PURPOSE IN PRACTICE

STORY BY BUCK MAYERS

Good golfers understand that you learn what to practice from how you play. Start from the hole and move backwards. Putting is by far the most critical area in scoring and often the most neglected. If it’s not putting, how’s your up and down percentage? Scrambling around the green says volumes about your chipping, pitching and bunker play. What’s important here is to learn from your inability to score from the area that needs the most work.

Many golfers take a lesson and expect immediate results. There is no magic dust or holy grail. If you really aspire to become a better golfer, you must be willing to practice consistently with a purpose. Remember, your poor shots come from a bad habit and fortunately habits can be changed. Many golfers hit a lot of range balls on the range and do not become better players. Every practice session should have a goal in mind.

Here are some guidelines:

• Master the basics

• Make a commitment to become a better player

• Schedule time to practice and play

• Be realistic on how long it takes for lasting improvement

• Be willing to make changes in all areas of your game

• Believe in instruction and trust it

• Every swing on the range has a target

• Change your club and target often

• Only work on one thing at a time

• Practice only as long as you can stay focused

• Practice simulating on-course situations

• Have fun while you work – you will practice longer

Remember, train when you practice – Trust when you play.