Professional Golf Tips 101

What is practice and how should I practice?

“Goal-less practice is worse than no practice at all because it builds a cavalier approach to the game.” Thomas Simek and Richard O’Brien (authors of Total Golf)

“I never hit a shot, not even in practice without having a very sharp, in-focus picture of it in my head.” Jack Nicklaus

“I figure practice puts your brains in your muscles.” Sam Snead

“The player who expects a lesson to ‘take’ without subsequent practice just isn’t being honest with himself or fair to his professional.” Gary Player

According to the “Webster’s New World Dictionary” it is:  To do repeatedly so as to gain skill.  I see too many people spend hours on the range, just hitting golf balls on the range with no purpose. Why is it that you can hit the ball straight, far and hit every flag on the driving range, but when you go on the golf course it is not even close?

When you come to the range to practice, keep your brain thinking your out on the course.  This way you are goal oriented. You are not just hitting golf balls and have no thoughts in your head. 

Always use a target (This is very important to put some pressure on yourself just like out on the golf course.)

Make it competitive (Play a game with someone or try to better the shot before.)

Create realistic situations (Don’t give yourself the best lie. Mix it up and try hitting off a bad spot or thin grass.)

Don’t forget the short game (putting, chipping, pitching and bunker)

Make swings without a ball (This gets you thinking about the swing instead of the golf ball — how good or bad it feels.)