Become an 80's Shooter with Practice and Play
Here we are, not even January yet, and we're still focused on preparation for the 2016 golf season.
In our prior posts we focused upon;
3. Do you just not want to embarrass yourself in 2016?
2. Do you want to be an 80's shooter?
a. Evaluate your golf swing.
b. Get professional assistance
c. Practice and play.
1. Do you want to break par?
Today, we look at Practice and Play.
We've taken some valuable time and, probably, financial resources now to have our swing evaluated and begun a series of lessons to correct our swing in order to become a better and more consistent "ball striker", as they say in the biz.... The bottom line truth is you will NOT become a consistent 80's shooter, hopefully, threatening to break 80 at times without a solid, consistent golf swing which is repeatable and you are able to "see it, feel it, & trust it."
Don't forget; in preparation for our 2016 golf season ~~ we have to have our short game evaluated as well and that includes putting, by the way!!! In fact, let's look at practicing and playing for our long game in this post and, then, we'll launch another post on the short game and putting because that part of the game is especially important to improve our scoring and it is easier to practice. I didn't say easier to 'master', I said easier to practice.
In our prior posts we focused upon;
3. Do you just not want to embarrass yourself in 2016?
2. Do you want to be an 80's shooter?
a. Evaluate your golf swing.
b. Get professional assistance
c. Practice and play.
1. Do you want to break par?
Today, we look at Practice and Play.
We've taken some valuable time and, probably, financial resources now to have our swing evaluated and begun a series of lessons to correct our swing in order to become a better and more consistent "ball striker", as they say in the biz.... The bottom line truth is you will NOT become a consistent 80's shooter, hopefully, threatening to break 80 at times without a solid, consistent golf swing which is repeatable and you are able to "see it, feel it, & trust it."
Don't forget; in preparation for our 2016 golf season ~~ we have to have our short game evaluated as well and that includes putting, by the way!!! In fact, let's look at practicing and playing for our long game in this post and, then, we'll launch another post on the short game and putting because that part of the game is especially important to improve our scoring and it is easier to practice. I didn't say easier to 'master', I said easier to practice.
After several sessions with your trusted golf teacher, you will have had many (hopefully not too many) things for you to focus upon when you conduct your practice sessions. Is it alignment? Is it ball position? Is it posture? Whatever it is, your practice time is meant to focus and ingrain those items into your full swing mechanics. So, ensure you focus on that particular item your teacher has corrected and encouraged YOU to practice and perfect!!!
I love to practice!! Unfortunately, since I'm into my 60's now, my body won't allow me to practice as much as I would like. But, recently, I have established a simple routine in order to keep my "full swing" game a bit sharper than it has been. In fact, it has taken me all summer in 2015 to break 80 and I have done it most recently with a 77 and a 78 at my local club. (if I could putt, I would have been even lower, but, that's what we all say.....)
My routine is somewhat simple in that I am a tempo player, so, of major importance when I practice or warm up for a round is that I do whatever I can to establish a smooth and rhythmic tempo. I take my 6 & 7 iron together and with both clubs begin a slow backswing with a smooth downswing. I focus on pausing at the top and roll into my follow through focusing on the essential rythmic parts of my swing; knees, hips, shoulders, arms, hands, clubhead.... down and through to the finish. I drop one club and take the 7 or 8 and replicate the same rhythmic swing. I, then, begin to slowly hit the practice balls and, finally, for now, I begin to take aim and build up to hitting each ball as if I were on the course. I change clubs, usually going up to the 6 or the 5, the 4, fairway woods and driver. If I lose the rhythm at any juncture, I will usually go back to the sand wedge and get back into the groove (or not... more on that later). I finish off my practice time with a few sand wedges, slowly reducing the distance of the shot focusing on distance, direction and tempo.
Of course, your routine is your routine, but, over the years, I have seen most 80's shooters or better routinely begin their practice in a similar fashion. Most pro's I see begin with the sandwedge and expand into their full swings. Most poor players begin with their driver... lol!!!
This long game warm up and practice is keeping an eye on bringing this day's game to the course, so, in addition to hitting the ball consistently, I am determining what my swing thought for that day may be on all long shots.
My routine is somewhat simple in that I am a tempo player, so, of major importance when I practice or warm up for a round is that I do whatever I can to establish a smooth and rhythmic tempo. I take my 6 & 7 iron together and with both clubs begin a slow backswing with a smooth downswing. I focus on pausing at the top and roll into my follow through focusing on the essential rythmic parts of my swing; knees, hips, shoulders, arms, hands, clubhead.... down and through to the finish. I drop one club and take the 7 or 8 and replicate the same rhythmic swing. I, then, begin to slowly hit the practice balls and, finally, for now, I begin to take aim and build up to hitting each ball as if I were on the course. I change clubs, usually going up to the 6 or the 5, the 4, fairway woods and driver. If I lose the rhythm at any juncture, I will usually go back to the sand wedge and get back into the groove (or not... more on that later). I finish off my practice time with a few sand wedges, slowly reducing the distance of the shot focusing on distance, direction and tempo.
Of course, your routine is your routine, but, over the years, I have seen most 80's shooters or better routinely begin their practice in a similar fashion. Most pro's I see begin with the sandwedge and expand into their full swings. Most poor players begin with their driver... lol!!!
This long game warm up and practice is keeping an eye on bringing this day's game to the course, so, in addition to hitting the ball consistently, I am determining what my swing thought for that day may be on all long shots.
Guess we didn't get through the practice piece today and we still have to focus on Play with your new golf swing. We'll hit that next time, I hope!!
In Him
Bill
Do you want any help with your golf game? Let me know.... [email protected]
In Him
Bill
Do you want any help with your golf game? Let me know.... [email protected]
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