I am always amazed and mesmorized by watching golfers on the practice tee. I have come to the conclusion, after many years of watching players practice, that there are two types of people on the range….the ones that are trying to practice what they’ve been taught and those that simply are there to entertain themselves. I can tell you this…some can certainly entertain ME! But HEY….there is nothing wrong with people entertaining themselves at a golf range…as long as they know that is their purpose for being there.

If you are a more serious player and REALLY want to improve, your practice sessions should have a purpose. The serious student should have a written schedule of what he/she is going to practice. In planning practice time, the player should concentrate on what he/she and his/her professional have agreed needs the most work. The student has a definite WHAT to practice.

The schedule may include the short and long game, specific shots, remedial work, physical and psychological training, playing and information gathering. (Getting better at golf is more than just getting better at striking the ball.) Have you ever watched a professional golfer practice a pre-shot routine for an hour without ever hitting one shot?! I have. Now that’s discipline and that’s what really serious players will do.

A practice schedule for someone contemplating a career in golf or who is training for national-level competition should be more specific than a recreational golfer. For other serious golfers with more modest objectives, or more serious time restrictions, consider exactly how much time you have to practice and make that time very worthwhile. Having a specific purpose during your practice is imperative. For example, if your purpose is to go to the range and practice 40 yd. pitch shots, then that is what you DO. No interruptions, no change of game plan. Decide before you leave home. WHAT IS YOUR INTENT AND WHERE IS YOUR ATTENTION!?

Goal-less practice is worse than no practice at all because it builds a cavalier approach to the game. Do you really want to improve your game? Then practice with a purpose! The improvement will show in your game.

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