Making the Best Use of Your Practice Time

Unfortunately, there’s only one way to get better at golf – PRACTICE!!! There is no secret potion that’ll make you the next Tiger Woods, let alone, a decent hack. You must practice. However, you can improve at a faster rate by having a practice plan. While others just go out and swat a bucket of balls around and then call it a day, you’ll have a plan that will make you better.

First, upon arriving at the course, make sure you warm-up. Sure, golf isn’t as intense as football or basketball, but it still demands some physical exertion and you should prepare by stretching before you take a swing.

Next, decide on your pre-shot routine and stick to it. Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest golfers of all-time, had a pre-shot routine he stuck to and so should you.

Now, there are two schools of thought when it comes to practice. You can start with your wedge, work your way through your irons and finish with your driver or vice versa. Both thoughts have their pros and cons. What truly matters is that you establish a consistent swing. Many players will hit a good shot, and then follow it with a bad shot. This bad shot will wreak havoc on their psyche and cause the golfer to give up on a consistent, fluid swing. Don’t be like everyone else. Be your own golfer.

When hitting balls, there are several practice tips you should keep in mind. First, hit ten balls with a specific club and then move on. Also, vary your lie. Most golfers will go out to the range and hit from a nice, flat spot. The game of golf is not so kind. Practice in the rough, practice on the side of a hill, practice from the bunker. Also, if you know a course, figure out exactly which clubs you will use to tee off with and practice with these clubs.

Finally, perhaps the most important part of any plan deals with the attention you give to your short game. The truth is most golfers can drive and play their irons. The difference between poor golfers and good golfers shows up when the hole is just 130 yards away. Practice chipping, practice various putting angles, and make sure you find the right, short swing. Your scorecard will thank you for your diligence.

Remember, have a plan and stick to it. Oh, and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!