Steve Martin

Just beating or flogging golf balls on the range doesn’t accomplish much, nor does it transfer well to playing golf shots on the course. Professional golfers would never just beat balls or hit putts without intention and complete focus so you should do the same and practice like you play.

The most important type of practice for learning and performance is playing golf shots. How do you play a shot on the course? First, you pick a target; second, you choose a club for the appropriate distance; and finally, you proceed through your pre-shot routine and then make a stroke at the ball. This is a very deliberate process indeed, especially when only one ball is in play. However, on the range there’s an unlimited amount of balls available to hit, and that’s where the intent and focus seems to get lost. In fact, you may just find yourself flogging balls instead of practicing like you play. So, to get the most out of your practice time, try these suggestions:

1. Always have a target in mind when practicing golf shots.

2. Make a game of it by alternating shots using different clubs and targets.
• For example, hit a driver to an imaginary fairway then hit a seven iron into one of the target greens. If the        shot is off line then hit a wedge as a pitch shot.

3. Keep your golf shot process simple, 1 or 2 swing thoughts only - anything more leads to undue swing tension.

4. Develop and practice your routine. At least 3/4 of your practice balls should be hit with your routine.

5. Limit your practice time; It’s better to be “golf shot intentional” for shorter spans of time, than forever “flogging” range balls to make things right.

Remember, even with practice, some golf days are better than others. Don’t be so hard on yourself and as the saying goes, "a bad day on the golf course sure beats a good day at work."