Practice Routine

[Charlie_Foxtrot]

For a newbie/high handicapper

I need some opinions about good practice routines. Although not entirely accurate, for purposes of this post, it's safe to assume that I'm new to the game.

I have a great instructor that I see once every 2 weeks, and my next lesson will be my third. We work on one small change per week, which lets me focus. First week was a better grip (it helped) and last week we started on the swing itself (working to keep the club square at impact.)

Now I'm looking for a good, sustainable routine that will progress me, but also not burn me out.

I have easy access to a driving range and a nine hole course, so after work practice is completely doable.

Right now, I try to hit the driving range 3 times per week (hitting 200 - 300 balls per visit, and working up from my 9 iron to my driver) and play at least one nine hole round (preferably more) per week.

I also want to do some reading, but I am concerned that I may "clutter" my brain and screw up what I should be working on per my instructor's recommendations. (For example, a lot of people have recommended "Every Shot Must have a Purpose") So I can't decide if I should stick with a "1 step at a time" approach, or if "what can it hurt" is really the right way to go.

If any of that made sense, I'd appreciate your thoughts.

[jcjr34]

I am by no means an expert like the rest of these folks on this forum site, but actually the clubs after the 9i (PW, SW, etc) are the most critical clubs to lowering your score. You can practice chipping from anywhere that has grass.. My .02 :cheesy:

[dorfblee]

Hitting 200-300 range balls per visit is a lot . . . how does your swing hold up when you pass 100 balls?

 

The more tired you get the more "junk" can enter your swing.

 

If you are confident in the lesson plan your pro has set out for you, stick to that. Don't worry about reading up on tips, etc.

 

As far as practice goes, do whatever the pro had you work on from the previous lesson. And putt a lot.

 

Drop a few balls near the practice green and see how many times you can get up and down out of 10. Don't just pull a repeater and chip a million balls at one target. Take your time with it- make it like you playing. This is where you'll drop shots on your scorecard the fastest.

 

$.02