I suggest a routine.
Having a consistent practice routine can create a lot of confidence, not only consistency, but also a well balanced approach. I often see amateurs take little to no swings with the irons before they jump to the woods, in particular the driver. Most are drawn in to the power of the driver. They want to hit the ball far and hard! This type of a routine leads to even worse play on the course. It is better to not practice at all. Hitting the driver takes balance and control, and in most cases, those ideas are thrown out the window in an amateur's search for huge drives. You can achieve the balance and control necessary to hit the driver with a proper practice routine.
Here is what I suggest for a typical practice routine with a bucket of about 60 golf balls:
1. Start with a warm up:
- Often amateurs start with stretching. This can be bad because you can actually pull a muscle. Warming up the muscle with movements is the key to getting better control over your body. This will also allow your muscles to become a bit more flexible. start with smooth practice swings, slowly increasing speed.
2. Start with pitch shots with the sand wedge (5 swings):
- Not the most fun of course, but you need to practice this shot anyway, and this will help your muscles get warmed up as you transition to the full swing.
3. 3/4 shots with PW (10 swings):
- The Pitching Wedge is often a club that amateurs can hit with confidence. It will also be one of the most used clubs during a round of golf. It is best to get used to it.
4. Full swings with an 8 iron (15 swings):
- By this time you are pretty loose. For the more advanced players, this is a great time to start practicing "working the ball" to the left and right. The PW has so much loft it can be a more difficult club to work the ball. With less loft on the 8 iron, this club will work the ball quite easily.
5. Full swings with 4 iron (10 swings):
- Long iron play is essential to the game and even though most are scared of hitting the long irons, it is better to face the fear on the practice tee rather than the course. Remember to swing within your self (not too aggressive), because your mistakes will be exaggerated with the long irons and swinging a little easier will help eliminate some potential mistakes.
6. Full swings 3 wood (10 swings):
- Most would jump straight to the driver from the 4 iron, but I recommend at least 10 swings with the 3 wood, because most amateurs will use this club more often than the driver. They are also more confident with the 3 wood because it is easier to hit than the driver.
7. Full swings with the Driver (7 -10):
- You will be very warmed up and well into the practice routine. This is ideal because the desire to hit it far can cause muscles to get pulled, sprained or torn. Hitting the driver this late into the routine will greatly reduce the odds of injury. You will also be a little tired, therefore allowing you to swing a little easier helping you hit better shots.
8. Wrap-up, 8 iron:
- I like to finish the last few shots with an 8 iron. I do this because I always want to put the driver back in the bag after a great drive. If I hit 5 good drives, then I jump right to the 8 iron. I do this because the 8 iron is easy to hit and finishing the routine on good shots that are easy, build confidence before a round.
Try this routine, or one similar next time you hit the practice tee and I am certain you will experience less injury, better shots, and more confidence.
