Probably one of the most common problems golfers face is finding the time to practice. When they do find time how should they practice to get the most benefit. I am asked all the time “how much should I practice, how do I practice, or what do I practice. Seems to me a state of confusion is certainly happening with many golfers.

One thing is for sure you should have a practice goal in mind before you even step foot on the range, putting green, or chipping green. Evaluate the state of your game so you can identify which area needs your attention the most. Once this is done, schedule a lesson, or work on that particular area. For example, if you are struggling with you chipping, don’t spend 80% of your time on the driving range! You would be surprised at how many people actually will do this ! When you arrive to the chipping area simulate real course conditions. What I mean by this is you can toss 5 golf balls in an area, play the ball as it lies, chip each ball then see if you can convert the putt. If you can get the ball up and down 50-75% of the time your scores will plummet.

When you go to the driving range, again simulate course conditions. Pick a specific target that will be your fairway. I can’t tell you how important it is to always have a target for every shot struck on the range. When you play the course every shot is at a target and you need them struck towards a specific target during practice. Even when you are working on swing positions, have a target you are hitting towards. Simply swinging away will accomplish nothing at all.

Give these simple stategic practice thoughts a go and see how it will help you.