There are three different kinds of practice:
* Maintenance practice - The focus of this practice is to keep your game up to par.
* Performance practice - The focus of this practice is to prepare for tournaments, certain
conditions on the course, or for some unusual circumstance.
* Future practice - The focus of this practice is to make swing changes or to develop a
new skill.
Once you have decided what kind of practice session you want to engage in, below is a list of practical
things that will help you get the most out of your time.
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 minuets stretching
and warning 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 use 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 in 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 shot. They are not the
same!
Golf is a great game that holds a special place in our culture. It is a gentleman's sport where each person
is his own referee. To be really good at golf one has to have calm nerves and the ability to execute a variety of shots.
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.
