Golf Tips from the Pro 1

John Dooley is a PGA Golf Pro, based in Cork. He was the Pro at Doonbeg and now runs his own company - Concierge Golf - as well as teaching golfers of all abilities. He specialises in golf course operations, golf tourism and coordinating golf vacations to and from Ireland. 

Here are some tips from John about how to get the most from a practice session at the driving range... the last point is not something I ever considered before, but will do now!

Challenge yourself to adopt a better practice method

All too often at the range you see golfers going through the motions; hitting ball, after ball, after ball. STOP, JUST STOP!!!!! You can only improve if you are making mistakes and you will only make mistakes if you challenge yourself to make better swings, hit more solid golf shots, hit the ball closer to the hole, etc.

Video: not what you want at a driving range, but better than being on the golf course!

Here are some tips to help you improve your practice sessions:

1. Before practice set yourself two specific goals relating to what you want to get out of the session.

2. Hit shots on the range as you would hit them on the course:

- Go through your pre shot routine – make one or two meaningful practice swings before you hit a shot (a meaningful practice swing is where you make a golf swing, as if it was the best swing you can make to hit the perfect shot).

- If you would like to add a feel and imagery component to your pre-shot-routine; you could try the following: As you make your meaningful practice swings; from your previous golf experiences, use your imagination to feel the club-face striking the ball as you would if you made a pure strike. Then add in that imagery of the ball flying to the target.  So your thoughts are of a great strike and crystal clear ball flight to your intended target.

3. Pick a different target each time (100 yard shots, 75 yard shots, etc.)…      
… and change clubs accordingly.

4. Set yourself little competitions i.e. hit 30 shots at a number of targets and, to score, you must be within 15 yards of the target that you are aiming at.

5. Once you have finished the session review your goals, and rank how much effort you have put into the session out of 100%.

Following these steps will improve your golf faster than just hitting ball, after ball, after ball.

Please feel free to contact John Dooley PGA Golf Pro  if you have any questions: tel: +353 21 482 3791 or john@conciergegolf.ie