Game version
Plan-the-hole pairs: look at a hole and tell your partner your plan for each shot, then swap. Share one thing you liked.
Pace Off the Distance
Learn to count big steps to estimate distance.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
A parent sets a cone somewhere in a field.
Core: The whole hole. Compare only with your own last plan.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Cones
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Course Management
The steps
How it works
- A parent sets a cone somewhere in a field.
- Guess how many big steps away it is.
- Walk it and count.
- Do 6 cones and see if your guesses get closer.
Coaching point
Guess, then check.
Safety: Play the course only with an adult, from short tees that fit how far you hit. Keep everyone clear before you swing, and wait until the group ahead is out of reach before you hit. At the first thunder or lightning, stop and go inside; wait 30 minutes after the last thunder. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (one shot), Core (the whole hole), More (a plan B for a bad lie). Compare only with your own last plan.
Story
You are a captain planning the safest route across the sea.
My best
Beat your own count
Compare only with your own last plan. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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