Playing a tournement in 3 weeks and would like some ideas of how to prepare

**Leftygolfer** · May 1, 2009

I am playing in a tournement in 3 weeks and I would like some ideas of how to best prepare to play well. I have some issues with time (Family, wife, work) and really just can't go and practice everyday. I also would like to steer clear of lessons because I know that this could make me worse in the short term for later gains.

My biggest weakness is my iron play. I also struggle with alignment.

Thanks for the suggestions.

**GDWindowpane** · May 1, 2009

what kind of tourny? scramble, best ball, match play, stableford, skins?

**becksfan2185** · May 1, 2009

My biggest weakness is my iron play. I also struggle with alignment.

Not to be Captian Obvious here, but I would probably work on your irons and alignment.

I haven't played any serious tournaments before, so no advice specifically on that... but if you've diagnosed the problem areas, then work on them. I would spend the limited time you have working on alignment - that's probably an easier fix than overall iron play. My golf instructor's tip for my alignment issues was to practice the same pre-shot routine at the range. Start out with a club laid on the ground pointing to your target, get into your routine, maybe have somebody check where you're lined up, and then hit the shot. After enough repititions, you should be able to remove the club on the ground and hopefully duplicate the exact setup when you head out to the course.

**Leftygolfer** · May 1, 2009

2 round stroke play is the format. 2 flights. I am going to be in the handicap flight. I agree about working on my iron play. But I am crazy to think I am going to be able to hit more than 9 greens. I know my best rounds are do to consistant driving and good short game.

I am somewhat nervous about it but I really want to see where I compare to the better players in my area. I have played in a match play tourney a few years ago and I played well and won a couple of matches. But this is a much more difficult long course and I expect some good players. I am also a better player.

All I know is I can't wait.

**thedoxology** · May 1, 2009

2 round stroke play is the format. 2 flights. I am going to be in the handicap flight. I agree about working on my iron play. But I am crazy to think I am going to be able to hit more than 9 greens. I know my best rounds are do to consistant driving and good short game.

Re preparing for a tournament. Dial it in. Know your distances cold. Know your weaknesses. Know your misses! IMO this is key for this game. Work on your feel.

I wouldn't be concerned with too many technical thoughts for at least a week before the tourney. You need confidence, and confidence comes from committing to a shot. If your feel and touch is sharp you will be able to commit. If you aren't 100% comfortable with a new technical move you are making you will not be able to dial it in. And if you're only hitting 9 greens, I say work on your short game(Even though it sounds like a strength). Quickest way to save a stroke or three.

**thedoxology** · May 1, 2009

Not to be Captian Obvious here, but I would probably work on your irons and alignment.

This is hilarious

**cigarnut81** · May 1, 2009

Work on the things you are worst at but do not neglect your strengths either.75% weak point practice, 25% strong point practice. That is my tournament preparation routine & my worst finish is a loss in a playoff. It is the most logical plan I can conceive of.

**pjsnyc** · May 1, 2009

If its a course you haven't played yet, I'd see if you can get a copy of its yardage book. It'll help you plan better so that you're not like "where did that bunker come from?!?" or "I didn't realize how close the pin looks over that valley"

**Leftygolfer** · May 1, 2009

I am very familiar with the course. I usually play one up and I sure we will be playing from the back, so my lines of the tees might have to be adjusted.

Should I just practice the next two weeks and not play? I really love playing and I am so much better of a player on the course than at the range.

I am going to go play a par 3 course and really work on my iron play and hit lots of balls. I will use a club for alignment on the tees to train my eyes. It is so hard for me because I trained myself in the past to pull and now I hit it straight. If I aim to pull I hit big hooks that really kill me and are entirely unplayable. I will get it down before my big fun weekend.

Thanks for all the tips.

**Ben** · May 2, 2009

Not to be Captian Obvious here, but I would probably work on your irons and alignment.

Yeap, you've got to work on your weakness. Building confidence in something you think you're bad at, will end up helping what you're already good it on its own.

I am playing in a tournement in 3 weeks and I would like some ideas of how to best prepare to play well. I have some issues with time (Family, wife, work) and really just can't go and practice everyday. I also would like to steer clear of lessons because I know that this could make me worse in the short term for later gains.

With your sunlight time constraints, how about thinking of practicing at night at home? If you have to time skim through a book, I'd recommend

Ray Floyd's The Elements of Scoring . It gives advice on the way to get around a golf course. I think pretty valuable advice at that, Ray Floyd was pretty decent! As far as lessons, eh, it could be hit or miss. If you know a local pro that plays in tournaments, they could have some good info for you.

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