Golf Practice
Level Up Your Golf Practice
We’ve all heard the familiar phrase “practice makes perfect.” But when it comes to golf, a perfect round of golf is truly unattainable. So instead, we say, “Intentional Practice Leads to Trackable Results”. Just hitting balls aimlessly at the driving range won’t lead to any real improvement on the course. To take your game to the next level, you need intentional, structured practice routines that incorporate key elements of effective golf practice. Let’s explore some expert perspectives on how to get the most out of your practice sessions.
Have a Plan
According to TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) expert Dave Phillips, “One of the biggest mistakes I see amateurs make is not having a plan when they go to practice.” Before you head to the range, sketch out what you want to work on and how you’ll go about it. Break your practice into segments focused on specific areas like driving, irons, short game, etc. Prioritize your biggest weaknesses but also set aside time for maintenance practice on your strengths. At Correct2Compete we have detailed practice plans for five of the main areas of the game, and we have indoor and outdoor practice options built specifically for you.
Build in Pressure
“If you practice without pressure, you won’t be able to perform well under it,” says esteemed sports psychologist Bob Rotella. While it’s important to groove your swing with repetitions, you also need pressure practice that replicates the strain of being out on the course. Throw down objects as makeshift hazards, play target games where you aim at a small circle, or put yourself on the clock to hit shots within a time limit. Learning to execute under stress will pay dividends. We have created different levels of games for our clients to build that pressure into their practice every time they go to the driving range.
Use Technology
Modern launch monitors and swing analyzers provide a wealth of data to ensure your practice is optimized. As Dave Phillips advocates, “With tools like Trackman, you can see exactly what your swing is producing in terms of ball speed, launch angle, spin rates, and more. Let that data guide what you need to work on mechanically.” At Correct2Compete we use FlightScope because with love the FlightScope Skills app for game-building and tracking practice. Analyzing your numbers identifies shortcomings and allows you to set specific goals to improve your deficient areas.
Play Games
“Practice without purpose just isn’t as effective,” states Bob Rotella. To make practice more engaging and pressure-packed, play games that simulate real on-course scenarios. Games allow you to score your progress, and you leave the range with a winning or losing feeling which drives your inner competitive spirit. Challenge yourself to set parameters and finish the game even when you are losing, it’s much better to lose on the range than on the course. Bringing that element of accountability makes practice more rewarding. With a mix of structure, challenge, variety, data-driven purpose, and gaming elements, your practice sessions will be exponentially more productive. Before long, you’ll experience the profound improvement that only intentional practice can produce.