Q & A Summary
Here’s a few of the questions and answers that came up in this session.
I play more than I practice but notice that my game is more on point when I spend time practicing. Can you describe an effective practice routine? How long? How often?
Your practice routine depends on your goals. If you are not in the habit of practicing, I would suggest this:
Practice more often (say 2-3 times a week) and in smaller chunks. When I’m practicing at the course, I like to divide my practice time into 20 minute chunks. If I had one hour to practice, I would spend 20 minutes on putting, 20 minutes on short game and 20 minutes on long game. If I am practicing at home, I would practice for 5-10 minute. It’s really amazing what just a little bit of time can do for your golf. For example, if you need to reinforce a new grip, it is best to do this at home so that when you are on playing you don’t have to think about it. Also, consider your habits. If you are not in the habit of practicing, what would make it fun for you? When in your day can you fit in practicing at the range? Can you recruit a friend? Can you set up your space at home for easy practice? I have clubs all over the house. What small things can you do to make practice more convenient? Also, remember to practice well. Practice makes permanent!
How do you prepare for a big match or tournament?
This depends on if I know the course or not. Let’s say I am preparing for the Club Championship. One of the things I might do to prepare is to play the course on the driving range. This prepares me for the types of shot and clubs I will need when I play. If I don’t know the course, I will play a practice round. One thing that I know a lot of amateurs do is to try to score when they play a practice round. This is a mistake. You will end up comparing your practice round play to how you play the course during the tournament. Instead, the practice round is to prepare for different scenarios. Hit different clubs. Chip an extra ball. Try the bunkers. Putt to parts of the green where you think the flagstick might be during the tournament.
The night before the tournament I like to go over my notes and the weather forecast. I’ll come up with a game play that includes what clubs I’ll hit on certain holes. Again, if conditions are very different the day of the tournament I’ll have to adjust. Tournament golf is a lot about adjusting to the current temperature, wind and course conditions. The greens might be faster or slower compared to your practice round. I’ll also prepare snacks. This is really important. You want to be sure to eat at least every six holes. I like to have fruit, half a sandwich, hard-boiled eggs or nuts. For example, if I tee off so I am on the course during lunch time I know I have to bring extra food.
How do you prepare the day of a tournament?
The day of the tournament I like to stretch/warm up my body before I get to the course. When I get to the course, I like to putt first and then hit. This is especially important if it is a cold morning as I want to be warm at the start of the round. I usually spend about 40 minutes warming up. If I spend to long I start to think too much and look at other players’ swings. My last shot at the range is the same club that I will use on my first hole. When I’m on the course, I’ll use my notes and game plan for the day but I adjust constantly to the weather, how I feel and the course conditions. One thing I’ve learned about myself is that I hit the ball 5-10 yards further on tournament days.
How do you talk to yourself from the first hole thru the last? What have you learned to be a successful strategy?
If I’m playing well, my tendency over the years has been to get ahead of myself. I’ll start to think things like “oh, if I par every hole that I have left I’ll shoot x score”. When that happens now, I catch myself and bring myself back to the present moment. It doesn’t always work, but I find it useful to have some strategies ready. The things that bring me back to the present moment is to focus on the shot at hand, talk to a playing partner or caddie, or simply look at the beautiful scenery.
My clubs are 5 years old. When should I consider getting new ones?
If your driver is 5 years old, you are due to get a new one. My driver is more than 5 years old and I know there have been improvements since I got that one. I don’t magically think I will find a lot of distance but the big difference is the forgiveness on off-center hits. Also, if you are going to spend the amount of money that a new driver costs, please consider getting fitted. Most places it doesn’t cost anything extra.
Your irons are probably ok for 10 years if you got fit for them when you bought them. If you have improved a lot, or changed your set up, I can see that it would make sense to get new clubs sooner. Another thing to consider is to get your grips on your clubs changed every year.
Do you approach match play any differently than stroke play?
Not really. We tend to not play a lot of match play here in the U.S. so my recommendation would be to review the rules pertaining to matchplay. They are a little bit different than stroke play.
The one thing I would say is different in terms of mind set when playing match play is that I always expect my opponent to hit a great shot when they are in trouble. It is easy to think you have won a hole before you actually have, and it is important in match play to stay calm and focused so you don’t make a mistake. Even if you do have a really bad hole, you can come back and win the next one.
That’s it for this summary! Hope you found it helpful.
Keep swingin’,
Rebecka