What’s a practice day??
This is something I really need to start doing to improve my game.

I try to mix it up, I play 9 holes once through the week in which I play 2 balls on every hole playing the worse shot. I also practice from 100 yards in twice a week 200 balls, then try to get 10 mins a day putting in the garden. Dropped 14 shots in the last two seasons with this approach.

Tosh,
I try not to inflict my practice regime, such as it is, on others...
Just groove my faults at my fav driving range - Have a coffee and a catch-up with the chaps and mooch off home.
As a system, it's never worked for me in terms of handicap, so why would anyone else be interested???
JT

Morning all,

I'm lucky as I finish at 17:30 each night & my local course is 20 minutes away, so in the summer I can at least get some good practice in the evenings & I play Saturday & Sundays. My other half is a nurse & she's on night shifts so it gives me more time to go out & play at this time of the year. For example, this weeks golf would go like-

Monday evening- Chipping & putting, 5 holes.
Tuesday evening- OFF
Wednesday evening- 150 yards in, & 5 holes
Thursday evening- 9 Holes, driving range for woods & driver
Friday evening- OFF
Saturday- 18 hole comp
Sunday- 18 Hole comp

That schedule can change & sometimes I end up playing more 9 hole rounds in the evening, as you said it can get very tedious on the range. I try to mostly work on my weaknesses, which at this time of the year is Chipping & putting so I focus on that during my evening rounds & tend to drop a few balls down when around the green (as long as I'm not holding anyone up).

Just keep plugging away, I'm lucky that I can get out so much on the course. So make sure you use your time wisely & have fun with it.

Will

Firstly, don't go to the range without a plan, or at least an idea of what to work on. Without that you're just hitting balls and it'll be boring and get you nowhere.

If I have something to work on I'll hit the range, but I'm rarely there in summer, it's more of a winter thing for me.

I'll spend an hour or so putting if I feel the putter hasn't been behaving. You'll pick up more shots with good lag putts than in any other area of the game I would say.

100 yards in, we have a dedicated practice green etc which I use a lot more than the range, with my 3 wedges. Accurate approach shots make the putting easier so again shots can be picked up here.

The main way I practice when all is going decent is just by playing on the course. There is only so much you can learn on the practice areas, and let's face it if you strike the ball well you always look good off a mat.

Now let's see that handicap tumble.

Where can I find a nurse ?

If Titleist did nurse's they would probably be the best in the world !

If I have a whole day to practice then I will do what I did on Saturday. Arrive 2 hours before my tee time and hit maybe 50 balls working on my swing.
I will practice my putting for 20 minutes then I will then work on my pitching and chipping for 30 minutes.
I go and get some food in the clubhouse and then get ready to go out and play 18 holes at Dunbar with 3 other guys.
Day well spent
Cheers
Blair

I don’t manage to get much time to fit in any time to practice other than a game on the course. I do keep telling myself I need to practice short game more and more and if I do go to the driving range I tend to use top tracer as it gives mire focus on trying to hit shots to a target

When I go to the range it is generally to dial my swing in. Once I’ve hit a few gentle warm ups, I start with the most lofted club I hit full shots with and concentrate purely on rhythm and tempo. I hit 5-7 balls with each club and progress through the bag.
For me, when my tempo is good my game is good and hitting only a limited number of shots per club really makes me focus - rather than pounding 20 or 30 with a single club and not being too bothered where they go.

Thanks boys,I need to get myself a good routine when I’m not playing for my handicap.

W. Bingham....nice practice sessions.....do you allow anytime for workouts, i.e.. stretching, building up your core, or cardio?

I haven’t but I have noticed I’m getting a bit stiff and sore by around the back 9 carrying the bag, could be time for the push trolley.

Tosh,
Funny, my bag starts to feel lighter around the 9th as the volume of M&S flapjack squares, lucozade and chocolate begin to go down and the bag weight reduces...By the 18th it's positively light.
JT
PS Nothing remotely healthy in my bag, thank you very much - I'm enjoying myself and therefore comfort eating is OK

Hi Jerry, yeah I got to the gym twice a week for cardio, mainly rowing as it’s good for the core, or so I’m told.

Chris Finch did some good videos on practice routines
Check them out on his YouTube channel
I’m sure Mark Crossfield will have that well covered

Tosh,

During the 'playing season' I'll only go to the range if I need to work on something or I know I won't be playing for a few weeks to keep swinging as I find just hitting balls without a purpose can let you groove something destructive. It would be 40 balls max before I quit. I haven't hit driver on a range since I tried the TS3 last year and that was after 4 month break since my 917 fitting.


I concentrate on my short game during the season, chipping in the garden and 60 yards in on the practice area at the club. Putting at the club and at home on the Putt Out mat and pressure trainer.


If you're having lessons then your pro can advise on what you need to practice, otherwise you probably know what you're doing right or wrong and can set yourself some drills.


In my opinion there is nothing better than to get out on the course and if you can play some additional shots on each hole.


Best of luck and let us know how you're getting on.


Ant

Tosh,
Getting more physically fit, like stretching and a bit of cardio is a better option than a trolley as it will improve your game as well.

Tosh,

To Add to my earlier reply.. Don't forget just checking your grip, or alignment, swing, or weight shift without hitting a ball is just as effective as hitting a ball. I check these in the bedroom mirror, using the lines on the floor tiles, and other checks.


Ant