How to Hit More Greens in Regulation (Without Swinging Harder)

If you’ve been standing over approach shots lately wondering why you can’t seem to stick the green — even when you crush the ball — here’s some good news: you don’t need to swing harder. You need to swing smarter.

According to recent advice from four-time PGA Tour winner Nick Taylor and 2024 PGA Teacher of the Year Joe Hallett, the key to hitting more greens in regulation isn’t about adding speed or muscle. It’s about tweaking your tempo, improving your sequencing, and making better decisions before you even take the club back.

And honestly? It’s a lot easier (and less exhausting) than trying to swing like you’re auditioning for the long drive tour.

Let’s break it down.

Find Your Tempo — Not Someone Else’s

Most amateurs think their swing tempo should look or feel a certain way. Fast, aggressive, “powerful.” But forcing a tempo that doesn’t match your natural rhythm is like trying to sprint in someone else’s shoes — awkward at best, downright ugly at worst.

Instead, recent teaching focuses on finding a tempo that matches your natural motion. Start with a slower swing than you think you need, then gradually work through normal, faster, and fastest tempos. The right one will feel almost boring…and that’s exactly the point.

A consistent, comfortable tempo leads to consistent, comfortable contact — the real secret to hitting more greens without working harder.

Sweep It, Don’t Pick It — The Ball Removal Drill

Raise your hand if you’re guilty of snatching the club straight up during your takeaway. (Yeah, me too.)

Joe Hallett’s Ball Removal Drill is a dead-simple fix that builds a low, sweeping takeaway — ideal for crisp iron shots and smooth hybrid swings.

Here’s how to do it:

• Set up to your ball like normal.
• Place a second ball just behind your clubhead.
• On your takeaway, sweep that second ball away while starting your swing.

Hallett says this “creates that nice sweeping takeaway that works so well with your longer irons and maybe even your hybrids.” Less lifting, more gliding. It feels weird at first — and then it feels like magic.

Move in Sequence — The Step Drill

Another common issue? Your upper body taking over the downswing like an overeager Golden Retriever.

Nick Taylor swears by the Step Drill to fix that. It’s so good, he uses it as part of his pre-shot routine on the PGA Tour.

Try it like this:

• Stand with both feet together.
• Take the club back until it’s parallel to the ground.
• As you start your downswing, step toward the target with your lead foot (left foot for righties).
• Finish your swing.

Want to see it in action? Watch Joe Hallett break down the Ball Removal Drill here:

This forces your lower body to initiate the downswing, keeping your sequence (and your timing) intact. Taylor puts it simply: “This gets my lower body moving before my upper body and gives me all the right feelings to make sure the sequencing in my swing is just right.”

Master the 10–30 Swing (Your New Secret Weapon)

Ever find yourself caught between clubs — thinking, “It’s too much for my 8-iron, but not enough for a 7”?

Nick Taylor’s solution: a 10–30 swing.

This shorter, controlled swing shaves about 10 yards off your normal distance, without changing your mechanics. Bonus: it brings the ball flight down and reduces spin, making it perfect for windy days or soft greens.

Taylor says, “I have what I call a 10–30 swing, which takes about 10 yards off an iron I want to hit — especially useful when I’m between clubs.”

Pro move: Practice this shot almost as much as your full swing. You’ll thank yourself later.

Know Your Actual Carry Distances (Not Your Wishful Thinking Distances)

Let’s be real: most amateurs pick clubs based on that one time they hit a 7-iron 175 yards… downhill… with a tailwind.

Instead, Taylor recommends getting real numbers — and technology makes it easy. Whether it’s a launch monitor session, a rangefinder with shot tracking, or even just a notebook and range time, knowing your average carry distance (not your best-ever) is non-negotiable.

It’s the difference between reaching the green and coming up 10 yards short… and probably blaming your swing instead of your math.

Smarter Choices = More Greens

Swing changes are great, but smarter decision-making might be even more important.

Recent analysis from Golf Digest shows that when amateurs are facing a “yellow light” situation (awkward distances, slight hazards), getting closer to the green beats laying back almost every time. It flies in the face of conventional wisdom — but it works.

Recent analysis from Golf Digest shows that when amateurs are facing a “yellow light” situation — awkward distances, slight hazards — getting closer to the green beats laying back almost every time.

Another key stat from Lou Stagner: if you’re a 10-handicapper, a forced carry over 200 yards is basically a coin flip. Anything under 200 yards? Go for it. Over 200? Lay up and play smart.

Think of it like this:

• Green Light: Minimal trouble — go flag-hunting.
• Yellow Light: Some trouble — get as close as safely possible.
• Red Light: Big hazards — take your medicine.

Just like the pros, knowing when to push and when to back off could save you more strokes than the latest swing tweak.