With the new year quickly approaching thousands of us will make resolutions, hoping that 2010 will be the best golf year of our lives. We'll buy new clubs, a new wardrobe, and even promise ourselves to start a workout program that would make Joe Weider himself proud. Fact is all will be for not if a solid practice routine isn't part of the makeover.
The key is to practice with purpose, with a plan, with a goal in mind. Do more then pummel drive after drive, or use your favourite club because you know you hit it well. Here are some suggestions that I use that will help not only practice sessions improve but also help to lower scores.
- Go with 1 goal in mind. If its to work on rhythm, work on rhythm, not rhythm then grip, then swing plane, then posture, and so on. Soon you'll forget why you were there in the first place.
- Start each practice session by stretching out a little. Loose relaxed muscles work better then stiff tight ones.
- Spend just as much time chipping and putting as working on your long game. And for the love of the game get into a bunker and learn to hit the green side bunker shot. Remember more then 70% of all shots are played from 125 and in.
- Work through the bag, hitting a few balls with each club. The idea is to not get in a groove hitting only one club. Imitate on course situations.
- Practice shots from a variety of lies. This includes rough, sand filled divots, with the ball above and below your feet. Don't give yourself a prefect lie every time, mix it up.
- Spend some time learning to hit a variety of shots. The fade, the draw, a high towering shot, a low stinger, these are all shots you will need in the bag at some point or another.
- Work on the quality of the practice session, not the quantity of the balls hit. My best sessions always happen when I cut it short before fatigue sets in.
- Play H-O-R-S-E or closest to the pin with a buddy. It really helps to get the competitive juices going, and forces you to hit a shot when you have to.
- Have fun. When you start cursing under your breath, and become to frustrated to focus call it a day. Trust me if you continue more harm then good will come out of it.
Hope these simple practice tips help. If you have some of your own that work let me know.
Cheers
You should choose a combination of golf balls that you know you will like and enjoy playing with. There is no reason to spend more than you have to on your greens fees.
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