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Warm-up and MobilityPitching WedgesRange PracticeWedge play = Pitching and Chipping All clubs Intermediate ⏱ 8 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Céline Boutier's Warm-up Before a Tournament

What does a major champion do first when she arrives at the driving range? For the FFGolf, Céline Boutier breaks down her warm-up routine before a tournament: calibrated wedges, a gradual progression through the clubs, and never a shot without a target.

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Céline Boutier
Céline Boutier · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.
Schedule · Step 2 of 7Master the Mental Game in 7 StepsChecked off when: Before leaving, you hit your wedges at three different distances, followed by a few irons and the driver.
Step 3 →

To be continued

17 minSame problemMin Woo Lee's Warm-Up at the Driving Range, Step by StepMin Woo Lee · Intermediate / Expert6 minSame problemRory McIlroy's Hip Rotation: The Right Side KeyRory McIlroy · Intermediate2 minFrom the same proCéline Boutier's Long Putts: Reading Slope and SpeedCéline Boutier · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Céline Boutier always starts by wedges. On the driving range targets, she tries to calibrate distances from about 30 to 60 or 75 yards, based on how it feels: four or five shots per distance, increasing the distance by about 10 yards each time. It’s not a matter of time, but of feel. This initial part of the session also serves to reawaken one's senses: There may be a disconnect between what we feel and what is actually happening, and the wedges help realign the eyes and the body.

She then starts the clubs every four or five balls (8-iron, 6-iron, then a 5-hybrid or 5-iron depending on the course), with always a target and a stick on the ground to help with alignment. She mainly varies the ball’s height, and adjusts her trajectories even more when it’s windy. With her 3-wood, she hits three balls off the ground and three off the tee, visualizing the tee shots where she feels less comfortable. She finishes with the driver: straight shots first, then a few with spin depending on the course, six or seven at most.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Start with the wedge, aiming at a target about 35 yards away.
  2. Increase the distance by about 10 yards every four or five balls, up to 60 or 75 yards.
  3. Place a stick on the ground to help you align it.
  4. Hit the irons (8, 6), then the hybrids or long irons—four or five balls with each.
  5. Adjust the ball height based on the day's conditions.
  6. On the 3-wood hole, three shots off the ground and then three off the tee—I was expecting a tough start.
  7. Finish with six or seven drives—straight ones followed by curved ones.

Key Takeaways

Wedges are used at the start of the round to gauge distances.
Four or five balls per distance or per club are enough.
Every ball has a target and a purpose.
A rod on the ground is used to check alignment.
Warming up realigns your sensations with reality.
From the 3-wood tee and the driver tee, you can see the course's starting points.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Hitting balls at the driving range without a target.
  • Start right away with the driver.
  • Staying with a club for too long.
  • Ignoring wedges just because the course is long.
  • Hit drives without thinking about the course's tees.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. A range of wedges from 35 to 75 yards, with four or five balls per distance
  2. Club Setup with an Alignment Rod
  3. High and low shots with the same iron
  4. Tactical tee shots with a 3-wood and a driver

Your Questions

Which club does Céline Boutier start her warm-up with?

Using wedges, aim at targets about 35 yards away, gradually increasing the distance to 60 or 75 yards to gauge your distances.

How many balls does she hit with each club?

About four or five, based on feel rather than the stopwatch. With the 3-wood, three off the ground and three off the tee; with the driver, six or seven at most.

Why do we always have to aim at a target?

She doesn't like to hit without a target: every shot is intended to have a specific height or trajectory, and the target provides feedback on what actually happened.

Will she choose between the hybrid and the 5-iron?

Yes, depending on the course. The hybrid flies farther and is easier to play from the rough; the choice depends largely on how firm the greens are.

Learn More

All “Warm-up and Mobility” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Pitching and Wedges” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Practice” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll videos on “Wedge Play = Pitching and Chipping” →Find the lesson that's right for you Matsuyama's one-handed drill: his key to the wedgeMatsuyama begins his practice sessions with one-handed approaches—first with his left hand, then with his right—to “guide” the ball onto the clubface and connect his short game with his long game. Chipping from Tough Lies: Advice from Min Woo LeeFor Min Woo Lee, the key to the chip shot is the contact: a neutral path, a shortened grip, the ball positioned back on the clubface, and specific practice on poor lies. Min Woo Lee's Warm-Up at the Driving Range, Step by StepUse elastic bands to support your left leg and keep your right shoulder raised, then lift the bag three times, using controlled movements without ever overdoing it. Céline BoutierAll of his lessons

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

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros