The Golf Parent, episode 18
Short Game Secrets Revealed by Golf Digest's #1 Ranked Golf Instructor - James Sieckmann
2025-04-07
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I talk with James Sieckmann—Golf Digest’s 2019 #1 ranked teacher and renowned short game specialist. Known as the “Short Game Guru,” James has coached over 150 tour pros and brings a wealth of expertise on mastering putting and chipping skills crucial for
Tips paraphrased from The Golf Parent (hosted by Ryan Addams). These are our summaries from machine transcripts, not quotes, and times are approximate. All credit to the shows and their guests; listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
3 hole gate putting game: the ball must roll through a tee gate and go in. Play it with 5 balls to "win the game."
James Sieckmann (short-game coach) · The Golf Parent
Putting · Making practice fun · Equipment and fitting
Random putting: 10 putts from 3 to 7 ft to different holes, changing hole and distance every putt.
James Sieckmann (short-game coach) · The Golf Parent
Putting · Practice structure
Find a coach whose system you believe in and stick with it. Technique isn't skill; skill (club, landing spot, read) is trained separately.
James Sieckmann (short-game coach) · The Golf Parent
Choosing a coach · Confidence and self talk