Three simple at-home winter drills that can seriously improve your golf game this winter

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Now that winter has arrived, many golfers around the world are packing their clubs away until the spring.

As winter arrives across much of the world, many golfers face months without stepping onto a course. The long break can be frustrating — and when warmer weather finally returns, the rust often shows. But the cold season doesn’t have to derail your progress.

There are several effective ways to stay sharp without ever leaving the house. By keeping your golf muscles active and your fundamentals in check, you’ll be far better prepared once the new season begins.

Three at-home drills to help lower your handicap

You don’t need a driving range, a putting green, or even a golf ball to improve your technique. Here are three of the best indoor drills to work on during the winter months.

1. The towel drill for better body–arm connection

This drill doesn’t require a club — and a mirror is helpful but not essential. Place a towel under your lead arm and rehearse your swing without gripping anything. The goal is to keep the towel pinned under your armpit throughout the backswing and all the way into the finish.

This encourages your torso, hips, and shoulders to move in sync, helping you build a more connected, repeatable swing. It also gives you a better feel for the ideal impact position.

2. Improve ball-striking with the “head against the wall” drill

One of the simplest and most effective winter drills, all you need is a wall. Take your golf posture and rest your head lightly against the surface — no pressing. Then make your backswing and follow-through while maintaining contact without sliding.

This promotes better stability and reduces excessive head movement, both of which lead to more consistent ball-striking when the season starts again.

A winter putting routine that pays off in spring

Putting is often the quickest way to save strokes, and winter offers the perfect chance to refine your technique on a smooth surface — your carpet.

3. Practice putting indoors with a gate-drill setup

Set a cup at the end of a room and create a narrow “gate” using two tees or small objects placed just outside the heel and toe of your putter. Try to make the gate as tight as possible while still allowing the putter head to pass through.

Record your stroke on your phone to analyze your path. If you use a zero-torque putter, focus on a straight-back, straight-through motion; if you use a blade, work on a natural arc. Choose the technique that suits your putter and commit to repeating it all winter long.