Spring Practice

After a very long and cold winter, spring is coming upon us and with it the new golf season. There are some things that you can do to get yourself back into the game and playing well despite the long layoff. And there are things not to do as well.

Firstly, do not pull a driver out for your first swing of the spring! I see this time and time again, and can understand that cabin fever has us wanting to get on the course right away. However, jumping right in can make for some bad habits that can set us back quite a bit.

The first part of the game that leaves us due to lack of practice is the short game. Absolutely, the most important part of the game is from 100 yards in, yet most golfers neglect it all the time. Springtime is the ideal time to start working on it to get your body attuned to the feel of the golf swing, the timing involved and the feel for solid contact. Head for the practice green and start by spending time chipping and putting. Force yourself to do this and you will reap the benefits all year long.

When you head to the range, work on your wedge game first! Spend the time to work on different yardages and half or three quarter shots. This will force you to get better timing and feel for your full swing. This will also help you to get your body stretched out for those drivers you are aching to hit.

If you will follow this advice and make a game plan to begin to work back into the game from the hole backward, it can only help you get a headstart on the guy who steps from his trunk to the 1st Tee and uncorks a drive that he has no idea of where it is going to end up. You also may want to get a spring tune-up from your golf professional who can assist you with any aspect of the game.