Perfect Practice Makes Perfect!
by Mike Parker
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 11:31am (PST)
We have all heard the saying "practice makes perfect". But that saying isn't completety accurate. It was legendary football coach Vince Lombardi who said "perfect practice makes perfect". The point is that we must not only practice, but practice correctly to see the desired results.
The practice range at Wolf Run Golf Club has been buzzing over the last few weeks. We have seen high school and collegiate golf team members, seniors, juniors, low handicappers and beginners. With such a diversity of players on the range and reading our blog, I wanted to offer some practice tips that will benefit players of all ages and skill levels.
I sat down with TJ Duncan, Wolf Run Vice President, and Chris Trevino, Wolf Run Staff Member/Professional Golfer, to discuss the topic of golf practice. Both TJ and Chris have played pro golf on tours around the country and have both participated in PGA Qualifying School. The following are a few important tips from two golfers who have put in many hours on the practice range and have seen the results!
1. First warm up! Flexibility is very important in the golf swing so be sure to properly stretch your big muscles…legs, back, arms and shoulders.
2. Develop and utilize a set pre-shot routine with every swing on the practice range just as you will with every swing on the course…this will help your swing function under pressure.
3. Spend as much time on chipping and putting as you do on the long game. The short game accounts for around 50% of your score, so give it at least 50% of your practice time. Additionally, don’t spend your allotted practice time only ripping away with your driver! While it may impress the player beside you on the range, you will only hit that driver 10 times per round…a small percentage compared to some other clubs in your bag.
4. Pay attention to ball flight and trajectory. Not everyone is going to hit it straight all of the time. Being aware of your tendencies will help prepare you for on-course play and will give you added confidence when you are standing over important shots.
5. Distance control is extremely important. Spend your practice time locking down how far you hit each club in your bag.
If you need help with practice planning, you can always visit Wolf Run or The Links at Kiley Ranch and chat with one of our golf professionals.
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