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Draw or FadeRange Practice All clubs Expert ⏱ 20 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Scottie Scheffler's Range Session with Randy Smith

In 2022, Golf Digest filmed a private session between Scottie Scheffler and Randy Smith, his longtime coach, at Royal Oaks in Texas. The player was preparing for the Austin match play tournament and went through his entire bag, hitting precise shots to work on height, spin, and trajectory. A lesson by example on how a tour player trains.

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Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

7 minSame problemMatthieu Pavon's Controlled Draw: Clubface Toward the GroundMatthieu Pavon · Expert19 minSame problemPause at the Top of the Backswing: Matsuyama ExplainsHideki Matsuyama · Expert2 minFrom the same proWedge from Pine Straw: Scottie SchefflerScottie Scheffler · Intermediate / Expert

What the lesson shows

The round begins with the wedges. Scottie Scheffler recalls that, on the course in Austin, he often has to reduce the spin on the ball to attack the flags without being affected by the shifting wind. He first hits a solid shot, then Randy Smith asks him to’subtract 8 to 10 yards by softening the trajectory. Next come the straight shot, the very high shot to land the ball behind a bunker, the low shot that must pass under the wind through an opening in front of the green, and a slight movement from right to left.

To the driver, Randy Smith gives just one reminder: “set the hip”, set up the shot. Scheffler plays his reference shot by aiming at a black pin, then a high and long shot, and finally a short-sleeved tee with a low neckline which “bleeds” only slightly, before ending with a low draw. The coach notes perfect balance and good rhythm. The duo's conclusion: the next session will focus on the cut, which they consider important for the tournament.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. List the shots you'll need to make on your course or in your next tournament.
  2. With wedges, hit a full shot, then hit the same shot but from a few meters closer and with a little less height.
  3. Hit a straight ball, a high ball, and a low ball in succession toward the same target.
  4. When hitting a driver, choose a specific landmark at the far end of the driving range and hit your reference shot.
  5. Add a variation: a slight fade with the ball on a lower tee, followed by a low draw.
  6. Make a note of the shots that still need work for the next session, like Scheffler's cut shot.

Key Takeaways

Scottie Scheffler prepares for each round based on the shots the tournament course will require.
With his wedges, he hits spinless shots and reduces the distance of a full swing by 8 to 10 yards.
He alternates between a straight serve, a very high serve, and a low serve downwind.
When he's hitting a driver, Randy Smith reminds him to position his hips properly before each shot.
He varies his shots: a short, low cut tee shot, followed by a low draw.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Always hit the same solid shot at the driving range without thinking about the course.
  • Striving for the perfect straight shot without ever working on height or trajectory.
  • Exaggerating the effect instead of getting the balance right, like the slightly too-forceful cut that Scheffler corrects.
  • Hitting one drive after another without a specific target in mind.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. A full wedge, then the same wedge but 8 to 10 yards shorter
  2. Straight Ball, High Ball, Low Ball Series
  3. Drive toward a fixed landmark, then hit a short, low tee shot
  4. End of the session: a low draw to finish

Your Questions

Who is Randy Smith?

He is Scottie Scheffler's longtime coach. In the video, he leads the practice session at Royal Oaks in Texas and suggests which shots to play.

Why does Scheffler reduce the spin on his wedges?

He explains that on the Austin course, the wind swirls around the greens: he prefers a less powerful ball with less spin and controlled height.

What does “set the hip” mean?

This is the tip Randy Smith keeps reminding the golfer: position your hips correctly at address before starting your swing.

What is he working on with his driver?

His go-to shot toward a target: a high, long ball; a slight cut from a low tee; and a low draw. The duo plans to work on the cut next.

Learn More

All “Draw Effect or Fade Effect” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Practice” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Lee Trevino's Swing: Clubface Control on the RangeThree surfaces to align (club, back of the left hand, right palm), a right hand that acts as a steering wheel, and a ball that is moved to choose between a draw or a fade. Tommy Fleetwood's Precision Drive: The Safe TeeTo find the fairway, Fleetwood maintains his tee height, holds the club in the air, widens his stance, and hits over a tee placed behind the ball. Collin Morikawa's Irons: Clubface on the TargetClubface always toward the target, body open or closed depending on the shot shape, finish height to control trajectory, and a glove under the arm on the backswing. Scottie SchefflerAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Scottie Scheffler). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros