I love golf. But I want to be better at it. I'm a competitive guy, especially with myself, so sucking at golf can be a real struggle for me. Thanks to THP, I've become even more passionate about golf. I sought out lessons for the first time last year, and with just four simple swing lessons, I was consistently shooting my best scores ever (88-93 range). Then I herniated a disc. Stubbornly, I kept trying to play, which only further screwed up my muscles and my swing. I ended last year and began this year struggling to break 120--suddenly, my passion made me miserable. I took lessons to fix my problems, but they only got worse (I had been coming OTT, and yet my coach was having me take my backswing even further inside...). I switched coaches, who helped me sort things out, and I've watched a lot of Eric Cogorno to get "feel" drills on some of the issues I've had. I'm back shooting in the 98-103 range and enjoying golf again. Now, though, it's time to take it up a notch. I realize skill level plays a significant role in one's handicap, but I want to reach my fullest potential--whatever that may be. So, I want to hear what it is you all do to improve? How do you practice, and how often do you do so? What have you discovered is the most effective use of your time?
I'll start. My practice generally consists of four components: (1) a swing lesson every 2-4 weeks; (2) some feel drills at home; (3) range time; and (4) practice greens.
I have mixed feelings on lessons because, through my brief experience (3 coaches), I realize how important it is to find the right coach for you. My first coach was amazing; he diagnosed swing issues quickly, gave me feel drills to work on, and understood my physical limitations (I lack flexibility in my shoulders). But I have also seen a ton of value of getting your swing on camera. I often do not realize what I'm doing until I see it, so I try to get in at least once a month.
When I was striking the ball especially well last year, I worked almost daily on drills to keep my lower body quiet and proper sequencing of the downswing. Now, I'll work on feel drills one day, and then 3 weeks will go by before I do any again. This is a place I can pick it up.
I hit the range now more than I have ever done in the past. I try to get in at least two range days a week. On the range, I'll hit between 100-200 balls, starting with my shortest club. I'll hit each club until I feel I've found a groove. When I get out of sync with any club, I put it down and put some easy swings on my GW. I've learned that the longer the club, the quicker I get at the top, yanking the club down with my hands--I've seen over and over on video the number of times I'll stand a driver straight up on the downswing. As I get towards the end of my bucket, I'll try and go through and end on a "good one" with each club.
I usually have designated times for just short game practice, working for a good hour or two. This is actually my favorite part of the game. But as I've tried to find my swing, I've slacked off big time in this area, and it is hurting my scoring big time. When I do practice, I'll bring three balls with me. I'll throw them all over, trying to give myself random lies. From there, I try to get each ball up-and-in. I'll play the first and putt it out before moving on to the second. The only time I'll dump a bunch of balls in the same area is in the sand--in part because I'm lazy, and in part because I need the reps. Then I'll to the actual putting green, and I'll start with 3 lag putts, trying to get them all in two strokes or less. I'll end by dropping each ball around the hole between 4-6 feet. Once I have made all 3 in a row, I'll move to the next hole until I've successfully completed them all.
How about you guys?
I'll start. My practice generally consists of four components: (1) a swing lesson every 2-4 weeks; (2) some feel drills at home; (3) range time; and (4) practice greens.
I have mixed feelings on lessons because, through my brief experience (3 coaches), I realize how important it is to find the right coach for you. My first coach was amazing; he diagnosed swing issues quickly, gave me feel drills to work on, and understood my physical limitations (I lack flexibility in my shoulders). But I have also seen a ton of value of getting your swing on camera. I often do not realize what I'm doing until I see it, so I try to get in at least once a month.
When I was striking the ball especially well last year, I worked almost daily on drills to keep my lower body quiet and proper sequencing of the downswing. Now, I'll work on feel drills one day, and then 3 weeks will go by before I do any again. This is a place I can pick it up.
I hit the range now more than I have ever done in the past. I try to get in at least two range days a week. On the range, I'll hit between 100-200 balls, starting with my shortest club. I'll hit each club until I feel I've found a groove. When I get out of sync with any club, I put it down and put some easy swings on my GW. I've learned that the longer the club, the quicker I get at the top, yanking the club down with my hands--I've seen over and over on video the number of times I'll stand a driver straight up on the downswing. As I get towards the end of my bucket, I'll try and go through and end on a "good one" with each club.
I usually have designated times for just short game practice, working for a good hour or two. This is actually my favorite part of the game. But as I've tried to find my swing, I've slacked off big time in this area, and it is hurting my scoring big time. When I do practice, I'll bring three balls with me. I'll throw them all over, trying to give myself random lies. From there, I try to get each ball up-and-in. I'll play the first and putt it out before moving on to the second. The only time I'll dump a bunch of balls in the same area is in the sand--in part because I'm lazy, and in part because I need the reps. Then I'll to the actual putting green, and I'll start with 3 lag putts, trying to get them all in two strokes or less. I'll end by dropping each ball around the hole between 4-6 feet. Once I have made all 3 in a row, I'll move to the next hole until I've successfully completed them all.
How about you guys?