Discover 5 effective practice drills designed specifically for beginning golfers to develop fundamental skills and build confidence on the course. Perfect your swing, putting, and stance with these expert tips.
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5 Best Practice Drills for Beginning Golfers

Stepping onto the pristine fairways of Burlingame’s championship course for the first time can feel both exciting and intimidating. Every accomplished golfer began as a novice, and consistent practice is what transforms beginners into confident players. At our Blue Ridge Mountain retreat, we’ve seen countless members develop their skills through dedicated practice. These five fundamental drills will help you build a solid foundation, develop muscle memory, and gain confidence as you begin your golfing journey.

The Perfect Grip and Stance Drill

Before worrying about distance or accuracy, focus on how you hold the club and position your body. Stand in front of a mirror at home or in our practice facilities, and take your grip without a club first. Place your hands together as if holding a club, then introduce the actual club. Your lead hand (left for right-handed players) should grip the club with fingers rather than the palm, with the club running diagonally across your fingers.

For stance, position your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed, and back straight but not rigid. Practice setting up five times before every practice session, checking your alignment with the mirror. This seemingly simple drill creates the foundation for every swing you’ll make on our panoramic mountain course.

The Pendulum Putting Drill

Putting accounts for roughly 40% of your strokes during a round, making it crucial for lowering your score. On our practice green, place two alignment sticks or clubs on the ground parallel to each other, just wide enough for your putter head to swing between them. Position a ball in the center, and practice making straight back-and-through putting strokes without hitting the sticks.

Focus on keeping your head still and using your shoulders rather than your wrists to control the pendulum motion. Start with short three-foot putts and gradually move back as your confidence grows. Spend 15 minutes on this drill, and you’ll develop a consistent, repeatable putting stroke that serves you well on Burlingame’s undulating greens.

The Chip and Roll Connection

Short game finesse separates recreational players from skilled golfers. For this drill, place a club on the ground about two feet in front of your ball. Your goal is to chip the ball over the club and let it roll toward the hole.

Use a pitching or gap wedge and position the ball back in your stance. Keep your weight favoring your front foot and your hands ahead of the ball. Make a simple, abbreviated swing focusing on clean contact rather than power. The ball should pop over the club barrier and roll naturally toward your target. Practice this around our short game area with different clubs to develop feel and distance control for those challenging approaches to our elevated greens.

The Half-Swing Rhythm Builder

Many beginners struggle with tempo, trying to hit the ball too hard instead of developing a natural rhythm. At our driving range overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, practice making half-swings with a 7 or 8 iron. Take the club back only to waist height and follow through to the same position after impact.

Focus on making clean contact rather than distance. Count “one-and-two” during your swing—”one” for the backswing and “and-two” for the downswing and follow-through, creating a smooth, unhurried tempo. Hit 20 balls with this controlled approach, gradually increasing your comfort with the feeling of solid contact. This drill helps develop the consistent rhythm that leads to better ball-striking on our Tom Jackson designed course.

The Alignment Gate Drill

Proper alignment is essential but often overlooked by beginners. On the range, create a “gate” using two alignment sticks or clubs. Place one stick pointing at your target and another parallel to it about four inches away (creating railroad tracks). Position your ball between these sticks and align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to them.

Practice hitting through this gate with different clubs, ensuring your clubface is square at address and your body alignment matches the tracks. This visual guide helps train your eyes and body to recognize proper alignment, which is particularly valuable when navigating the diverse elevations of our mountain course.

Join Us for Personalized Instruction

While these drills provide an excellent foundation for beginning golfers, nothing replaces personalized instruction. Our PGA professionals at Burlingame Country Club offer private and group lessons tailored to your specific needs, helping you integrate these drills into a comprehensive improvement plan.

Whether you’re just starting your golfing journey or looking to refine fundamental skills, our instructors can customize these drills to address your unique challenges and goals. Come experience “The Best of Times” as you develop your game surrounded by the natural beauty of our mountain setting.