Golf Tips - How to Practice Golf Effectively

No matter how many books you read, videos you watch on YouTube, or DVDs that you watch on TV, your game will not improve if you don't practice. One mistake golfers make is they think spending time on the driving range pounding balls is all it takes to improve their game.

First of all get loose. A weighted club can help a lot. If you don't have one or can't afford one, take a few slow swings while holding 2 or 3 clubs. You can also pick up a weighted doughnut that will slide over the shaft of the club for a few bucks. You also need to stretch for a few minutes. If you pull a muscle you are done for the day and maybe the week or longer.

After loosening up you are ready to hit some shots. Some say hit short irons first and other say hit the driver first. In my opinion, hit a few drivers first. This gets your swing nice and wide. Don't focus on your driver, just hit about 5 to 10 shots to get you used to swinging big and wide.

Once you have your feel for the wide arc, move to your short irons. Pick the club you hit best from your pitching wedge to 7 iron. You want to get your confidence up so hit a few shots with the club you are most comfortable with.

Now you are loosened up and ready to practice. I recommend your approach game first. I mean any shot within about 160 yards. Your goal is to pick a point and hit that point within about 20 feet, or whatever distance you feel will get you on the green. Hitting greens is key.

After you have the approach shots down, move to long irons. Don't spend too much time here. Get comfortable with your contact and leave it at that. When you are a long iron distance away from the hole, you just want to advance the ball anywhere on or near the green.

Finally, grab the driver and get to work. The good short game is key to scoring, but if you can't hit the ball in play off the tee you are in trouble. Yes, you want to hit bombs, but focus on direction. It doesn't do you any good to launch the ball 300 yards into the woods. Slow your swing down and get the ball in play. Once you are consistent at putting the ball in play, then start working on hitting the ball farther.

Last but not least, get over to the putting green. A lot of people skip practicing putting altogether. Don't do it. It doesn't take very long to hit 60 putts. Pick a fairly flat area and hit 20 from long distance, 20 from medium distance and 20 from knee knocker distance. Focus on aim and weight. When you miss you want a putt that leaves you a tap in.

Practice is key. Get a little range time after work and watch your scores get lower.