Finding the time

[ph_kingston]

I imagine like most golfers who want to improve their game and hold down a steady job at the same time, I'm struggling to find the time to put in the practice on the range and on the course. Subsequently my scores are currently getting higher rather than lower .

I'm sure it's simply a question of swing groove, muscle memory and confidence as my back nine scores and now consistently much better than the front (51 front, 44 back last time out). According to the score card the back nine is harder than the front.

I obvisouly don't want to take 9 holes to warm up and I always hit about 50 balls on the range before stepping on the first tee so that I'm not completely cold.

I was wondering if anyone has some ideas for practice away from the range and the course which might help? I live in an apartment building so no suggestions about a practice net in the garden please!

This reminds me of Ian's story about the jar, the golf balls and the beer!

Cheers

Paul

[Ian Hancock]

Re: Finding the time

Hi Paul,

Glad you like my story.


There was a thread ages ago about the guys in Canada who have terrible weather this time of year and can't even get to the range.

You can putt and chip at home all day long into the washing basket etc.....once you accept that this is a bit daft you can get really good at chipping from tight lies....etc.

I could chip three balls from anywhere in the house into a washing basket.......jokes aside this will really help your game, chipping and putting is the best way to lower your h/capp.


Putting into a light plastic cup is great, if you hit the putt at the right speed the cup should lift upright.


I'm sure everyone else can help with "house golf games"


Ian.

[LowPost42]

Re: Finding the time

I'll drop two coins in the TV room (Carpet) and chip with my PW, trying to land it on the one coin and stop on the next.

I'll do the same thing with putts - from one coin to the next. Or I'll put a box of balls - I'll drop one somewhere, then try to play billiards - bumping the first ball with the next. Then bump that ball. Then bump that ball. If I miss, I've got a new target. The only thing is that it's tougher to read carpets than greens.

Someone posted about hitting whiffle balls into a bedsheet - it may only work for your wedges (like @ my house), but you still get to crank your full swing and feel some contact.

I've even considered buying a hitting mat for just that purpose, so I can take a bit of a divot (although I've seen a hitting 'board' out there somewhere that's supposed to flex and simulate a divot) - then move the mat outside when the snow is gone so I'm not chewing up my lawn.

The other thing I do while I'm not getting out to swing clubs is stretch. Stretch abs, stretch legs, stretch arms, stretch everything. Technique and flexibility are what launches golfballs, not out and out strength.

[gord962]

Re: Finding the time

Something else I do in the Winter is similar to what Ben had said earlier. I pick targets around the house and work my way around with a wedge/iron/wood and putter. I try to hit the targets with my wedge and if I miss, I try to leave myself within 2 feet. I'll then putt up to the target for my 1 putt. Each time around I start with a different club (LW - driver) and eventually putt the whole way around. It gives me a great idea of how hard I need to hit each club. There is also some tight spots I have to work with (some balls need to go over and others under obsticals) to simulate punching from under a tree or going over a sprinkler head on the fringe.

[Mizunoman]

Re: Finding the time

I know where youre coming from ph, I have a 9 to 5 job and 3 kids. It all depends on your level of commitment to improving.

I make time in the mornings I go to bed a couple of hours early and set the alarm for 5.30. After getting it together and a quick breakfast I am out the house by 6 and i get about 90 minutes practice in at the local park before heading home to get ready for work and get the kids sorted.

You just have to arrange your free time a little better. I pretty much use any free time I have to practice.

Obviously you might not be able to do these things and indeed might not want to put in so much effort but you sound like you do. Dont make the mistake of over practicing. Sometimes when you are on the range you get a bit 'slaphappy' and lose focus hitting shots for the sake of it with no though and no intent. When this happens just down tools and go and collect your balls. Theres nothing more destructive than apathetic practice so beware of it.

Good Luck,

D.