subject: Build Your Golf Training Routine [print this page] Proper training is an important factor in improving your game. An often overlooked aspect of golf training is the short game. Extra time at the range hitting the long ball is a blast; nothing will improve your game more than spending you time working on shots ranging less than 100 yards.
With any training regime, it is best to build a routine, and stick to it. Commit to spending as much time working the short game as you do the long game. If you have two hours to spend at the driving range, commit to spending an hour on the putting green.
Do not neglect approach shots either, or chip shots and or shots out of the sand. A long, arrow straight drive is a thing of beauty to watch, but an accurate chip shot will save two-puts and win matches. When training, it is best to simulate real world conditions. Sure, you could rake the sand perfectly smooth for each and every practice shot and place ball gently on top, but that will never happen on the course. Toss the ball straight up in the air to simulate the dreaded fried egg flop. Set your practice shots up right against the wall of the sand trap practice high angle outs, or the smart shot off to the side.
Has it been a while since the grass was trimmed somewhere? Practice saving your game from the cabbage. Just because you cannot spend all of your time at the driving range does not mean you can practice. If you spent an hour at the driving range this morning, then you owe yourself an hour of short game practice. Take a bucket of balls to the local park and practice chipping from the tan bark, or the untrimmed edges of the grass.
Quite possibly the most import part of your golf training should be training your putter swing. More matches are lost on the green than any other part of the course. When on the putting green, be sure to practice puts from a variety of distance; from a few inches to thirty or forty feet. Practice putting uphill, downhill and cross slope.
It is also important to remember that you can practice at home as well. There may be a part of the garden that a few deep chips will not hurt. You can let the back yard go without mowing an extra week and practice short, gentle chip shots without hurting the turf.
To make your golf training effective remember that there is no substitute for regular practice. Four hours at the driving range on a Saturday is great, but you would be better off with three one-hour sessions through the week. Most important, enjoy your time. Golf is no fun if becomes work.
