Three Ball Drill: Course Management, Smarter Decisions, and Shot Creativity

Key Points

• Purpose of the Drill
  Teaches players how to make decisions, adapt to conditions, and experiment with different shot types from the same position — simulating real course situations.
• Ball 1 – Player’s Choice
  The player selects the shot they would hit during a round, based on lie, wind, and slope. This builds confidence and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Ball 2 – Alternate Strategy
  The player chooses a completely different approach to the same shot (different club, shot shape, or trajectory). This encourages learning and creativity.
• Ball 3 – Coach’s Challenge
  The coach assigns a shot to expand the player's perspective and problem-solving ability — not to show a "better" way, but to build adaptability.
• Simulates Tournament Pressure
  Each ball requires thoughtful setup and execution, mirroring on-course decision-making more effectively than standard range practice.
• Factors Considered
  Lie angle, wind direction, slope, trajectory, club selection, and shot shape all come into play during the drill.
• Mental Reinforcement
  Players reflect on which shot was most effective and build a mental reference for future course situations.
• Real-World Application
  Used regularly with elite players like Collin Morikawa, this drill builds confidence, adaptability, and deeper understanding of shot execution.
• Final Takeaway
  Practice shouldn’t just happen on a flat range. Practicing different options from the same spot under varied conditions creates smarter, more resilient players.