How To Effectively Use The Golf Practice Range

Every time I go to a golf tournament, the one place I will never forget to spend time at a golf driving range. It is interesting to see how professionals effectively use the golf practice range, and how the men and women who make their living by the golf competition practice their craft. What do they do differently? In reality, they do many things differently, some of which are extremely important.

1. Prepare before you strike your first shot. Be sure to dress properly, like shoes and golf gloves. Determine exactly what you will work on during each session, and by all means, stretch properly, not only before the first shot, but at regular intervals.

2. Do not begin with the driver! Begin with a wedge and work towards the longer clubs, ending the driver. This is necessary to correct any mistakes in your swing, so it is easier to repair as you build the length of your swing.

3. Take your time between shots. To effectively use the golf practice range, making each one of your shots count. Step back and analyze why you miss hit a ball instead of simply dismissing it. Change your target zones regularly because it will make you rethink your alignment and position of the ball. From time to time, set a club on the ground so that it touches your toes, so you can check back to see if you have aligned yourself properly. After checking, I know several times I was surprised how far my alignment was off.

4. Try to recreate the conditions on the course as much as you can while on the golf practice range. This may require a little imagination, but think of that area to the right of your target as out of bounds, or think water hazard on one or another of your target zone.

5. Concentrate! I was at the driving range with Tiger Woods and his caddy at Celtic Manor, and his focus was incredible. He did not interact with anyone else. This was true for all golfers while they were driving range. To effectively use the golf practice range, turn off the phone and do not socialize.

6. Above all, have fun. Make a game to being on the golf practice range. Challenge yourself to hit five consecutive shots within five feet of your target, or three drives to the left of an imaginary fairway, then three to the right, then three down the middle. With a little imagination it can be almost as much fun as being on the golf course.

By: Sean OKelly

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I hope I've given you a few thoughts on how you can make your practice time on the golf practice range more productive, and more fun.  For more techniques to help your game both on the driving range and at home, please click HERE.  Also, by clicking HERE you can take a look at Dave Johnson's 50 page guide to play golf for free.  Sean O'Kelly is a writer living in London and a long-time golf enthusiast.