Secrets of Professional Golfers - Practice
Secret of How Professional Golfers Practice
Hi friends and golfers! I'm Coach Erik Schjolberg, owner of EJS Golf at McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ. With over 25 years of experience coaching golfers from PGA Tour pros to passionate amateurs, I'm dedicated to helping every player improve from their very first lesson. My state-of-the-art facility and data-driven approach guarantee results, whether you're seeking in-person Scottsdale golf lessons or online golf lessons. Visit my website, EJS Golf, to learn more about the Science of Better Golf and let's elevate your game together!
The Power of 15 Minutes
Over the years, my revolutionary program of 15 minutes of daily indoor practice has transformed the lives of thousands of golfers. Many people underestimate the impact of consistent, focused practice in improving their golf game. While professionals spend hours practicing each day, amateurs can achieve remarkable results by dedicating just 15 minutes.
Practice in Slow Motion
The secret to effective practice lies in performing movements in slow motion. By slowing down, golfers can develop muscle memory and hone their technique. It allows them to focus on each element of the swing, ensuring proper form and reducing the risk of injury.
When I first introduce this concept to my students, they often find it challenging. However, with regular practice, they gradually become accustomed to the slow-motion approach and witness the tremendous advantages it offers.
Understanding the Move you are Working On
Another crucial aspect of effective practice is understanding the move you are working on. Without comprehension, practice becomes mechanical and lacks purpose. Professional golfers thoroughly analyze each component of their swing, from the grip to the follow-through, to ensure they are executing the movement correctly.
Amateur golfers, on the other hand, often neglect this aspect. They may hit countless balls at the driving range without fully comprehending the dynamics of their swing. This can lead to inconsistent results and hinder overall improvement.
Block Practice vs. Random Practice
When observing amateurs at the range, it is evident that the majority engage in block practice. Block practice involves hitting multiple shots in succession with the same club and target. While this form of practice allows golfers to develop a sense of rhythm, it lacks the challenges and variability experienced on the course.
Professional golfers, however, employ a method called random practice. This approach introduces variety by switching clubs and targets frequently. By simulating real-game scenarios, professionals train their minds and bodies to adapt to different situations and make better decisions on the course.
Integrating random practice into your training regimen can significantly enhance your performance. By exposing yourself to varying challenges, you develop the skills necessary to handle any situation during a round of golf.
The Importance of Deliberate Practice
Regardless of whether you are a professional or an amateur golfer, deliberate practice is crucial for improvement. Deliberate practice involves setting specific goals, receiving feedback, and continually pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.
For amateurs, seeking guidance from a qualified coach can be immensely beneficial. A coach can provide valuable insights, identify areas for improvement, and tailor a practice plan to address your individual needs. With a structured approach, you can maximize the effectiveness of your practice sessions.
Conclusion
The difference between professional and amateur golfers lies in how they approach practice. While professionals dedicate hours to deliberate practice, amateurs can achieve remarkable progress with just 15 minutes of daily focused practice. By practicing in slow motion, understanding the movements, and incorporating random practice, golfers can enhance their skills and elevate their game. Remember, practice with purpose and dedication, and you will witness a significant improvement in your golfing abilities.
For further reading on improving your golf game, I recommend checking out my YouTube, Instagram and Facebook page. Constantly check back to see if I have added new info and drills that will help you. I assure you I will have new posts up just about everyday.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between professional and amateur golfers in practice?
Professional golfers spend hours practicing each day, while amateurs can achieve remarkable results by dedicating just 15 minutes. Since most of us have full time jobs and can't perform an 8 hour day of practice we have to learn to be very efficient in how we practice. Remember this, the PGA Tour Players that I coach perform the 15 minutes per day of indoor practice as well.
What is the power of 15 minutes in golf practice?
15 minutes of daily indoor practice can transform the lives of golfers and improve their game. The two keys are slow purposeful moves that have some sort of feedback component.
Why is practicing in slow motion important?
Practicing in slow motion helps golfers develop muscle memory, hone their technique, and reduce the risk of injury.
What is the secret to effective practice?
The secret to effective practice lies in performing movements in slow motion and understanding the move you are working on. There is no such thing as muscle memory. What we have is motor patterns that need to be trained. These motor patterns are stored deep in our brain.
What is block practice?
Block practice involves hitting multiple shots in succession with the same club and target, providing a sense of rhythm but lacking challenges and variability.
What is random practice?
Random practice involves switching clubs and targets frequently, simulating real-game scenarios and helping golfers adapt to different situations.
Why is deliberate practice important?
Deliberate practice involves setting specific goals, receiving feedback, and continuously pushing yourself outside your comfort zone to improve your golf game.
How can seeking guidance from a coach benefit amateur golfers?
A qualified coach can provide valuable insights, identify areas for improvement, and tailor a practice plan to address individual needs. What I hear often in my coaching is that students think I am too advanced of a golf coach for them. I try to explain to them that the most important time to have a golf coach with my experience and expertise is from the beginning or if you are a high handicapper. I can't tell you how many students over the years who have opened up to me and said that they wished they would have come to me first instead of going elsewhere to save money.
What are some key takeaways for improving golf skills?
Practicing with purpose and dedication, incorporating slow motion and random practice, and seeking guidance from a coach can significantly enhance golfing abilities. Reach out to coach Erik and setup a phone conversation to make sure you are a good fit for what he does.
(480) 861-9370
