Let’s face it, for the average golfer, it’s tough enough getting out to get a round of golf in, never mind finding the time to actually get to the range to try to improve your game (getting to the golf course a hour ahead of your tee time to hit a few golf balls to loosen up is a challenge in and of itself!).
The average golfer's approach to practice, like other aspects to the game, should be motivated with some sense of purpose and focus while making the practice session fun through games, drills and exercises.
Practicing with a purpose and with the intent of improving a certain aspect of your game will make your practice sessions far more productive and quicken the learning process.
The more structured you make your practice sessions, the better chance you’ll have of improving your game.
There are three guidelines to use when setting up your practice routine:
- Keep your practice time short. Three 30 minute sessions will produce more results than being out for a single 1 ½ hour session. The shorter sessions will ensure that you concentrate through the session and generally fit into people’s schedules better. Duffers tend to lose focus after awhile and end up just ‘going through the motions’ to probably develop some bad habits.
- Always hit to a target. Everything in golf is oriented to a target - whether it’s hitting the fairway or to the flag.
- Don’t get frustrated if you don’t see immediate results. By practicing with intent, you will see results. Persevere.
Approaches to Practice
Scoring Zone – Putting
Practice Fundamentals: Below are a few basic putting drills to help you start dropping putts and your score. While you’re practicing using these drills remember, let the length of the stroke control the distance of the putt. Don’t swing faster or harder for longer putts or slower (or softer) for short putts. Keep the same speed and rhythm for every putt, varying the length of the stroke instead.
Short Putting Drill:
- Place four balls on each side of the hole, two feet away from the hole. Try to sink every ball. If a putt is missed, start over.
- Once you’ve completed this, move the balls to four feet from the hole and repeat
- Finally, move the balls to six feet from the hole and repeat
Long Putting Drill for Distance:
- Place a club or ball marker two feet behind the hole. Putt four balls from 25 feet away trying to either hole the putt or lag it between the club and the hole. Don’t leave the putt short. Don’t let it hit the club or marker. Repeat until you get all four balls in this position consecutively.
Long Putting Drill for Feel:
- Use the same set up, putt four balls consecutively without looking up. Try to visualize where each putt ends up i.e. short and to the right. Repeat this drill eight times
Long Putting Drill for Feel 2:
- Same set up. Putt four balls consecutively with your eyes closed. Repeat eight times.
Fringe Putting:
- After completing the drills, go to one side of the green and putt four balls back to the fringe. Leave them as close to the fringe as possible.
Scoring Zone – Chipping
Short Chips:
- Using a pitching wedge or 8-iron chip ten consecutive balls from the closely cut fringe to a hole about 15-20 feet away. Work on keeping your weight on your front foot and your legs quiet through the hitting zone with the ball at the back of your stance. Concentrate on hitting the ball crisply, with a flowing, descending blow. Don’t stab at it.
Short Chips 2:
- Repeat the above drill but from a position that requires a higher shot. Hit 10 balls.
Long Chips:
- Same as above but hit to a hole approximately 50-60 feet away focusing on the same swing keys and objectives as above.
Feel Drills:
- Select a variety of holes to hit to that require different styles of shots and varying distances. Hit 25-30 different shots.
Pitching and Bunkers
The short game is where you score. To score well, distance control is vital. Learn to control the distance of your pitch shots by the length of your swing NOT by trying to swing harder (faster) or softer (slower) or with your hands. The club should be swung with the same rhythm and tempo regardless of the distance of the shot.
- Practice fundamentals – Keep the lower body quiet.
- There should be a feeling of virtually no lower body or leg movement.
- Focus on the ball at impact to prevent your head from lifting.
