Practice
How Do You Practise So It Transfers to the Course?
Reviewed by Dirk Delfortrie · PGA Member since 1996 · Updated
QUICK ANSWER
Use two different practice modes. Technical practice builds or changes a skill through repetition. Performance practice tests whether you can use that skill with changing targets, one ball, a routine, decisions and consequence. You need both.
Know what kind of practice you are doing
If you are changing technique, repetition and feedback are useful. If you are preparing to play, the task should become more variable. Problems start when golfers expect technical block practice to prepare every part of performance.
Add randomness and decisions
Change clubs, trajectories and targets. Step away between shots. Decide what the shot requires instead of repeating the last answer. This makes attention and decision-making part of the practice.
Create consequence without creating fear
Use simple scoring games, targets or finish conditions. The consequence can be as small as restarting a challenge or recording the result. The purpose is to make commitment matter while still keeping practice useful.
Review behaviour as well as ball flight
Ask whether you completed the routine, committed to the target and responded well after a poor shot. Performance practice is valuable because it reveals how you behave when the result starts to matter.
FAQ
- How much of my practice should be performance practice?
- It depends on what you are working on. During technical changes, block practice may dominate. As you approach play or competition, increase one-ball, varied and scored practice.
- Should every practice session feel like a round?
- No. Technical learning and performance training have different jobs. Use the right mode for the goal of the session.
- How do I practise pressure?
- Create a score, a finish condition or a consequence, then use the same routine and decisions you want on the course.