Here's something that may surprise you: Some of the most effective golf practice I've seen as a PGA Professional doesn't involve hitting a single ball.
While I know there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of making pure contact on an iron shot, the reality is, many of us simply don't have the time to visit the driving range three times a week.
The good news? You can dramatically improve your golf game without ever setting foot on a range. In fact, some of the world's best players rely on these "ball-less" practice techniques when they're traveling or short on time — and here's how you can, too!
How to Practice Golf in Front of a Mirror
One of my golf students had a long-awaited "Ah-ha" moment late last year. His secret? 15 minutes every morning in front of a full-length mirror.
Why? Because the mirror doesn't lie. So when you take slow-motion swings while watching your reflection, you'll instantly spot swing flaws that feel normal during your regular swing.
Is your takeaway too inside? Is your posture slouched? Is your golf grip position inconsistent?
Try this: Set up in front of a mirror as if you're addressing a ball. Slowly take the club back to the top of your backswing, pausing at key positions — takeaway, halfway back, and at the top. Check your positions against what you know to be correct. This simple practice builds muscle memory that translates directly to the course.
What makes this so effective is the immediate visual feedback. You don't need a coach standing next to you and pointing out flaws — you can just see them yourself.
A Living Room Drill That Could Fix Your Slice
It might sound crazy, but you can literally cure your ugly slice in your pajamas while watching Netflix, here's how.
Place a headcover or small towel under your right armpit (for right-handed golfers). Practice your takeaway and downswing while keeping the object pinned. If it drops, you're likely lifting your arms instead of turning your body.
This simple drill reinforces proper connection between your arms and body, eliminating the over-the-top move that causes most slices.
The beauty here is consistency. Doing this for just 10 minutes each evening beats two hours at the range just once a month. Your body learns through repetition, not intensity.
Make Mental Rehearsals Your Secret Weapon
Here's something you won't hear often: Some of the most effective practice happens with your eyes closed.
Jack Nicklaus is just one golf legend who visualizes every shot before he hits it, seeing the exact trajectory and landing spot in his mind. But this technique goes beyond the pre-shot routine — it can be a complete practice session.
Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and play an entire round at your home course in your mind. Feel the grip pressure, experience the weight shift, visualize the ball flight, and consider how good course management skills will help lower your scores.
Research shows that this mental rehearsal activates many of the same neural pathways as physical practice.
A Putting Drill You Can Do During Conference Calls
If you're working from home, here's a game-changer: Practice putting while on mute during those endless Zoom meetings.
You don't need a fancy putting mat (though they're nice), just a drinking glass placed on its side as a target on any carpet.
Focus on consistent tempo and watching your putter head move along your intended line.
What matters here isn't holing putts — it's grooving a repeatable stroke. I've seen players drop three putts per round after implementing this simple practice.
So if you're looking for unique ways on how to practice golf, remember that meaningful improvement doesn't always require buckets of balls or hours at the range. Sometimes, the most effective practice happens in the comfort of your own home — without hitting a single shot.
PGA of America Golf Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. Check out his weekly Monday column on RG.org, sign up for his golf newsletter, and visit OneMoreRollGolf.com to learn more about him and his work.
