Practice as you Would Play

by Dan Rozek, PGA Teaching Professional @ Fox Creek Golf Club

Ever feel that on the range you seem to hit the ball quite well, but can’t take those shots to the course? Of course, most of us experience this. One reason can be the way we tend to practice on the range. For most of us after we warm up, we tend to hit a series of shots with each of our clubs. After hitting 5 to 10 shots with our low irons, we begin to move up the bag to our driver and then back down with the few remaining balls.

Next time you practice try this. After warming up, simulate a round of golf. Envision your favorite golf course in your mind and play each hole. Hit the club you would normally play off the 1st tee keeping in mind the conditions on the range that day (wind direction, temperature, ect…). After your drive, play the next shot based on how your drive would have turned out. If your second shot would have hit the green, move to the 2nd hole. If not, hit the appropriate pitch or chip shot to the 1st green. Play 9 or 18 holes in your mind. After “the round,” go back and work on the shots that gave you the most problem.

By practicing in this manner, you can work through your set and get into the rhythm you will need and use on the course. Rarely do we hit the same club twice in a row on the golf course. By changing clubs with each shot, you will simulate your round and begin to be able to take your game from the range to the course.