Equipment Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pick 5 to 10 different spots around a practice green: include a mix of lies – some in the rough, some fairway cut, maybe a bunker shot, a deep lie, a downhill chip, etc. The more variety, the better.
At each spot, drop a ball and treat it like a real one-chance situation. Chip or pitch the ball toward the hole, then putt it out if you didn't hole the shot. The goal for each location is an 'up-and-down' (chip/pitch and one putt).
Keep score of how many up-and-downs you convert out of the total. For example, if you chose 9 spots and you got 5 up-and-downs, you scored 5/9.
Challenge yourself by setting a target (e.g., try to get at least 6 out of 10). If you fall short, pick the balls up and start the circuit again. This adds pressure, mimicking what pros do to train (they often make themselves repeat a drill until reaching a goal).
This drill not only refines technique for each specific shot but also builds resilience. Each attempt is from a new position, just like on the course, so you learn to adapt quickly and execute under pressure.
Professional Endorsement
Seve Ballesteros was legendary for creating unique up-and-down challenges during practice, giving himself bad lies and needing to save par. Modern pros like Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed will often do practice games where they must get a certain number of up-and-downs out of 10 to finish practice – instilling a competitive pressure in their training.