James Sieckmann - A Masterclass From the #1 Short Game Coach (Flashback Friday)

46 snips

Nov 14, 2025

James Sieckmann, the #1 short-game coach and author, shares insights from his rich coaching career with PGA and LPGA Tour players. He reveals powerful lessons learned from golf legend Seve Ballesteros and emphasizes the importance of self-image in building confidence. Sieckmann offers practical tips for wedge play, discusses effective putting routines, and highlights the significance of visualizing shots. He also stresses tailored practice habits, including handling different lies and simulating course conditions, to enhance performance.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Self-Image Drives Short-Game Confidence

Self-image and daily self-talk shape confidence more than technique alone.
Treat anxiety as excitement and focus on controllables to perform under pressure.

ADVICE

Randomize Practice; Do Lap Drills

Practice random, varied short-game shots with multiple clubs to build intrinsic judgment.
Do laps around the green with three clubs, then add competitive games to simulate pressure.

ADVICE

Use A Finesse Grip And Adjust Setup

Use a 'finesse' grip with a slightly weaker trail hand and adjust setup for upslope/downslope lies.
Change stance (widen, flex lead knee) rather than altering swing mechanics for tricky lies.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

>>1 spot left for mental golf coaching in November; email michael@wickedsmartgolf.com to learn more now.

>>Ready to play better golf? Get DECADE Golf 20% off using the code "WICKEDSMART"

James Sieckmann is widely regarded as the #1 short game coach in golf, having worked with countless PGA and LPGA Tour players to refine their skills around the greens. Known as the "Short Game Guru," he has revolutionized how players approach wedges and putting, combining cutting-edge techniques with a deep understanding of the mental game.

James is also the author of two acclaimed books, Your Short Game Solution and Your Putting Solution, which offer step-by-step strategies to help golfers of all skill levels improve their scoring game.

When you listen to this episode, you will learn:

What he learned from Seve Ballesteros.
How the self-image is the secret to confidence.
His experience caddying at the US Open for his brother.
Putting drills to never waste time again and 10x confidence.
Everything you need to know about playing the right wedges.
Why you need a pre-shot putting and green reading routine.
Lessons from Golf Digest 2019 top rated short game coach.

And a lot more. Make sure to check out James' books, follow him on Instagram, check out his website, and join his online program, Short Game Mastery.

WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products

Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%).

Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)

Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%).

Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).

Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.

Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro.

Also, don't forget to connect on social media:

Follow on TikTok

Follow on Instagram

Subscribe on YouTube

Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes.

Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently).

Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).