Long game 20 minutes
Rafa says: “On the range I start with my wedges to warm up, hitting the ball between 40 and 70 yards. Then I always use my putting mirror to make sure I set up square. I can check my shoulder and hip alignment and that I am setting up very neutral in respect to my target. I have it mainly as an alignment tool and also for some instant feedback on my takeaway. I check those things while I am making a few practice swings and I will hit the ball without thinking much about it. I then progress up through the bag – I’ll hit one short-iron, whether it’s a 9 or an 8, then a mid-iron and a long-iron. From there, I’ll hit either the 3-wood or the 5-wood and then finish off with the driver. If there is any particular shot that I want to practise, or sometimes if the first tee shot is a tight one or a tense one, then I might just want to imagine myself on the first tee. If it’s a 2-iron that I’m hitting then I’ll pull out the 2-iron, if it’s a 5-wood with a little fade then I’ll try to hit that a couple of times.”
Pro tip: The foundations of a good golf swing are laid at address, and that’s why Rafa uses the putting mirror (tilted towards him so he can see his body alignment). Another great way to check the basics is to lay two clubs or alignment sticks on the ground at right angles to each other, creating a T-shape. The shaft that is parallel to your ball-to-target line will help you check your body alignment, while the other one is a great reference for your ball position. Get used to using this set-up while you practise and you will cement some of the most important elements of a good technique.