The Best Way to Balance Golf Practice vs. Playing Time
Golf is not all about playing. Behind every suave putt and effortless swing, there is a ton of practice put outside the limelight. Rehearsal is the rockstar of the show. Countless drills for hours on end to get the desired results. Is there a Goldilocks spot for playing time and practice, though? Here you will learn the answer.
Training or Playing? Which One Should Be Done More Frequently?
First, you must assess yourself and reflect upon this notion: If you want to lower your handicap and improve your overall technique, should you simply play or practice more? It’s a tricky question, right? The answer will vary depending on whom you ask that question.
On the one hand, you can play properly, but you can also easily sacrifice practicing vital parts of your game while on the course. On the other hand, nonsensical repetition of bad-habit-ridden motions is no good either. What you should aim for is getting a bit of both, and seize the advantages each has to offer.
Concerning play time, the more you get, the more adaptable to contingencies you become. Different terrain, weather conditions, and types of grass, to mention a couple of the stumbling blocks you are bound to face when actually playing.
Yet, when you struggle with a particular kind of shot, it can be problematic to simply try to correct and perfect it in lieu. Too many people, few shots, pressure, and many other situations can enforce bad habits instead of ameliorating them. Here is where practice comes in.
Practice is key. It provides you that space you demand. You can squeeze in as many reps as you want to, and drill over and over again the weak sides of your game.
As with everything, there is a caveat, though. What turns good practice into bad practice is constant repetition without any type of active mistake correction on your part. Always ensure that for every faux pas, you try to find an alternative, better way of doing your job.
Returning to the quintessential question: Which one should be done more often? As you can appreciate, the answer to this is highly personal, as every person is different. Diverse personalities and necessities call for different measures.
Here is where you have to try to experience both. When you see that you spend too much time on the course, and always get stuck on the same part, it’s time to switch to the range. If you have been practicing all too much, and you feel something is missing, the course becomes what you need.
How Much Practice Should Be Done?
As you have certainly guessed, there is no right or wrong answer for this. But, in general terms, it is recommended to practice at least once a week at the range, and to play once a week at the course.
The key aspect of practice is that it builds confidence like no other. When you witness upgrades in your technique, that bestows you with a superior mental edge. However, repeating fixated errors can produce the polar opposite effect. Always stay aware of your actions while practicing.
Moreover, you have also got to consider hiring an instructor in case you haven’t already. Many proficient self-taught players can hold their own, but they eventually hit a wall. If this is you, once you hire a teacher to grow your basics stronger, that wall will easily be demolished.
Try following our guidelines for minimal practice, and later adjust them to your personal preferences or requirements.
How Much Playing Should Be Done?
Once again, highly personal. Although this boils down to your judgment down the road, we suggest starting off with a minimum of once-a-week playing time. You will notice major improvements if you spend more of your time at the range than on the course.
Rewards will be reaped by following this course of action. Nothing feels better than confidently walking up to where the ball is at and firing it away like it’s nothing.
Fewer shots and more grins. That is what you should expect if you emphasize on wise practice matched with great playing. Your confidence will be second to none.
Make sure not to lose momentum, though. Many golfers get cozy once results come their way. Don’t be this type of person. Frequently, it becomes harder to maintain your newfound skills if you let yourself go.
If you can make it to the course twice a week, you can use the first day as a build-up day, and kick it up a notch on the next one. Your handicap will get as low as a plane trying to fly under the radar. Visualize yourself succeeding, and you most likely will.
Why Is Playing Golf Hindering Your Performance?
The number of reasons can be considerable, but usually, the problem is having little practice time. Other reasons are lack of fundamentals practice, and not having the ideal instructor for you.
Practicing smart, not hard is the way to go. Working on your putting skills, and aspects like grip and posture are paramount.
In case your instructor doesn’t fit your playing style or personality, you can try out with different teachers to see which one suits you best. Once you found the one, it’s time to hone the skills that you can later take to the course.
When Are You Practicing Too Much?
On the opposite side of the spectrum, practicing too much can be bad for you as well. This is analogous to the thought process of overthinkers. They think too much but do very little. You can only practice for so long, but eventually, you have to muster the courage to put those skills to the test by doing “the real thing.” Double-check that every time you go to the range, you head one time to the course too.
Becoming a Master of Golf Is All About Balance
Becoming a master of golf is all about balance. Finding the perfect equilibrium between going over your fundamentals and putting them to work is your main objective to find success. Whether you are starting out, or you are a seasoned player, Back2Basics Golf has got your golfing needs covered. Go to https://back2basics.golf/collections/all.
