From The Practice Range To The Course, Playing Your Best
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 11:46AM “I am hitting the ball well on the range, but I just can’t seem to take it to the course.”
This is a common statement made by golfers who are working on their games and trying to improve.
During this improvement process, most players find practicing a new swing very rewarding. As their old habits fade away they start hitting better shots and building confidence. Unfortunately this type of success is common on the driving range but is less common on the golf course.
Why does this happen? If a swing change really is correct, why doesn’t it work right away on the course?
This is because the driving range is a very different environment from the golf course. On the range there are no hazards or trees, no bunkers and no OB markers. The range also has an endless supply of golf balls, so bad shots are quickly forgotten. On the course you are playing along side other golfers and you only get one attempt at a given shot.
In order to stream line this process of improvement you will need to think differently about the changes you wish to make.
First, be sure to practice any new ideas only on the driving range. Let your skill level improve with the new swing so that your confidence and knowledge in the change become real. Once these changes have taken hold, try them by yourself on the golf course. This will give you the opportunity to play in a positive environment while getting used to the changes.
Second, if you do play in a match or in any type of competition commit to a scoring mentality. This means using a swing with which you are familiar and trusting your short game to make up for any loose shots. Focus on your routine and target while purposely keeping your mind off swing mechanics.
These two ideas will eventually merge together, but for now separating them will give you the best chance of scoring low in the short term and raising the level of your game for the long term.