DEVELOP A STRUCTURE FOR YOUR PRACTICE

Unlike low handicap amateurs and professionals who work hard to perfect their techniques during the off season, the average player tends to start picking up their game again after the winter break. This makes a realistic approach to how to make your season better than last year vital. Ideally, a few pep-up lessons with your coach are a must as this will offer you some valuable assessment and direction before the season gets too far in. But, to gain the most from your practice or early season play, set some realistic goals and disciplines. As a benchmark, I would suggest: • Try to practise twice a week at the range, hitting 60 balls per session. But don't just “ball bash”; break those 60 balls into 6 x 10 ball groups. • First 10: Simple warm-up shots: 5 x wedges & 5 x 8 irons • Balls 11-30: Make 20 swings working on your coach's recommendations. This is technical work, so focus on the movements you have been working on without any reference or concern for the outcome of the shots themselves. • Balls 31-50: Split these into 10 irons and 10 woods, working on swing rhythm and balance. • Balls 51-60: The final group could be working on ball-flight observation or simply winding the session down with wedge shots to various distances and targets.

Practising like this will offer a full programme of valuable feedback and help you learn what works best to get your game up and running.