PRACTICE LIKE A CHAMPION
BY GRANT BALCKE
Practice is the biggest key to a player’s improvement. More importantly, it is in the way and the process
a player practices that makes the biggest impact to his development as a golfer.
3
1
KEYS TO A QUALITY PRACTICE:
ALWAYS
SET A GOAL
When going to the
range, the putting green,
the chipping green or
working on any area
of their game, a player
must first set the goal.
Setting a goal ensures a
player understands the
WHAT they are working
on and the WHY are they
working on it. As Gary
Gilchrist always says, “a
goal without a plan is false
hope.”
2
A DETAILED
PRACTICE
PLAN IS
ESSENTIAL
A practice plan should
include different types of
drills. Generic drills are
drills that are away from
the ball that focus on body
motion and swing shape.
Motion drills include
swing drills and hitting
balls. Personal drills are
specifically designed drills
to improve the player’s
swing flaws. Fitness drills
work on body motion /
feeling and body / swing
connection. Slow motion
drills are with the eyes
closed to work on feel and
feedback.
3
TEST YOUR
SKILLS
Skills testing is important to
understand the improvement
achieved from a practice
session. The next step is to
put new skills into play with
a real result. Leaving the
practice area with a sense
of achievement is the key
to building confidence and
transitioning from practice
to on course play. It is
important to set small goals
in each area of your game.
Make sure your goals are
realistic and achievable
based on your personal skill
level. For example, chip 7 out
of 10 balls into a 3 foot circle
and hole 4 of 10 putts from
12 feet.
The GGGA system of training is based around a player building confidence in their game with quality
practice that improves course play. When a student understands how and why the training will positively
impact their game, it helps to build confidence in every area. The player leaves practice with a greater
sense of achievement, which is imperative to longevity in the game, reduced frustration and better results
on the course.