How to Practice

I work at a driving range. Half the facility is reserved for the general public while the other half is members only. A large percentage of those members are high schoolers who attend private schools. They consistently have access to some of the best coaches in the area, as well technology that provides instant feedback. They’re at the facility a couple of hours a day, at least, and most, from what I’ve observed, are excellent players. I won’t tell you how much it costs.

The majority of golfers don’t have that privilege—more specifically, that kind of time—to work on their games. Instead, it’s 15 minutes here, 30 minutes there. Here’s how to make the most of it.

At the Course

Let’s assume you’re cutting it close and you only have about 15 minutes before you tee off. Best thing to do: putt. Find the putting green and work on making 5-footers. Pick one hole and hit similar length putts from different angles. Once you feel comfortable, do the same thing with 10-footers. You don’t have to make every single one. The goal is to loosen up your hands and get comfortable.

If you have time to spare, try hitting some lag putts from 25-30 feet. Again, don’t think about making the putt. From this distance, the goal is to assure a 2-putt. Imagine a 3-foot ring around the cup and try to get inside it. This time, you’re working on your pace, trying to get a good feel for the greens. Golf is mostly played from 100 yards and in, so if you can get your putting down before the round, you’ll be able to make up strokes on the course, even if your swing is out of tune.

At the Range

Let’s assume you have 45 minutes to hit golf balls. Save yourself money and get the smallest bucket you can. Grab a wedge from your bag and hit 3-5 shots, beginning with simple pitches and working up to ½, ¾, and full swings. Try to build confidence with a club in your hand that’s easy to hit and remember to take a few deep breaths between shots. It’s not a sprint.

From there, move on to an 8-iron. Same thing, 3-5 shots, gradually building to a full backswing, remembering not to rush between shots. Continue the same process with 6 and 4 irons. With whatever time you have left, repeat the cycle beginning with a wedge then move on to 9, 7, 5, and 3 irons. Save the driver for the end of practice, since it’s one of the least used clubs in the bag. Always pick a target.

(FYI: I learned most of this routine from my own lessons growing up. I’m not positive, but I also may have stolen a few tips from a Tiger Woods book I read a while ago. Just know, it’s coming from somewhere.)