Practice Like You Play
There are many who say it, but few who truly understand what “practice like you play” means. When I teach, I help students think through each step so they can create a repeatable process that can be played out on the course. To help you get in the right mindset, bring a range finder to the tee to figure out distances, calculate wind (+ or – to the distance you’d like the ball to carry), and pick a true carry distance goal.
Try creating a game out of it (steps below and a live demo in the video) for practice implementing what you do on the course the next time you’re on the driving range—just like the pros do.
Goal of the game: Get to -5 before you get to +5 (take as many shots as needed)
Rules of the game:
- Pick one spot that is a double (+2)
- Pick one spot that is a bogey (+1)
- Pick a spot that is an easy par (E)
- Pick a spot that is a birdie (-1)
For each shot, go through your full pre-shot routine:
- Practice swings
- Breathing techniques
- Pick a start line
- Choose a shot shape
- Choose a trajectory
- Visualize the shot
This exercise is just one way you can change your game and move it the direction you want it to go! For more tips or customized instruction from a Dormie Network Institute instructor or your local Head Professional, contact any network club.
Trevor Salzman
Director of Instruction, Dormie Network Institute
tsalzman@dormienetwork.com
