The Smart Golfer's Practice Routine

Most golfers practise the same way they've always practised — grab a bucket of balls, warm up with wedges, work up to driver, and head home. It feels productive. But without structure and intention, you're reinforcing existing habits rather than building new ones.

Here's how to practise smarter.

Research in motor learning distinguishes between two types of practice:

Blocked practice means repeating the same shot over and over — hitting 20 consecutive 7-irons to the same target. This feels good because you improve quickly within the session. But the gains don't transfer to the course.

Random practice means varying shots, targets, and clubs constantly — simulating the unpredictability of real golf. It feels harder and messier, but the learning sticks.

The ideal practice session uses both: blocked practice to ingrain a new technique, random practice to build the ability to execute under variable conditions.

Start with short, easy swings — half wedge shots — to get your body moving and your feel calibrated. Don't rush to full swings. Use this time to check your grip, posture, and alignment.

This is your blocked practice block. Choose one specific thing to work on — a drill your coach has given you, or a fundamental you're developing. Hit the same shot repeatedly with full focus on the process, not the result.

Keep a swing thought simple. One key per session. Two thoughts create conflict; one thought creates clarity.

Now shift to random practice. Play a simulated round — imagine you're on the first tee of your home course. Hit a driver, then the appropriate approach shot, then a chip and putt. Move through each hole mentally.

This trains your brain to commit to a shot, execute, and move on — exactly what the course demands.

Finish with pressure putting and chipping. Create games with consequence. "Hole three chips in a row from this spot." "Make five putts from 2 metres before I leave."

Ending on a positive note — holing putts, hitting good chips — builds confidence that carries onto the course.

For golfers with limited time, here's how I recommend structuring a week:

3 days per week (30–60 minutes each):

• Day 1: Full swing technical work + short game
• Day 2: Short game only (chipping, pitching, putting)
• Day 3: On-course simulation + scoring practice

1–2 days per week:

• Play a round, focusing on course management and mental game

Quality beats quantity every time. Three focused 45-minute sessions produce more improvement than five aimless hours on the range.

One of the most powerful things you can do is keep a practice journal. After each session, note:

• What you worked on
• What felt good
• What needs more attention
• One key takeaway

Over time, this creates a clear picture of your development and keeps you accountable to your improvement goals.

Recording your swing — even on a phone — is one of the highest-leverage tools available to amateur golfers. What you feel and what's actually happening are often very different.

In my online coaching programme, students submit swing videos regularly. I provide detailed analysis and updated drills based on what I see. This feedback loop accelerates improvement dramatically compared to practising alone.

Want a custom practice plan built around your specific game? See my coaching plans — I'll design a programme that fits your schedule and targets your biggest improvement opportunities.