Effective Golfing Practice
Just as you don't wake up one day and decide you will be a pianist and perform at Carnegie Hall that night; you don't wake up one day, decide you will be a golfer, and join the PGA tour.
Golfing takes practice. This involves more than the time spent in game play. Even Tiger Woods must practice to hone his skills. Since most golf enthusiasts aren't Tiger, you can see why practice is imperative.
A good golf game doesn't necessarily start and end on the course. The golf course is where you should spend the majority of your time practicing but more than that, you need to be prepared both mentally and physically. This is where consistent practice comes in.
The Elements of Good Golf Practice in Three Stages:
Warming Up Your Golf Muscles
This consists of stretching the muscles you will use for golfing. This means all of them. If you are unsure of which stretches to do, invest in a good DVD or book that describes the elements of good stretching. A decent stretch routine performed at the beginning of every practice session and golf game will prepare your muscles and protect them from injury.
Problem Areas and New Positions
After stretching is a good time to work on those areas you need to work on the most. Be patient with yourself. If you are putting the ball in the bunker more than the hole, your drive's power and accuracy are to blame. Work on your drive. Keeping to a disciplined schedule of practice, your golf game will not only strengthen and improve, you will develop muscle memory. Watch a dancer move across a stage and you will realize they aren't always thinking about their next move. They don't have to think about it because after hours of practice, their body remembers what they are supposed to do next. It is the same with golfing. Focus on your problem areas with diligent discipline and you will be rewarded.
Tired but Capable
You have done your stretching and worked diligently on your weakest areas. Now is the time to work on the areas you excel in. There is always room for improvement. The fatigue stage is best for this because your body is accustomed to these particular moves and can practice more efficiently even in a tired state than it would with a new technique. This will also give your body time to relax and cool down as it moves through postures to which it is accustomed.
Special Equipment for Practice
As mentioned above, there are DVD's available to help you improve your golf techniques. Other tools may include weighted clubs, simulators or hiring a trainer.
Take the necessary steps to improve your swings and putts and golfing will soon be second nature.