I'm An Expert Short Game Coach And This Is My Favorite Drill...

PGA Tour Coach James Ridyard explains his favorite short game drill using a simple everyday household item...

Short Game Specialist Coach James Ridyard Demonstrating His Favorite Drill Using A Coat Hanger
Can this everyday household item help improve your short game? PGA Tour Coach James Ridyard thinks so...
(Image credit: Howard Boylan)

Finding the time to practice your short game can be tricky, and even when you do get time to go down to your local club, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start with a wedge in your hands. Sometimes, the best tips and short game drills are the most simple, and in this case can be practiced in the comfort of your own home. 

In this article, PGA Tour Coach James Ridyard talks us through his favorite short game drill, which involves an everyday household item...

My Favorite Short Game Drill... Using A Coat Hanger!

This simple drill will train your brain to focus on your finish position. Think of it like a check-point, which we are going to turn into a drill by introducing our everyday household item... a coat hanger.

Ideally, we want the finish position to tick three boxes. Those are to use your body effectively in rotation, have a good arm position at finish, and make sure that your release and shaft position are synchronised with those other two things.

Short Game Specialist Coach James Ridyard demonstrating the correct finish position with a wedge

Make sure your finish position ticks the three boxes listed above

(Image credit: Howard Boylan)

Grip the club together with the coat hanger, as you can see in the image below. Without taking a backswing, turn through to the target. Ensure your chest has turned fully, with soft arms that are still by your side, and the coat hanger is pointing at the centre of your body.

Short Game Specialist Coach James Ridyard demonstrating the correct finish position using the training aid, a coat hanger.

The coat hanger should point at your centre when you reach the finish position of your swing

(Image credit: Howard Boylan)

If you have achieved this position, as shown in the image above, you have likely ticked all three boxes, and not ‘cheated' your release, which will force you to pivot effectively.

Hit a few balls with the coat hanger in your grip and check each time that you have achieved that nice, connected finish position.

James Ridyard
Short Game Specialist And PGA Tour Coach

James Ridyard is a prominent figure in the world of golf, renowned for his expertise in short game instruction and coaching. Throughout his career, Ridyard has amassed a wealth of experience working with golfers of all levels, from beginners to professionals and major winners. His unique approach to coaching combines a deep understanding of biomechanics, physics, and psychology, allowing him to tailor his instruction to the individual needs of each player.

Ridyard is widely recognised for his innovative teaching methods, which emphasise simplicity, efficiency, and effectiveness. He is known for his ability to break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand principles, empowering his students to improve their game rapidly and consistently.