Taking Your Game From The Range To The Course

Are you having trouble transferring your swing from the range to the course? You are not alone. This is a common issue for many golfers. In my teaching experience I have had many students come tell me, “I can hit ball after ball on the driving range with good distance and control but as soon as I step onto the first tee it’s a different story.” Here are a few pointers that may help you understand how to take your driving range game onto the course.

- Practice Your Pre Shot Routine: On the driving range it is easier to get into a groove hitting one ball after another with the same club and you never have to step off the range mat. Next time you practice, take your time and step off the mat in between each shot. Go through your pre shot routine before each ball at a slower tempo than what you would on the course. I like to stand behind the ball and visualize the shot I want to hit. Then I take a practice swing to feel the swing I want to execute. Finally, I address the ball with a clear mind and swing away.

- Change Clubs After Each Ball: On the golf course you rarely use the same club for back to back shots. So instead of hitting 10 to 20 balls with the same club try switching clubs after each ball. It’s ok to warm up and hit a few balls with the same club but once you are warm start to switch it up. Each time you switch clubs, pick a new target. Mix it up as well. Hit an iron and then go to a wood. Hit a full shot, then try a pitch shot.

- Play A Hole On The Range: The range is wide open with only a hand full of targets and it’s very easy to swing away and not be concerned about where the ball is going. Try to play a hole or the entire round on the range. Make up your own hole or imagine the course that you are preparing for. Hit each shot from tee to green. If you miss the green or hit a bad shot, play it as if you were on the course. You might have to hit a punch shot from under the trees or a pitch shot to get on the green.

- Focus On One Shot At A Time: We are all capable of hitting an errant shot on the range or the golf course. On the course it is a lot easier to let your last shot affect the next shot, hole or even the entire round. Whether you are on the range or the golf course it is important to put the last shot behind you. It is easy to over analyze what went wrong. Once we do that it opens the door for numerous swing thoughts and corrections to your swing. After you hit a bad shot, try to think of what you did right and how you can do that again.

I hope that you find these tips to be helpful. If you are still having trouble bringing your range game to the course, an on course lesson with me or your golf pro is another great way make the transition. Feel free to come see me at the Haggin Oaks Super Shop to ask more questions or schedule a lesson.