By Mark Marshall,
PGA Professional at Lake Monticello
Now that we are into fall golf, it is a good time to begin working towards a better game in 2017. Naturally, any type of improvement will require an investment of time with quality practice. So step one is to dedicate some time to practice.
Quality practice must include several elements in order to reap real benefits. First, there must be skill-building time.
This is the time to work on basic fundamentals -the nuts and bolts of executing a golf shot. Second, is adding the element of pressure. The difference between playing golf and practicing is that of consequence. When playing, there is the consequence of score, out of bounds, hazards, and making short putts. Practicing without consequence takes the pressure away and makes for a completely different environment. Practicing with consequence gives you the opportunity to learn how you deal with pressure and how to improve under pressure situations.
The first thing that we can all improve on is putting. I would like for my students to own putts 6 feet and in. Putting accounts for forty percent of your overall score, and working effectively on the practice green can be time well spent.
The first part of your practice should be skill building with a drill called the string drill. All you need is 2 pencils (sharpened) and a piece of string. Wrap the string around each pencil. Select a straight putt of six feet. Stick one pencil in the ground on the opposite side of the hole and stretch the string taught and place the other pencil in the ground at the end of your intended putting line. Make sure the string is directly across the center of the hole. Place the ball directly beneath the string and begin practice. The string gives you a visual of the line and allows you to see your swing path and clubface. Each time you address the ball, make sure your eyes are over the string. Practicing this drill helps with the basic fundamentals of swing path and clubface alignment. This is your skill-building phase of practice.
The second part of your practice should be adding the element of pressure. This can be accomplished by playing the compass drill. Place 12 balls in a circle around the hole, a minimum distance of 3 feet to a maximum distance of 6 feet. The objective is to follow your pre-putt routine and make 12 in a row. If you miss, then you must start over. Selecting a distance that will challenge you to successfully complete is very important, because you improve putting under pressure when dealing with the struggle before completion. This will allow you the opportunity to work through the struggle and take positive action on your emotions.
Upon successful completion of this drill your will feel a real sense of accomplishment which will inspire you to practice more frequently. This “win” will also build confidence in tangible results. Placing the balls around the hole will allow you to experience a variety of different putts as you will encounter downhill, uphill, and breaking left to right, and right to left.
Note: To help hone your game, contact PGA Pro Mark Marshall at 434-589-3075.