Beginner Practice
(If you haven’t read my previous Starting from Scratch posts, I strongly suggest that you do)
Hopefully some of my suggestions have already helped you improve. By this time you should be on your way to developing a repeatable Iron swing. You should have a Putter that suits your swing. If you have begun playing courses, you’ll know which parts of your game are lacking.
Now it’s time to improve. Develop Practice routines that will truly make a difference. I have two practice routines that have made the greatest difference for my game. The first form of practice requires having a putting mat. I was given an old one by a friend. I usually take it out, and set it up in front of my TV screen. During commercials, or while watching the Golf channel I will occasionally sink a few putts. Over the length of a PGA broadcast I’ll easily hit 50 putts. The majority of my putts are from around seven feet. I will mimic distances I see pros attempt during a PGA event though. So if Sergio Garcia needs to sink a short five footer to save Par. Well so will I. This type of practice helps me accomplish two things. First of all it really helps me dial in my putting stroke. Secondly I get so used to seeing my putts roll in from seven feet. My confidence on the course when hitting putts from ten feet or closer is off the charts. Five feet or closer starts to feel like a gimme. Before I had the putting mat to practice on. Any putt outside of three feet had me nervous.
The second form of practice that has seriously lowered my scores is Chipping. Specifically short chips from about thirty feet or closer. Lets be honest as Beginners. No matter how perfect your angle to the Green may look. More often than not your approach shot isn’t going to end up on the Green. Being able to successfully chip one close to the PIN will make a huge difference in your final score. If you are able to get it close enough to give yourself a decent opportunity to one putt. You can turn a missed Green in Regulation to a solid Par. A lot of driving ranges will have a practice area for Chipping. If you don’t have a location that’s close, then just do what I do. Grab a couple of Wedges, and a few balls. Find a secluded spot in a nearby park. I live in midtown Toronto, and I’ve found parks within walking distance that had enough space for 50 yard Wedge shots. Granted I had to go early in the morning to hit 50 yards. I have practiced hitting flop shots over a park bench in the middle of the day. I even had my own little gallery of onlookers cheering me on. For the most part people aren’t offended by someone practicing their golf game. In most cases they’re interested. I even had a passerby help me with my ball position when hitting Flop shots. Just remember to be respectful of the space. Don’t risk hitting anyone or anything, and repair any divots you take.
Beginner’s guide to Golf
