how to improve putting and your golf swing at Home by Far Samji

For golfers of all levels in Hamilton, Oakville, and Burlington, practicing golf drills at home can significantly improve your skills between lessons. At Smashing Golf, we believe that with the right guidance, you can elevate your game from the comfort of home. In this guide, Far Samji, a 5-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive Champion, shares her best golf drills for beginners and insights on how to improve putting and your golf swing at home. This detailed guide includes step-by-step drills, exercises, and techniques to help you refine your golf game, whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced player aiming to level up.

Why Home Practice Matters for Golfers in Hamilton, Oakville, and Burlington

Practicing golf drills at home allows you to improve crucial aspects of your game without the need for constant access to a golf course. Home practice drills are particularly beneficial during the colder months in Canada or during busy times when making it to the range may not be feasible. By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can build muscle memory, refine your technique, and make significant progress before your next lesson.

The Best Golf Drills for Beginners to Practice at Home

1. How to Improve Putting at Home with Simple Yet Effective Drills

Putting is one of the most critical skills in golf, and it’s something you can practice almost anywhere. Here are a few tried-and-true drills that can help you improve your putting at home.

The Gate Drill
Create a “gate” by placing two golf tees or small objects slightly wider than your putter head. Practice making putts through the gate, focusing on a straight, controlled stroke. This drill helps enhance alignment, consistency, and control, which are essential for successful putting.
Distance Control Drill
Lay out markers at 5, 10, and 15 feet. Using a putter, practice hitting putts to each marker, focusing on controlling your speed and distance. Distance control is critical for avoiding three-putts and leaving yourself with manageable follow-up putts.
Putting Mirror Drill
If you have a putting mirror, it’s an excellent tool to help align your eyes, shoulders, and putter face correctly. Practice your putting stroke using the mirror to ensure you maintain proper form and alignment with each shot.

Practicing these putting drills at home can give you a solid foundation and enhance your confidence, leading to better performance on the green. For more ideas on how to Fit Your Golf Set in a Car for when you’re ready to hit the course, explore helpful tips on maximizing your equipment transport.

2. Improve Golf Swing at Home with Key Drills and Techniques

Developing a smooth and powerful golf swing requires regular practice and control. Here are some effective drills for improving your golf swing at home:

Mirror Drill for Swing Technique
Stand in front of a mirror and practice your swing to observe your form, stance, and follow-through. The mirror provides instant feedback, allowing you to correct posture or alignment issues. This drill helps beginners ensure they’re not over-swinging and are keeping their form balanced.
Backswing Pause Drill
In this drill, take your club back halfway, pause, and check that your hips are engaged, and your weight is balanced. Hold this position for a few seconds, then complete your swing. The pause helps you build muscle memory, which is essential for a controlled, consistent swing.
Slow Motion Swing Drill
Practicing your swing in slow motion helps you concentrate on each phase of the swing, from grip and takeaway to impact and follow-through. Slow-motion drills can uncover flaws in your technique that may go unnoticed at full speed, such as improper wrist action or incorrect shoulder turn.
Wall Drill to Prevent Swaying
Stand close to a wall with your lead shoulder just an inch or so away. Practice taking the club back while ensuring that your body does not sway towards the wall. This drill helps maintain stability and proper spine angle throughout the swing, leading to more consistent shots.

Improving your swing at home with these drills can greatly enhance your on-course performance. If you’re also looking for Beginner Golf Tips for Women, check out some personalized advice and pointers for newcomers to the sport.

How to Improve Putting and Swing Consistency with Additional At-Home Exercises

3. Building Consistency in Your Putting Stroke with Target Practice

Consistency in putting can be achieved by practicing accuracy and control. Here’s how to develop a consistent putting stroke:

Target Practice Drill
Place a small object (like a coin) at various distances from you and aim to putt the ball so it stops on or near the target. This drill helps you practice aiming and controlling the strength of your putt, especially useful when tackling long putts or tricky breaks on the green.
Straight-Back-Straight-Through Drill
Practice your putting stroke without a golf ball, focusing solely on keeping the putter head straight back and through. This drill builds muscle memory for a straight swing path, crucial for accuracy in putting.

Mastering Short Game Skills with Practical At-Home Golf Drills

4. Developing Your Short Game: Chipping Drills

Your short game is just as important as putting and driving. Practicing chipping at home can give you an edge when you’re around the green.

The Pillow Drill for Soft Chipping
Use a pillow as your target for soft chip shots. This drill is perfect for building control over shorter, delicate shots and mimics the feel of soft, controlled chipping around the green.
Bucket Drill to Practice Landing Zone Precision
Place a bucket or small container several feet away and practice chipping balls so that they land in or near the bucket. This drill helps you focus on precision and landing control, essential for approaching the green from challenging positions.

For more insights on staying prepared year-round, especially through the winter, check out How to Maintain Your Golf Game in Canadian Winters.

Developing Mental Focus and Visualization Skills for Golf

Mental focus is often the defining factor in a successful golf game. At-home practice is an excellent opportunity to hone this skill.

Visualization Drill
Visualize the entire hole before you play it, from your drive to your putt. Mentally walk through each shot, focusing on your form and imagining successful shots. This exercise builds confidence and improves shot planning, which is crucial for lowering your scores.
Breathing Exercises for Better Focus
Practice deep, controlled breathing to help stay calm and focused, especially before high-stakes shots. Controlled breathing techniques can help reduce anxiety and keep you centered.

Final Thoughts: The Path to Improvement Between Lessons

Practicing golf at home in Hamilton, Oakville, or Burlington is an excellent way to continue improving between lessons, especially with drills tailored for beginners and drills that focus on specific aspects like putting and swing improvement. These at-home exercises from Far Samji, a leading Canadian golf champion, provide valuable guidance on developing the essential skills needed to play consistently well. With dedication and practice, these drills can bridge the gap between lessons, making every session more productive and helping you reach your golfing goals faster.

By incorporating these tips and regularly practicing your putting, swing, and short game drills, you’ll step up to the green with greater confidence and skill in no time.

About the Author: Fareen Samji

Fareen Samji, the founder of Smashing Golf, is a seasoned professional golfer with a passion for helping both men and women elevate their game. As a five-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive Champion (2012-2016) and Tour Commissioner for Amateur Long Drive Canada, she brings a wealth of expertise to her instruction. Fareen is dedicated to instilling confidence in golfers, empowering them to play with poise and skill on the course, no matter who they are paired with.