Shooting balls into the dark all winter is pointless. Fabian Bünker shows five engaging alternatives to improve your game.
Knowing that not everyone can dedicate a lot of time to golf training, here are five effective tips for your long game that you can apply with little time on any driving range.
1. Assess the Quality of Your Shots
Take 30 balls and hit each with a different club aiming at different targets. Perform a routine before each shot as you would on the course or in a tournament. Grade the shot quality on a scale from 1 (very good) to 6 (bad). This practice will help increase your concentration over time as no one wants to give themselves bad marks.
2. Tai Chi Swing Practice
This exercise requires high concentration and a quiet environment. Perform your golf swing slowly, focusing on the specific elements you want to change. Closing your eyes can help strengthen the internal image of the movement. Advanced practitioners can time their Tai Chi golf swing to the second, practicing swings lasting from 30 seconds to a minute.
At home, practice without a ball unless you have sufficient space to use practice balls. On the driving range, gradually increase your swing speed following the 30-60-90 rule: start at 30% speed, then 60%, and finally 90%. It’s advisable not to swing at 100% speed during practice to avoid loss of control on the course.
Key points for Tai Chi tempo swings:
• Give clear and precise movement instructions to yourself
• Focus on one movement aspect at a time (e.g., first part of backswing)
• Find a quiet environment (turn off your phone)
• Get feedback from a coach
• Begin with swings without a ball
3. Practice the Draw
The draw is a shot where the ball curves from right to left. Hit the ball by swinging the club from inside to outside, feeling as though the clubhead swings far right of the target. The clubface should be slightly closed relative to the swing path. This drill is perfect for players who tend to slice the ball, as it helps counteract that tendency.
4. Practice the Fade
You should also practice hitting a fade, the opposite curve from left to right. Simply perform the reverse of the draw: swing from outside to inside with the clubface slightly open to the swing path.
For both draw and fade, no specific technique tips are provided here because each golfer must adjust their swing differently. If you struggle to hit either shot consistently, consider a lesson with a professional who can provide personalized advice.
5. Focus on Specific Body Parts
While you might take lessons to stabilize your swing during winter, practicing technique alone can