Refine Your Short Game?

Mastering your short game isn’t just about hitting perfect shots; it’s about building confidence, enjoying your time on the course more, and seeing those scores drop. The exciting advancements in drills, structured practice, and accessible coaching mean there’s never been a better time to refine your skills.

At She Golfs Better, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best resources, tips, and community to elevate your golf experience. Which drill are you excited to try first? Share your thoughts and progress with us!

Join the She Golfs Better community today! Follow us on social media, share your short game wins, and connect with fellow golfers who are on their journey to playing their best. Let’s make every round a great one, together!