Three things to do this winter to get better

It’s easy to see the British winter as a real pain with its cold weather, poorer course conditions and winter greens slowing down our development as golfers. But I believe winter can be a very valuable and helpful time that can help us improve as golfers. Here are three key reasons why winter golf can make us better. By Steven Orr

1. MAKE SWING CHANGES

Most of us know there are things we need to improve but we struggle to commit to making changes in the summer because we’re playing competitive golf. Every weekend, that club medal comes around and we fall back to the familiar – even if we know it isn’t helping us improve. But in the winter, we can follow through without having to worry about making a score at the weekend. Work indoors and outdoors on what your coach has asked you to do. Practising in front of a mirror at home is really helpful, too.

2. IMPROVE YOUR PUTTING

The putting green at your club is probably slow and bumpy – if it’s not closed to protect it. But you can still improve your stroke by setting up an eight-foot putting station at home. Practise this straight putt four times a week for three months and you’ll be amazed at how much you can improve your technique and putting results.

3. LEARN A NEW SHOT

Fun rounds of golf in the winter are a great time to work on new shots. Shots that you know would help you become a more-rounded player and shoot better scores but you’d never try with a score on the line. For example, a punch shot into the wind, a high draw with your driver or a low spinning wedge. Take some instruction from TG and your local pro and use the course as a learning playground rather than putting a score together. Use your imagination and be creative. Try, try and try again until you develop those new shots.