We take a look at what the value is to a PGA Tour player in hitting it 3 feet closer to the pin each hole.
A tiny change, repeated
Three feet closer sounds trivial. Applied to every approach shot across a season it is the difference between keeping a card and contending.
Make rate curves are steep at short range and flatten out beyond twenty feet, so the gain compounds most where amateurs and pros hit their wedges.
Where to find the three feet
Almost never from a better swing. Usually from better distance control, better target selection and correct club choice.
Knowing your carry numbers to the yard is worth more than adding clubhead speed.
The practice
Hit wedges to three specific numbers and record the distance from the target. Repeat weekly and watch the average fall.
It is the cheapest handicap reduction available to any golfer.