NSRCC Resort View January February 2021 | Page 17

PRACTISING UNDER PRESSURE

By Paul Finch , Coach , International Golf Institute
TEE TALK 15

In this article , I will discuss the benefits of practising under pressure as well as offering a few simple challenges

that will test your short game and your nerves . When I think of practice , I used to see a basket of range balls that needed to be hit as far as possible or a 30ft putt where I could have an infinite number of attempts . However , I wasn ’ t under pressure , something we all feel in different ways out on the golf course . One of the biggest differences between playing and practising is that you only have one attempt on the course but on the range or chipping green , you can have another go . Putting yourself under some pressure while practising will help you better your scores because you will feel more prepared and this will be because you have practised under pressure . Here are two drills that look at practising in such a way .
1 . Two Ball Worse Balls Equipment Needed :
• Short Game Clubs
• 2 x Golf Balls ( same ball you play with in competition )
• Putter
Play from nine various positions around the chipping green ( remember these positions for future use ) to any flag on the green . The nine positions should include at least one chip , one pitch , one lob shot , one bunker shot , and one chip and run shot . Play two balls from each position to as close to the flag as possible . Once the worse ball has been determined , pick up the better ball and putt out , treating it as a normal round of golf . This will call for you to go through your normal pre shot routine and focus on your performance .
Record each score per hole . When you have completed all nine holes , add up your overall score . The par is 18 . You should not practise from any of the positions you have selected during a training session .
Play this game twice a week and make sure to record your scores to see your progress . You can play on your own or even with friends but make it fun as well as challenging .
2 . The Pace Game Equipment Needed :
• 5 x Golf Balls ( all the same )
• Your Own Putter
• 7 , 8 and 9 Iron
This game focuses on a player ’ s pace control when putting . Lay three clubs behind a hole to form a U Shape . Position yourself 20ft away from the hole / U- shape . Hit five putts aiming to hole every putt . You score 10 points for every putt holed , five points for every putt finishing past the hole in the U and -1 point if the putt is short or long , hitting the clubs that have formed the U .
Play the game from the following positions :
• 20ft Straight Putt
• 20ft Right to Left Putt
• 20ft Left to Right Putt
• 20ft Downhill Putt
• 20ft Uphill Putt
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4 5
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Again , record your scores from each position to give you an overall score out of 50 for each of the positions . Try to better your scores each week on the putting green to hopefully improve your scores out on the course .
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8
An example for positions around the green . Position number 9 would be the bunker shot .
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Having fun with these drills is key because the more you enjoy it , the more confident you will feel when faced with these shots on the course and the pressure practice will have paid off . Have a go , see how you get on and please let me know how you get on . Have fun !