4 Easy Ways to Take Your Golf Practice to the Course

One of the most common concerns expressed by golfers is "how come I can hit the ball so well on the range but have a difficult time replicating this on the golf course"? When left on their own to try to figure this question out, many people look at their on-course behavior, thinking and playing for the source of the answer. Frequently, the answer lies more in their practice behavior than it does in their playing behavior.

It is necessary to hit a lot of golf balls in order to become proficient at golf. However, in addition to hitting bucket after bucket of practice balls, what is also imperative is that the type of practice that one undertakes approximates as much as possible the actual experience of playing the game. Watching people's typical practice involves seeing them hitting ball after ball on the range- frequently using the same club and hitting to the same target over and over and over again. This is not real golf. Why then would you practice in this manner? The key is to practice more like you play!

Here are 4 easy ways to make your practice sessions translate to better golf while playing.

1. Change targets frequently. On the golf course, you rarely hit two balls in a row to the same exact target. Practice hitting to a different target with each shot. This has application whether with the full swing, pitching, chipping, or in the bunker. Each shot is thought through and executed as a unique entity- just like on the course.

2. Change clubs frequently. On the golf course, you rarely hit two balls in a row with the same club. If you regularly hit your 7-iron three or four times in a row on the course, your game is in big trouble! However, this is how people practice. Changing clubs regularly- say every second or third shot- is a good way to approximate what it feels like to be on the course.

3. Use your pre-shot routine more frequently. Preparation for each shot on the course and preparation for each shot on the range are generally vastly different for most players. This creates a rhythm that's different, a thinking process that's different, and a result that's different!

4. Putt using one ball. You are not given the luxury of hitting the same putt two or three times on the course. Yet many people drop two or three putts and stroke the same putt over and over to the same target. Practice using just one ball- with a full read- to create an environment that's similar to the golf course.

It is true that early in the process of learning one's swing it is sometimes helpful to hit the same club to the same target without a pre-shot. However, once you are ready to go play, make sure that you're preparing yourself to deal with some of the same sensations that you have on the golf course!

Jeff Troesch, MA, LMHC is an internationally recognized expert in the mental side of golf. As the former Director of Sport Psychology for the David Leadbetter Golf Academies, Jeff has worked with thousands of golfers nationwide and brings a wealth of experience to seasoned golf professionals as well as the recreational golf lover. You may contact Jeff directly through his website, http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.

---

Play Better Longer - Peak Performance For Golf!

The golf swing is a dynamic movement that demands precise coordination of muscle contraction and relaxation, postural stability, strength, balance and body awareness. That is not to say that we cannot swing a... Read More

Ice Golf - Could You Stay Cool When The Heat Is On?

Ice Golf - only the coolest need apply!Want to try the ultimate golf challenge on a course where you'll have no trouble staying cool over even the most testing putt? You should consider... Read More

Improving Your Golf Game, the Optimal Recipe

There are hundreds, probably thousands, of articles about how to improve your golf. Just pick up any weekly or monthly issue of any golf magazine. You will read page after page on how... Read More

Golf Instruction Is Only Part Of The Equation

Golf instruction is critical in understanding the mechanics of the golf swing. I am a firm believer in golf instruction. However, golf instruction is not the ONLY component to optimal golf performance.I believe... Read More

History of Golf- How it all Started

Since before the time Mary Queen of Scots was disciplined for playing golf two Sundays after the murder of her husband Lord Dernley in 1567. Golf is known to have been played at... Read More

Valuable Tips For Golf

We learn a lot from just watching and observing the pros and by doing so it is easy to pick up valuable tips for golf that can help our own golf game.And make... Read More

Focus Your Focus - How to Ward Off Distraction During Your Golf Swing

There is a great possibility to lose your mind when playing golf simply due to the constant shifting of focus. I think the brain doesn't like to change focus. It wants to stay... Read More

The Most Common Backswing Flaw

One of the most confusing terms in golf instruction is "shoulder turn". Personally, I believe that instructors that talk about shoulder turn to describe the amount of turn during the backswing are hurting... Read More

Golf Stretches Reduce Risk Of Injury And Improve Your Game

Most amateur golfers don't give enough attention to performing regular golf stretches both on and off the course. Range of motion of the trunk and upper extremities are key to a successful golf... Read More

The Mental Side of Match Play

Many of us might assume that there isn't too much debate about the characteristics of a good match player. Clearly, the ability to play your game in the best or worst of conditions... Read More

Success in Golf and Meditation - The Same Skills?

When we say to people that you need the same skills to be a successful golfer as you do meditator it usually raises a huge laugh. Golf and meditation are miles apart. Some... Read More

Improve Your Golf Swing Fundamentals And Watch Your Game Transform

Most golfers are aware that by focusing on the golf swing fundamentals, one by one, they stand the best chance of dramatically improving their game. This is because the golf swing fundamentals make... Read More

Golf Shots Versus Golf Swings - You Need Shots On The Course!

Why do so many golfers hit a shot and immediately realize they messed up?There are two parts to a golf shot.Part one is planning.In order to send the ball towards the target on... Read More

Controlled Body Movement The Key Essential For Your Golf Game

Basic body movement is essential in any sport. Of course it is also essential for any type of physical activity we do.As parents, we teach little children how to do the simplest of... Read More

2005 US Open Winner - What Does It Take?

As the 2005 US Open began in Pinehurst, NC, the name Michael Campbell wasn't being touted as likely to finish first. Michael had attempted in four previous Opens and had not survived the... Read More

Why Do You ?Not Benefit? From Coaching Golf Tips

Most golfers have had dozens of opportunities to receive coaching golf tips from numerous sources. However the most interesting aspect of it all is that many are not able to benefit much from... Read More

How a Woman Can Improve Golf Performance

Everything else being equals a woman cannot drive a golf bail more distance than a man, because of one reason. Men are physically stronger than women. Strength and power connect to each other.Power... Read More

Quick Golf Tips for Restoring Muscle Imbalances

As a golf biomechanic, my focus is on looking for areas of poor flexibility and muscle imbalances which effect the mechanics of the golf swing and create opportunities for the body to break... Read More

Public Golf Courses ? Making The Right Choice

Chances are, if you're just starting out, you haven't decided to apply to a fancy country club yet so you can play their outstanding course, right? That's a very good idea, because there... Read More

The Power Of Combining Golf Swing Basics With Exercise

When training in good golf swing basics is combined with the right exercise program, the results can be nothing short of miraculous.Take the superb performances witnessed in junior golfers like the Song sisters,... Read More

Secrets Of The Avid Golfer

Every avid golfer has got to be the sort of person who enjoys the game immensely. It has been proven that we tend to be very good at doings things that we enjoy... Read More

The Cure for a Fat Shot

This problem may be easier to fix than you think. You may not realize it, but your back shoulder may be dipping towards the ground. This move forces the club to hit the... Read More

The Worlds Elite Golf Courses

We all here different opinions of great challenging golf courses around the world, full of history and storytelling of great games and tournaments between the legends of the professional world. Every year we... Read More

5 Easy Steps To Replacing Your Golf Grips

Replacing your golf grips is like servicing your car; you must do it on a very routine basis to keep them in top working order. We suggest changing your grips at least once... Read More

Golf Club Componets: Playing Golf The Lego Set Way

To understand how to buy golf club components, you first need to know how these parts work and what they are in the first place. So let's begin in this way. If you... Read More

How Better Course Management Can Lower Your Golf Score

Whether you are just starting to learn golf, or you have been golfing for many years and you're just looking to refine your game, this will provide a good direction of focus for... Read More

The Basic Golf Swing Is Pure Physics

If you've been on a golf course and have tried to use all your strength in the basic golf swing so that you hit the ball as far as possible, then you will... Read More

Its Not About The Bicep Curl When It Comes To Golf Fitness Training

How many of you have read, "It's Not About The Bike" by Lance Armstrong? What we learned about Lance's life is that his mission is all about survival, digging deep from within, honoring... Read More

Perfect Golf Swing Is Within Reach

The perfect golf swing. Aren't we all look for it? Now the educating part. The perfect golf swing is not attainable! Did that get your attention? Let me say it one more time.... Read More