First of all, I practiced (on and off) for about 4 months before playing 18
holes. I think many people rush right out, improperly prepared, and then realize what a hill they have to climb
(skillwise). I probably practice 10-20 times more often than I play.
How much practice/ play did it take for this beginner to break
100?
It took me 40 hours putting practice, 10 hours chipping practice, hit
6,900 range balls, 45 nine-hole rounds (mostly) at a par three course, and 15 rounds (4 best ball) at an 18 hole
course. This is in addition to lessons.
Once you get under 100, how much additional practice does it take to
stay there or break 90? - I will update this later.
I have changed out 5 clubs since breaking 100 so I needed to practice with
them. That's what the range and Par 3s are for - practice. I think the changes will help me get to my next goal - staying
under 100 and breaking 90 (hopefully by end of summer) - DONE.
My Practice Plan as 04/03 - 06/03
(note: I modified my practice plan on 8/10 - not posted yet)
Putting: 1/2 hour
Drills:
1. balls spaced apart in four directions from hole or spaced but in-line to
the hole. Putt with lower body still, head still, wrists still, and shoulders level. Only arms move in pendulum motion.
2. eyes closed - straight putts
3. fun putts (e.g. to a tee, through a coin or tee gate, up & downs (after
chip putt)).
Chipping: 1/2 hour
Drill
1. Use wedges to the 7 iron from different distances and lies.
Woods and Irons: 1/2 to 1 hour
Drills:
1. Pick different targets.
2. Practice draws, fades, high and low shots
3. Occasionally imagine playing the course and record with the actual score
card if time permits, if not, imagine playing the first one or two holes.
My Range Rules:
1. Do not hit more than five balls without an assessment (I may only put
5 or 10 out at a time).
2. Assess after each shot if trying something special.
3. Try to identify "why" the ball is doing what it's doing.
4. Think of what's really happening at impact.
5. Go for accuracy not distance.
6. Visualize different shots from tee or fairway.
7. Do course pre-shot routine as often as I can stand it.
Sometimes, you can walk out on a course the last hour of the day to practice
on a hole for free but don't pick a hole past #4. People are trying to finish 9 or 18 before it gets dark and they don't need
you in their way. I love to practice then. It's quiet, the sun's setting, and you can really focus. Practice some fairway
or rough shots and then try some chip shots around the greens and from the greenside bunker. Sometimes I plan to only
do one of these things, other times I plan to do several or play a hole or two. I usually take from two to five clubs (putter,
sand wedge, lob wedge, fairway wood, driver). It's a little surprising that with only a couple of clubs, I can do pretty well.
I had heard somewhere that playing with only one club (a 6 or 7 iron) + a putter
was a great learning expreience. I will have to try that sometime.
