Working hard on your game is obviously crucial to improving as a golfer, but if you really want to get better, you need to practice smart.
Amateur golfers the world over are constantly reading golf tips online in an effort to lower their handicaps.
- Read also: The five best tips to help golfers get to scratch as quickly as possible from someone who’s done it
However, something that’s not often explained to the masses is how to get better with limited time available to actually practice.
Amateur golfers clearly don’t have the same amount of time to work on their games that professionals do.
So here are three key tips regarding how to practice smart on the driving range, if you want to lower your handicap, of course.
Get your handicap down when you only have one hour to spend on the range
The key to improving as a golfer and lowering your handicap is to use your time wisely.
So, as someone who was a plus four handicap and played on the professional mini-tour circuit in America, here are the three key things you need to be focusing on if you have just one hour to spare at the range.
Firstly, alignment is arguably the most important aspect of consistent driving and iron play.
You can have the best swing in the world but it will mean nothing if you are not aiming correctly.
You can buy yourself some alignment sticks or simply lay down two of your irons.
One needs to be lined up with your feet, while the other along the line of your shoulders. Make sure that your feet and your shoulders are parallel with the sticks on the ground, and have them aimed at a very specific target.
Hit balls to your chosen target for 15-20 minutes with a mid-iron, let’s say a 6-iron for argument’s sake.
If you repeat this process regularly, your ability to aim up correctly on the golf course will improve through muscle memory and, of course, having the experience of what being lined up properly feels like.
Secondly, let’s take a look at focusing on the tempo or rhythm of your golf swing. This is something that is in no way technical and can even be done without a golf ball.
A smooth and slow takeaway will allow you time to complete your shoulder turn and your backswing, before unloading down to and on through the impact position.
It is usually recommended that a 2:1 ratio is perfect for the backswing and the downswing. If you get a chance, just watch this one minute video of Ernie Els swinging the golf club before you go to practice.
Remember, slow and smooth on the way back before ripping through the ball as hard as you can on your downswing.
Focus on mastering one specific shot to lower your handicap
The key to becoming a very good golfer, or least maximizing your potential, is having one stock shot which you can rely on.
Whether that’s a high fade, a low draw or even a straight ball is irrelevant. You absolutely must have one golf shot which you can trust.
It is usually best practice to work hard on the shot which comes naturally to you. Don’t fight it, but rather embrace it.
If you slice the ball off the tee, work on hitting the fade. If your natural shot is a hook, try and master a slight draw. There are small modifications you can make to tighten up your ball flight.
This links back to alignment. If you’re hitting a slice, there’s a good chance your shoulders are aimed further left than your feet are and vice-versa if a hook has crept into your game.
Ensure that you are more squared off, so to speak, with your feet and your shoulders. The best way to check this is via video or a mirror.
Once you know your setup is correct, you can then swing naturally. Whatever ball flight you have, learn to work with it and use it on the golf course to your advantage.
Try to follow these three key principles on the driving range and you should lower your handicap in no time. It worked for me, and it can work for you too.
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