In the world of professional golf, the short game is often where the best separate themselves from the rest. For John Rahm, one of the most consistent and dominant players on the PGA Tour, precision around the greens isn’t just a skill—it’s a discipline. One of his most trusted methods for sharpening his short game is the towel drill, a deceptively simple exercise that delivers profound results.
What Is the Towel Drill?
The towel drill involves placing a small towel under both armpits while practicing chip shots and pitch shots. The goal? To keep the towel securely in place throughout the swing, ensuring that the arms and torso work as a single, cohesive unit. This drill may look straightforward, but its impact on short-game consistency and control is immense.
Why the Towel Drill Matters
Short-game mastery is about precision, control, and repeatability. The towel drill emphasizes these qualities by eliminating unnecessary movements and promoting a connected swing. Here’s what makes it so effective:
- Fostering Connection
Keeping the towel in place forces golfers to move their arms and torso together, creating a unified motion. This prevents the common mistake of disconnection, where the arms act independently of the body. - Enhancing Accuracy
A connected swing leads to consistent ball contact, improving accuracy in delicate chip and pitch shots. This can mean the difference between saving par or adding strokes. - Limiting Hand Action
The towel drill minimizes overactive hands and wrists, which are often the culprits behind poor trajectory control and mishits. The result? Clean, crisp contact with the ball every time. - Immediate Feedback
The drill provides an instant indicator of errors. If the towel falls, it signals that the arms and torso are out of sync, allowing golfers to make real-time corrections.
How to Perform the Towel Drill
To practice the drill, follow these steps:
- Place a small towel across your chest and tuck each end snugly under your armpits.
- Start with short chip shots, focusing on keeping the towel in place as you swing.
- Gradually progress to longer pitch shots, maintaining the connection between your arms and torso.
- Observe the towel closely—if it slips, refocus on creating a unified movement.
This simple setup ensures that your short-game fundamentals are honed with every swing.
What the Drill Helps You Avoid
Short-game mistakes are often subtle yet costly. The towel drill addresses several key issues:
- Flipping or Scooping: Many golfers rely on hand action to lift the ball, which leads to inconsistent strikes. The towel drill keeps the hands quiet, ensuring solid, downward contact.
- Overactive Hands: Excessive wrist movement disrupts control over trajectory and spin. This drill enforces stability.
- Disconnection: When the arms operate independently of the body, mishits become inevitable. The drill promotes a synchronized, rotational motion.
The Takeaway
The towel drill isn’t flashy, but it’s one of the most effective tools in any golfer’s arsenal. Its simplicity belies its ability to transform your short game by reinforcing proper mechanics and eliminating costly errors. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or aspiring professional, integrating this drill into your practice routine could unlock a new level of consistency and precision.
The next time you step onto the practice green, channel John Rahm—grab a towel, and let the drill do its magic.