PRACTICE LIKE YOU PLAY

So often I see golfers on the practice range just beating balls – scrape-hit, scrape-hit, scrape-hit – with little to no attention paid to mechanics, rhythm, tempo, aim or pre-shot routines.  This does little to help your game on the course. Make a plan for your practice on the range – a specific club, a particular part of your swing, or test your aim. Make your practice routine like playing a game on the course! Imagine the hole you have the most trouble with – hit your driver, then based on your drive, which club would you be hitting next…then which club, maybe an 85-yard shot to the red flag.  Imagine another hole – set up with your driver and follow the progression of shots as on a course.  We usually don’t hit the same club four or five times in a row on the course, so why do it on the range? Be sure to also use your pre-shot routine while changing clubs.  If you don’t have a pre-shot routine adopt one!  You’ll be surprised at the difference it can make in your shots. The final part of your practice should be spent on the putting green.  Here, too, you should practice like it’s a round of golf.  Use one ball and try to sink different-length putts in two strokes or fewer.  Putting accounts for 50% of your allowed strokes.  Think about it: Two putts per hole times 18 holes = 36 strokes. Most courses are a par 70, 71, 72, or 73, so those 36 putting strokes can make up half of your score! If you would like more ideas about making your practice on the range more helpful to your game, please feel free to contact me. Good luck…FORE! Pat Church, USGTF Master Teaching Professional (541) 345-9160 x 135 or pchurch@riverridgeor.com