Jump to content
2024 Houston Open WITB Photos ×

Practicing in the Winter


kobe123

Recommended Posts

All,

 

Fall/Winter is approaching here in Nashville, TN which means less time on the course. I'm trying to get in tip top form for some bigger AM tournaments next year. What are some ways to continue to hit balls/get better in the winter? I contacted Golf Smith to hit on their GC2 but they wanted $20 for 30 minutes which I thought was high. I have debated buying a skytrak.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks,

Kobe123

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 52
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

I started playing in a winter indoor league on simulators 4 years ago (this winter will be my 4th) and I think it has been the key to my accelerated improvement. First it helped me by keeping the swing going over the winter months, but it also taught me a lot about my game. Learned my true carry distances and collected a lot of data on my swing. I dropped my handicap significantly since I started and once you get used to the sims I think its wicked fun.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got AstroTurf, nets and a small radar (very poor man's GC2) to hit into. The radar estimates swing speed and distance and I get to hot every night for an hour so. Since I started I've found that my consistency in ball striking has improved so much.

 

Means I can do a 30 minute warm up prior to my rounds on a Friday and Saturday and I've found myself getting off to fast starts.

 

Obviously nets aren't ideal but for working on my swing it's been so good. If I have a dodgy round I can spend sometime in the evening figuring out what was off and then move on. Reps are the key for me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I purchased a Sky Trak and I have seen my scrambling improve a lot this year because that was the majority of my practice time was dedicated to. I also have seen better driving and ball striking this year. I practice 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 yard shots until I am sick of it. It really showed on the course this year!

 

I used to practice once a week, every weekend every Winter. It worked fine because ever since I started doing that, I was ready to play right away when the courses open and I did not waste the games I played. But having a ST at home, was really a huge change for me. Best golf purchase imo for my game.

 

I mean, I'll never be a PGA pro but I have never shot in the 70's this much, in my life. Safe to say, the first season of having a ST is the best season ever.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm in upstate N.Y. and snow is coming. I use my basement to practice during the winter months. I have a practice green and to practice full swings I use a Swing Power Fan.

 

I also schedule a few golf trips between skiing and snowshoeing.

TM SIM2 Max Driver

TM SIM2 Max 3 & 5

PXG 0311 XF Gen 1 4-W 

Titleist SM8 Black Wedges 48-54-58

Srixon Q-Star Tour 
2009 Custom Scotty Cameron Welded Neck 009 35/330g (with a slap of lead tape for sauciness)
“Check your Ego at the Club House and Play the Correct Tees”

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just buy a net and a piece of turf and crank up the Pandora.

 

I don't disagree with this, but I also don't want to practice bad habits. Would like to see some ball flight.

 

I’m in the Nashville area as well. I hit foam balls in my garage but it hurts more than it helps for me personally. My tendency is to be shoulder dominated so without seeing the ballflight I start opening my shoulders too soon. Even with video it can be hard tell how far I’m getting off.

 

Definitely need to either hit inside with a LM or just hit when it’s a warm enough to.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm in upstate N.Y. and snow is coming. I use my basement to practice during the winter months. I have a practice green and to practice full swings I use a Swing Power Fan.

 

I also schedule a few golf trips between skiing and snowshoeing.

 

Which practice green do you use? Do you use any practice aids and do they help if you do.

 

Thank You for any info you share

[email protected]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm in upstate N.Y. and snow is coming. I use my basement to practice during the winter months. I have a practice green and to practice full swings I use a Swing Power Fan.

 

I also schedule a few golf trips between skiing and snowshoeing.

 

Which practice green do you use? Do you use any practice aids and do they help if you do.

 

Thank You for any info you share

[email protected]

 

I bought a 15 footer Big Moss last year. I use it for putting and chipping. I have a putting arc that I use on the green.

 

For full swings I use the Swing Power Fan and I also use a Ledbetter Swingsetter. I have an Impact Snap that I'm planning on using this winter, it is nice for indoor training.

TM SIM2 Max Driver

TM SIM2 Max 3 & 5

PXG 0311 XF Gen 1 4-W 

Titleist SM8 Black Wedges 48-54-58

Srixon Q-Star Tour 
2009 Custom Scotty Cameron Welded Neck 009 35/330g (with a slap of lead tape for sauciness)
“Check your Ego at the Club House and Play the Correct Tees”

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How far away is Topgolf from you? Their rates are pretty reasonable and even though the balls are often limited distance they still behave about the same as regular balls. I am of course assuming they stay open all year. I would imagine that the bays would be heated if they don’t close for the winter.

[size=3]Titleist 913 D3 9.5 Diamana S+ 62 stiff[/size]
Titleist 915 F 3 wood, Diamana S+60 stiff
[size=3]Mizuno F-60 5 wood[/size]
[size=3]Mizuno MP-33 w/S300 stiff +1/2 by me[/size]
[size=3]Mizuno T7, 52 and 58 degrees[/size]
[size=3]Taylormade Juno TP  putter[/size]
[size=3]Titleist Pro V1 and V1x depending on what I find.[/size]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just buy a net and a piece of turf and crank up the Pandora.

 

I don't disagree with this, but I also don't want to practice bad habits. Would like to see some ball flight.

 

Very smart. It's amazing how even a small amount of incorrect technique can ruin your game in a very short time.

 

 

Which is why I would use my time putting and chipping. Then stretching and stsying in shape if I were in a snow state. I wouldn't evenbother with full shots.

 

Just buy a net and a piece of turf and crank up the Pandora.

 

I don't disagree with this, but I also don't want to practice bad habits. Would like to see some ball flight.

 

Very smart. It's amazing how even a small amount of incorrect technique can ruin your game in a very short time.

 

 

Which is why I would use my time putting and chipping. Then stretching and stsying in shape if I were in a snow state. I wouldn't evenbother with full shots.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just buy a net and a piece of turf and crank up the Pandora.

 

I don't disagree with this, but I also don't want to practice bad habits. Would like to see some ball flight.

 

I'm in the Nashville area as well. I hit foam balls in my garage but it hurts more than it helps for me personally. My tendency is to be shoulder dominated so without seeing the ballflight I start opening my shoulders too soon. Even with video it can be hard tell how far I'm getting off.

 

Definitely need to either hit inside with a LM or just hit when it's a warm enough to.

 

What's your home course?

How far away is Topgolf from you? Their rates are pretty reasonable and even though the balls are often limited distance they still behave about the same as regular balls. I am of course assuming they stay open all year. I would imagine that the bays would be heated if they don’t close for the winter.

 

It's about 10 minutes, but it's $40/hr for peak time and at that price I would rather just rent a bay at golfsmith on the gc2.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just buy a net and a piece of turf and crank up the Pandora.

 

I don't disagree with this, but I also don't want to practice bad habits. Would like to see some ball flight.

 

I'm in the Nashville area as well. I hit foam balls in my garage but it hurts more than it helps for me personally. My tendency is to be shoulder dominated so without seeing the ballflight I start opening my shoulders too soon. Even with video it can be hard tell how far I'm getting off.

 

Definitely need to either hit inside with a LM or just hit when it's a warm enough to.

 

What's your home course?

How far away is Topgolf from you? Their rates are pretty reasonable and even though the balls are often limited distance they still behave about the same as regular balls. I am of course assuming they stay open all year. I would imagine that the bays would be heated if they don’t close for the winter.

 

It's about 10 minutes, but it's $40/hr for peak time and at that price I would rather just rent a bay at golfsmith on the gc2.

 

Didn't golfsmith go out of business? Are there any indoor golf facilities around?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just find a range that it open all year, possibly with heated bays and keep hitting. There are a few ranges in my area that are open year round and I continue to practice throughout the winter. And still play unless the ground is snow covered as there are a couple of courses that remain open as well. At the very least you get to swing and keep in form, but don't expect to hit perfect shots or even ones that travel the same distance as the cold, and frozen ground, will affect your outcomes. Still fun though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just find a range that it open all year, possibly with heated bays and keep hitting. There are a few ranges in my area that are open year round and I continue to practice throughout the winter. And still play unless the ground is snow covered as there are a couple of courses that remain open as well. At the very least you get to swing and keep in form, but don't expect to hit perfect shots or even ones that travel the same distance as the cold, and frozen ground, will affect your outcomes. Still fun though.

 

You'd think there'd be a driving range with heated bays here in Nashville, but the only place is Topgolf, well the only one that I know of.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If a skytrak is possible. Count up the cost of one winters range balls, travel and time. Then buy a skytrak.

 

Enjoy hitting 10x the balls with no travel and less time. As well as all the other benefits.

 

Coupled with good lessons it will change your golfing life and probably make your real life more enjoyable too!

2014 Low 2.9
2015 Low 2.6
2016 Low 2.1
2017 Target 1.4
2018 Target 0.4
2019 Target +15
Current 0.2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just find a range that it open all year, possibly with heated bays and keep hitting. There are a few ranges in my area that are open year round and I continue to practice throughout the winter. And still play unless the ground is snow covered as there are a couple of courses that remain open as well. At the very least you get to swing and keep in form, but don't expect to hit perfect shots or even ones that travel the same distance as the cold, and frozen ground, will affect your outcomes. Still fun though.

 

You'd think there'd be a driving range with heated bays here in Nashville, but the only place is Topgolf, well the only one that I know of.

 

When I lived there it never really got so cold for so long that I couldn't play/practice in Jan and Feb. There was a 1 week period where the highest temp was 8 degrees or something like that, but then the week after it got up to the mid 40's and low 50's again.

 

If you have the right type of clothing being outside in 35-45 degree temps for 4 hours isn't bad assuming sun, no wind, and you keep moving (walk the course). Oh, and this statement is coming from someone who grew up in Florida.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Skytrak is a great entry point to home golf simulation, it got me hooked on it and have since moved on to the GC2+HMT. You can get a CPO Skytrak directly from Skygolf right now under $1,500. It's a great deal considering just the range software for other launch monitors can run $1000+

 

How important is the case for the skytrak? Trying to decide if it's worth $150.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Skytrak is a great entry point to home golf simulation, it got me hooked on it and have since moved on to the GC2+HMT. You can get a CPO Skytrak directly from Skygolf right now under $1,500. It's a great deal considering just the range software for other launch monitors can run $1000+

 

How important is the case for the skytrak? Trying to decide if it's worth $150.

 

It's worth the $150. I've never shanked a ball into it, but I've had a lot of balls rebound off the net into device. So I think it's worth it just for piece of mind.

 

That being said my 5 year old has shanked balls into the device, but I assume if you are contemplating not getting the case you don't have a 5 year old that will be hitting balls.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Skytrak is a great entry point to home golf simulation, it got me hooked on it and have since moved on to the GC2+HMT. You can get a CPO Skytrak directly from Skygolf right now under $1,500. It's a great deal considering just the range software for other launch monitors can run $1000+

 

How important is the case for the skytrak? Trying to decide if it's worth $150.

 

I have never shanked my unit myself but it is worth it. I have three friends how smacked the unit and thank God for the steel armor.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos
      Please put any questions or Comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Thorbjorn Olesen - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ben Silverman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jesse Droemer - SoTX PGA Section POY - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      David Lipsky - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Martin Trainer - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Zac Blair - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jacob Bridgeman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Trace Crowe - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jimmy Walker - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Daniel Berger - WITB(very mini) - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Chesson Hadley - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Callum McNeill - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Rhein Gibson - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Patrick Fishburn - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Peter Malnati - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Raul Pereda - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Gary Woodland WITB (New driver, iron shafts) – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Padraig Harrington WITB – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Tom Hoge's custom Cameron - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Piretti putters - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ping putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Kevin Dougherty's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Bettinardi putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Erik Barnes testing an all-black Axis1 putter – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Tony Finau's new driver shaft – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
       
      • 7 replies
    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies

×
×
  • Create New...