Shooting balls into the dark all winter is pointless. Fabian Bünker shows five exciting alternatives to improve your game.
Knowing not all golfers can invest much time in their training, here are five practical tips to enhance your long game with limited time at any driving range.
1. Evaluate the Quality of Your Shots
Take 30 balls and hit each one with a different club aiming at a different target. Before each shot, perform a routine like you would on the course or even better, during a tournament. After each shot, rate it on a scale from 1 (very good) to 6 (poor). This will increase your concentration since no one likes to give themselves bad marks.
2. Tai Qi Swing Practice
This exercise requires high concentration and a quiet environment. Perform your golf swing, especially the parts you want to change, in slow motion. This helps you feel every part of the swing consciously. Many find closing their eyes strengthens the mental image of the movement. Experts can time their Tai Qi swings to the second, aiming for durations like 30 seconds to 1 minute.
At home, perform this without a ball or use practice balls if space allows. It’s also excellent for the driving range, gradually increasing tempo using the 30-60-90 rule: start at 30% speed, then 60%, and finally 90%. Avoid 100% speed swings on the course to maintain control.
Key points for Tai Qi tempo swings:
• Give yourself clear, precise movement instructions
• Focus on one aspect at a time (e.g., first part of backswing)
• Find a quiet environment (turn off phone)
• Get external feedback (coach)
• Start with swings without a ball
3. Practice the Draw
A draw is a shot curving right-to-left. The ball starts slightly right of the target line then curves back left. Hit a draw by swinging the club from inside to outside (feel like swinging far right of the target). The clubface should be slightly closed relative to the swing path. If you tend to slice the ball, this drill helps counter that.
4. Practice the Fade
Occasionally, try hitting a fade—a left-to-right ball flight. To do this, simply reverse the draw swing mechanics: swing from outside to inside with a slightly open clubface relative to the swing path. No technical tips are given here because everyone’s swing changes differ. If you struggle with either flight, book a lesson with a pro for personalized advice.
5. Focus on Specific Body Parts
If working with a golf instructor and aiming to stabilize your swing over winter, solo technical training can be tough. Self-recording swings can be tricky due to camera angles and difficulty analyzing footage. Instead, focus on one body part while hitting balls, e.g., your left wrist. Concentrate solely on how it moves and feels during the swing. Ideally, work on body parts your coach has emphasized. For instance, if focusing on lowering your arms during downswing, concentrate on your right elbow. This method builds confidence in your technique.
Whether improving technique or just practicing,