Why do you practice golf? To look good on the driving range now — or do better on the golf course later? Probably the latter. And if you have as much time as most of us in this day and age, you should make those precious workout sessions really count.
Finding time to exercise isn’t always easy, so it’s important to do it efficiently and effectively. Lucky for you, that’s something I’ve spent years researching and cultivating. See below for three things to practice for successful training, directly from my Train2Trust program.
3 keys to a good workout
1. Practice as you play
If what you learn and practice won’t stick and transfer to the golf course – why bother? The goal of context clarity is a good place to start. Essentially, it means that when your practice looks and feels like a real round of golf, it will transfer to the “playground.” And if it looks small and sounds like a round of golf (or a competitive round of golf), it will convey a little.
So the next time you practice, consider adding nine simulated holes to your regime. Create imaginary fairways for shortcuts, target widths to represent the center of the green and holes on the practice green to stick to.
When you do this, take only one shot at each target, just like when playing. Go through all your before and after shots, and even hit shots from bad lies. If your practice mimics what you see in class, it will transfer better once you get out there.
2. Always get feedback
It’s hard to grow, learn or improve on anything without feedback. How do you find yours when you practice? Sure, the golf ball itself tells the story, but are you taking accurate, relevant and timely feedback from reliable sources?
Consider a 2D video (an oldie but a goodie) that you can make with a phone and a tripod. Make sure you (or your coach) do an accurate diagnosis and evaluation of your golf swing so you know what to look for. There’s a lot of cause and effect as to why a golf ball reacts the way it does, so you should have a clear idea of both possible mistakes and helpful remedies.
There is no substitute for a skilled and experienced instructor. Someone who knows your swing, your tendencies and your patterns. We all respond differently to different types, but the best teachers identify what “floats your boat,” and then feed accordingly.
3. Set results
The game itself is full of consequences. Sadly, when recreational golfers practice, there is often little effect. So how are you supposed to shift gears and feel the stress from the results, if you’ve never practiced?
That’s why it’s important to add results to your workouts. Play a friend for some money or bragging rights. Fill your habit with some form of punishment for failure. How about playing nine holes with just one golf ball? You lose it, you go straight to the classroom. There are many options here.
