GETTING STARTED

Now that Spring is officially here, it is time to get to work on improving your game. One of the first tips I ever got in this game, is one I still use today.

After a layoff, start your practice close to the hole and gradually work your way back. An analogy I'll often use is that of the skier, or marathon runner. After a winter of hibernation, a marathon runner would not wake up one day and say, "I'm gonna go run 26. some miles today." I don't think so. Also as a skier, you would not head straight for the double black diamond slope on your first trip to the slopes after a long layoff. Consider your driver, or longest clubs, to be the equivalent of a marathon, or double black diamond slope. We need to refresh our body with basic fundamentals as well as gain confidence.

So let's work out a plan for starting in the right direction. I will not give time lines, or amounts of balls to be hit, because that will vary based on the individual.

I have intentionally left out long-irons, if you feel the need to use a 2 or 3 iron during your practice session, just lay it along the ground to aid in alignment.

After following a plan like this, or similar, you should be ready to play. So go out to your favorite course and enjoy your game. Please note, your in season practice rituals could follow a plan very similar to this, all in one practice session. Just take your amount of time available and break down the practice into the following percentages, give or take a few %,s depending on your needs.

Until Next Time
Lots of 1 putts,

Mike Dynda

Note:
Mike Dynda is The Director of Instruction at the Blue Bell Country Club. He can be reached for comments, suggestions, or anything else at md42@pga.com.