Some Practice Tips
1. Have a practice plan
2. Communicate perceptions and questions to your instructor
3. Break your game down to the four main areas: ball striking, short game, mental game, and course management
4. Keep a detailed practice and training journal
5. Record your favorite practice drills and exercise
6. Spend a few minutes warming up
7. Find a flat spot to practice and use a tee
8. Build a station for ball position and alignment
9. Always aim at a target
10. Know the exact yardage you are aiming at
11. Work both sides of the range to get used to right to left and left to right shots
12. Work on one swing thought at a time
13. Use the 4-4-4 drill
14. Spend twice the amount of time on the short game as you spend on your long game
15. Use the balls you play with when you practice chipping and putting
It is very important to note that there is a major difference between practicing and playing. When you practice, you are building muscle memory. When you play, you are trying to score. When you practice, you focus on your swing. When you play, you focus on your target. They are not the same!
The fact of the matter is, you will play on the course the way you trained on the range. If you want to play better, you must train better!!!
Getting in the Zone
How many times have you heard about a golfer being "in the zone"? You know that mythical place where you can do no wrong. When every shot and putt you take is pulled off with the greatest of ease? Ever wonder how to get there? Below is the learning process you have to take:
- Unconsciously incompetent: You don't know what your swing problems are or how to identify them.
- Consciously incompetent: You are now aware of your problems but still don't know how to fix them.
- Consciously competent: You have learned how to correct your problems, but this will take time and practice.
- Unconsciously competent: You play well without thinking about it. You are in the zone!
"When I think about three things during my swing I'm playing poorly; when I think about two things, I have a chance to shoot par; when I think of only one thing I could win the tournament." - Bobby Jones
Point: The truth of the matter is, getting to the level of being unconsciously competent takes a lot of diligent instruction and motivated practice. There is no getting around this. It is hard work.
Using the steps as I outlined will help you achieve these things. If all else fails, watch the "Three Little Beers" starring Moe, Larry, and Curly. These three together make a comedic masterpiece. You will die laughing as you learn how not to practice and play golf.