As with any skill sports, you only get better if you practice. Golf is one sport where this is especially true. The golf swing is a very precise set of mechanical movements that gets better with repetition. The more you practice your golf swing, the easier it is to make adjustments. In order to practice, you need to find the right kind of environment to develop your skill. Here are recommendations for five places you should go to improve your game.
Driving Range
Driving ranges are usually the most accessible places to practice golf. They are conveniently located at most of the local municipal golf courses, and country clubs. Most driving ranges also have putting and practice greens within the same locale and usually have a resident pro who is available for pointers or paid lessons. If you don’t have a local driving range, consider setting up your own with a wide open space and a system for collecting balls.
Right in Your Own Back Yard
If you need to save a few bucks, or have a limited amount of time, you can practice certain aspects of golf without leaving your home. This type of practice would tend to focus on technique. You can purchase driving nets, hitting mats, putting greens, and plastic balls to aid in your work. When you need to take a break from your desk, take a few practice puts by setting up distances with tape on a solid surface.
Golf Evaluation Center
With the advent of technology, golfing concerns have developed equipment for golf evaluation centers that give you precise detailed information about every aspect of your golf mechanics. With video and computerized information about your golf swing, your golf swing consultant can guide you through the process of correcting your mechanics and improving your game. Do cross training at a gym to improve arm strength and speed.
Golf Simulators
On a rainy day, you can go to most national chain golf shops and rent time on a golf simulator. These simulators show various golf holes on a large movie screen. As you hit the ball into the screen, it registers impact speed and direction to determine where your shot landed. Essentially, you are playing a simulated round of golf without lifting your bag. Even if you can’t afford to go to a fancy simulator, you can get in some practice with a video game like the Wii.
On the Course of Course
When all is said and done, there is no place like an actual golf course, for instance Pacific Beach, or the Crosby at RSF, to practice your game. There are many communities and real estate developments that are building courses for public/private use. This is as real as practice gets. Use your weekends to get out and test your skills on the courses. You can find discounts at local places and giveaway tickets at certain events.
If you want to be the best you can be, practice is your call to action. The suggestions above are just a few suggestions about places to practice your game. When all else fails, just grab a club and practice swinging at the wind.