Shooting balls into darkness all winter is pointless. Fabian Bünker shows five exciting alternatives to improve your game.Knowing that not all golfers have much time to invest in training, here are five tips for long game practice that you can apply on any driving range even with limited time.
1. Evaluate Your Shot Quality
Take 30 balls and hit each with a different club towards different targets. Before each shot, perform a routine similar to being on the course or in a tournament. After each shot, rate the shot quality from 1 (excellent) to 6 (poor). This practice enhances your concentration as no one wants to give themselves poor marks.
2. The Tai Chi Swing
This practice requires intense focus and a quiet environment. Swing slowly, emphasizing the parts of your swing you wish to improve. Some find closing their eyes helpful to deepen the mental image. Masters can control the duration of their Tai Chi golf swing down to the second. Start at home without a ball, or with practice balls if space allows. On the range, gradually increase speed using the 30-60-90 rule: begin at 30% speed, progress to 60%, and finally 90%. Avoid swinging at full speed on the course to prevent losing control.
Key points for Tai Chi tempo swing:
• Give yourself clear movement cues
• Focus on one swing aspect at a time (e.g., the start of the backswing)
• Seek a quiet place (turn off your phone)
• Get external feedback (coach)
• Start swinging without a ball
3. Practice the Draw
The draw is a ball flight curving from right to left. The ball starts slightly right of your target line then curves back left. To hit a draw, swing the club from inside to outside, feeling as if swinging far right of the target. The clubface should be slightly closed relative to the swing path. If you commonly slice the ball, this drill helps counter that tendency.