I was at the driving range this weekend, and couldn't help spying on some of the events that were happening a few bays down. It was a classic scene: One golfer pumping another golfer with some extremely questionable advice. A few more bays down from that was another golf ripping drive after drive, with increasingly poor results.
It was a solid reminder of an ever-present truth: Average golfers, for the most part, are really bad at practicing. They don't have much time to work on the game, and then they waste the little time they do have.
Enter Brian Mogg, a Golf Digest Best in State Teacher, who shared a useful tip on Instagram recently about how golfers can structure their practice sessions — and instantly improve them in the process.
It's simple enough that any golfer can do it. Here's how.
We're not counting this one as a step, merely a precursor. First, you'll need to divide your golf balls evenly into three batches. It's pretty self-explanatory, but just in case: If you have a basket of 90 golf balls, organize them into three batches of 30 balls each. We'll explain why...
For your first batch, hit some wedge shots to a variety of different short range targets. 30, 50, and 75 yards. Alternate the target with each swing.
"Really work on rhythm and trying to hit your ball to specific targets," he says.
Once dialed-in your distance control, warmed yourself up and grooved some good rhythm for the day, take a moment for some technical thoughts. Dedicate your next batch of golf balls to doing drills and improving your technique, not worrying about the result.
"If you've got a couple of things you're working on, use this batch to do it," Mogg says.
And as for your final batch? Mogg says this is your time to get into game mode. Forget the technical thoughts. With these golf balls, start picking targets on the range, go through your pre-shot routine, and try to hit specific shots that you'll encounter on the golf course.
"Play golf," he says. "Try and hit a draw, try to hit a fade."
Divide your practice up so it's a third wedges, a third technical, then a third simulating what you'll soon encounter on the golf course, and your game will be better for it.
You can watch Brian's full video right here:
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