Golf · Chipping · Putting · Game

Up-and-down challenge

Nine spots around a green, one ball each: chip or pitch on, then hole out. Getting down in two scores a point.

GreenBunkerP
Start / 6
Time
25 min
Players
1–6
Age
U12+
Area
Short-game area with a green
Equipment
9 balls9 tees or coins to mark spotswedges and a putter

Setup

  1. Mark nine spots 5 to 25 m from one hole, all off the green: tight fairway lies, light rough, a short-sided spot over a bunker, uphill and downhill lies.
  2. Each player has one ball per spot and a scorecard numbered 1 to 9.
  3. With several players, start each one at a different spot and move round in the same direction, so nobody chips towards someone on the green.

How it runs

  1. At each spot, play the short shot onto the green, then putt out with the same ball. Two shots or fewer is an up-and-down and scores 1 point.
  2. Treat every spot like a real hole: walk round to read the green, pick a landing spot, choose the club, run your routine.
  3. Mark, lift and clean the ball on the green if you want to, and repair your ball mark before you putt.
  4. Score out of 9. Record a personal best and try to beat it next session.
  5. Before each shot, check that nobody is on the green in your line or walking round the edge close by.

Coaching points

  • Pick the shot that gets the ball rolling soonest: fly it only as far as you must, and let it run.
  • Aim to leave the ball below the hole, so the putt is uphill and can be hit firmly.
  • On the putt, commit to the line and roll it about half a metre past if it misses.
  • Short-sided with a bunker in the way? Take more loft and accept a longer putt rather than trying to land it on the fringe.

Common mistakes

  • Using the same lob wedge from every spot, even when a bump and run is easier.
  • Rushing the putt because the chip felt like the hard part.
  • Chipping from the rough with a wristy flick and leaving it in the grass.

Say it: “Land it soft, roll it in.”

Make it harder

  • Count only up-and-downs where the chip finishes beyond the hole or within a club length.
  • Play against a partner, spot by spot, like a match.

Make it easier

  • Bring the spots in to 3 to 10 m, all on short grass.
  • Score 1 point for getting down in three as well, and 2 for an up-and-down.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.