Best Ways to Spend Practice Time

[NI4NI]

I am searching for advice from the group regarding your best practices for maximizing practice time (while either on the range or course). Being a father of four great kids is an awesome experience which I wouldn't trade for anything, but it does limit my playing opportunities (the "first things first" rule puts my family ahead of my "hobbies").

While I wait for my kids to hopefully take to the game golf as well (and then provide me with the best excuse on earth for hitting the links often), I became a member of the local par-3 course this year to hone my short game skills. Unfortunately, I still can't get out more than a couple of times per week, so I'm looking for ways to maximize my time (by hitting a ton of situational shots - from bunkers, tall rough, bad lies, to chips and putts).

Does anyone have a tried and true practice regimen that has proven useful, that could be shared with the others for use? Hopefully, it's slanted towards high handicappers with limited practice time, but anything proven to be useful is appreciated (professional help is also being sought - double entendre intended).

Thanks for the help.

[whip_it_out]

I go into the session knowing full well what I want to accomplish, and a video camera helps so I can see my swing and see what I can work on next time.
I also try to get up and down from impossible lies and situations, that require shots that you have truble with. Like a 20 yard shot dead behind a tree with a pin 3 feet on the front. Try to push your limits further than you can go.

And most of all, have fun.

[LottaBalata]

Since you're hoping your kids may take up the enjoyment of the game, you could try "some" practice around the house. You might spark their interest in the game if the see you out in the backyard pitching balls into a trash can.

As far as practice tips. I can't give great advice on that because I don't generally do a lot more than hitting a couple buckets every couple weeks, 15 to 20 minutes of chipping/pitching and putting before a round. I generally have clubs in the living room so I can just pick one up and practice my swing--safely!! I have a nice big glass back door that shows a great reflection where I can see my swing.

Start the kids with putting contests, maybe get some type of practice ball that won't break all your windows! Have fun

[TigerCurtis333]

Boy o boy - man I'm not sure on how to help you, but I gotta say you have your head on straight. Great values - I hope your kids can give you that great excuse. But that the key is not playing golf, it's to be with your kids - bravo, sir.

[Ben]

You have 4 kids, I have none, so this may not be practical for you but here's what I do, which isn't really a dedicated routine. Ideally I'd like to hit one bucket a day, if I can't no biggie. But one a day will help my swing stay grooved. I do usually play everyday too. I also like to practice my putting for at least 40 minutes each day. I heard a great line from the Bobby Jones shows they show in the off-season on Golf Channel. Bobby said that your practice session has to feel meaningful. Once it becomes a strain to keep your concentration level up, stop. It can't hurt to practice in your mind too. I've been reading Dr. Bob Rotella books, he makes a note to practice putting in your head for at least 15 minutes a day. Try and think back to all the putts that you make, and re-live them in your mind. My buddies played baseball for our high school team, he said that half the team would practice on the field while the other half practiced in a room, going over plays in the head. This team is Nationally ranked and has had a fair share of alumni graduate to the MLB.

[yeis20]

Here is what I do when I go to my local par 3:

Dont bother keeping score, you are out there to work on your game so here is the plan.

I go there purposely at slow times so the course is not overly busy. I always start on a hole that does not have someone pushing me from behind.

I hit 3-4 balls from the tee box on each hole. I do the same at 60-70 yds from the green, I will drop as many balls as I can from all different types of lies and angles to practice my wedges. I do the same thing from 20-30 yds out.

Once at the green, chip all the balls onto the surface practicing different types of shots. Once on the green, I pick the 15+ balls up and lay them out around the outer green circle the entire surface. Focus on making on 2 putts per ball.

Rinse, repeat.

Move around the course to open holes where you wont be pushed as it does not matter on which hole you are practing.

I can easily spend 3-4 hours on a sat or sun afternoon doing this.

Full full club hits, just go to a range (well groomed grass area highly preferred) you wont get lie and angle practice that way, but it will help with your ball striking.

[ks8829]

If your goal is to lower your handicap try this:

1) record greens hit
2) putts per hole
3) up and downs

after 2 rounds you will know what part of the game you need to work on.

I also practice at home indoors. I chip onto my sofa and putt on the carpet, after awhile both my son and daughter want to try chipping and putting too. Does your town have the First Tee program? they take kids as young as 6 years old.

[Dub]

This is a great topic.

You may not be able to hit multiple balls on the course.....some places highly frown on it....not sure about yours. Single players taking so many divots and making so many ball marks in a round doesn't take long to degrade playing conditions.

Find a good place to work on your game. A quality artifical turf mat for the backyard where you can chip and pitch to specific targets sounds like a great idea.....the kids may see your attempts and come try it, too. Make a game of it.

Take your time when you play your course. Take a practice swing each shot....if it doesn't feel right then take another until it does. Step up to the ball and repeat the practice swing. (this is what I'm working on, now).

After holing out your putt.....providing that there is nobody pushing behind you....spend time putting from several directions on the green. Becoming an excellent putter will build your confidence and take the pressure off other aspects of your game. It is the great "equalizer" as far as I'm concerned. A higher handicap player can have a fun game and stay in it with the better players as long as they have a solid short game and someone spotting them a few strokes.

Good luck on getting the kids into the game.

I've been blessed with my nine year old son's growning passion for it. He asks me every weekend if I'll take him golfing. I love it!!!! I never saw it coming, either. I just tried to not put any pressure on him to play. I did tell him early on that if he wanted to we would have to really focus hard on getting his grip set up. I'm persistent with correcting his grip and he knows it so he really takes his time putting his hands on the club. After that I just let him go for it. The kid loves bunkers.....go figure. I'll offer to get the ball out for him or let him get relief....."No Dad.....I'm gonna get it out myself....watch"...several stokes later it's out. We all have a little "Tin Cup" in us.

My son is like the rest of us....crazy about pounding the ball off the tee. He is already a distance junkie. I praise him for good shots....especially the smooth ones. I go nuts, however, when he makes a solid chip or putt. He asked me about that the other day when we were driving home....why I was more happy about good shots near the green. I laughed and told him that's just how old people are....we enjoy golf from the hole...back....that's where the score seems to come from.

[NI4NI]

Everyone,

Thanks for the thoughtful reply posts. You have offered great tips, humor, inspiration, and the motivation I need to turn this into another great family time oportunity (and, have some more fun while improving my game).

Thanks again, and keep your head down. As for me, I'll be behind the sugar maple tree, trying to duck hook my Titleist into a flowering pot!