I just got into golf again after years of golft inactivity. I have been practicing at the driving range trying to get my form back and work on my swing. I have been practicing for 3 days straight at the driving range, a break of one day, then practicing for another 2 days straight. My swing improved greatly by the third day straight of practicing, and when I took a break and then began again, my swing became completely off with balls going every which way or not very far at all.
Try this wisdom:
Home on the range, lost on the course
by Bobby Steiner
published June 14, 2006 12:15 am
Editor’s Note: Asheville resident Bobby Steiner is a former Golf Digest Schools Director of Instruction and the author of the instructional book “MUNIE,” based on learning the game and meeting characters at Asheville Municipal Golf Course.
Following is a question and answer forum with replied provided by a collection of characters in “MUNIE.”
Dear Jitterbug:
I’m a great range player, but can’t get it together on the course. Do you have any advice to help me find my swing when playing?
Jerry Hodges
Jitterbug Gang Fan
Jitterbug:
You’re not alone, Mr. Hodges. Golfers everywhere struggle with driving range brilliance, followed by golf course collapse.
Personally, I think there’s only one cure for it: you have to play more and practice less. After all, there are many people who never practice, play all the time, and maintain a scratch handicap.
How? Well, while these players may or may not possess technical perfection, they’re familiar with their shot patterns, are accustomed to the “everything counts” mentality the golf course demands, and don’t have excess swing thoughts.
On the flip side, range rats too often have no familiarity with their shot patterns (they’re ever changing), get all freaked out by the “every counts” prospect of playing the game, and have swing thoughts-a-million.
So, if the flip side sounds like you, I suggest you spend more time on the course, and less on the range.
Mr. Vaughn:
It ain’t the range that makes you hit the ball better, it’s the relaxed attitude you have when you’re there.
Many experience the same problem with tournament play. A guy may shoot even par in a practice round, but when the tournament is won at even par, he’s nowhere in sight. His complaint might be, “I hit the ball great on the range, great during casual rounds, and can’t pull it together during competition.”
My answer to a guy like him? Compete more often.
Tour stars experience the same problem; some play well until they’re within striking distance of the leaders, and then fall back. My suggestion? Get within striking distance more often.
You see, Mr. Hodges, it’s about comfort and familiarity, not technical perfection. A swing that’s built on the range is likely to only work on the range.
Lord Berry:
If practice, rather than play, is the only forum time and money allow, I suggest you work the majority on your short game. Not only does short- game practice summon fewer technical and mechanical thoughts, it takes pressure off your long game. And, after all, it is pressure that causes problems to begin with.
This is the opinion of Bobby Steiner, who offers junior clinics at the Practice Tee in East Asheville (298-0123). Contact him at bobbysteiner@msn.com
Have a hard time transitioning from the range to the first tee? Learn some key practice tips from our golfing expert in this free video clip.
