I can’t remember the last December in Raleigh, North Carolina that was this mild with the weather. Rarely have we had a brutally frigid day. This is great if you can get out to practice your golf game and play on the golf course. Remember, as your time is valuable with the weather and shorter days, be sure to work on every aspect of the game.
How can you do that?
What If you only had 1 hour to practice?
Start with putting and move up to your driver. Here is the plan.
10- minutes on putting: Either working on your stroke from short range for centered hits and a square face or lag putting for speed and line.
10-minutes on chipping: Use 1 club from 3 different distances. Work on hitting a certain spot and less about the total result
10-minutes on pitching: move over to the range and pick out 3 different yardages to land shots to. How crisp you hit it is the most important. Work on contact. Also this doubles as your full swing warm up
10-minutes on hitting: Pick 3 different clubs and hit 5-6 balls with each. Again, focusing on contact and not so much on mechanics.
10-minutes “playing”: play your favorite 9 holes in your mind. Pick a solid target and work on pre- shot routine and alignment.
10-minutes of your pick: wherever you struggled this year put some extra time in on that area.
Remember, the average player is practicing on a limited basis in the winter so you need to hit all main areas so you are ready when you get the chance to play. Also, you won’t be so rusty come spring.
Keep practicing and grinding everyone. It only gets easier!
Brian Ondrako is a PGA Certified Professional and teaches golf at Wildwood Green Golf Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information on golf lessons or to contact Brian please click here