Practice Made Uncomfortable
The overall idea of practice is very interesting in the game of golf. Some guys grind while some don’t. Some like to do the same thing everyday while others like to keep things fresh. What I have found interesting from seeing top players, listening to podcasts, and lots of tournament golf, is that you cannot improve without making practice difficult.
Now the tough part can be coming up with an actual plan to make practice challenging.
Tiger Woods has said multiple times that when he is playing in a tournament, it feels relatively easier compared to his long hours of practice that became the norm for him during his prime.
How can you make your practice harder and what does a good routine look like?
Everyone is different. I like to do a decent amount of block practice (working on technique and getting comfortable) which builds confidence before moving onto random practice featuring challenges and punishments.
To make it as hard as possible, I will set a benchmark score that provides some sort of pressure. I talked about a driving game that you can use on the range in last month’s drill video. I usually take 10 balls and have to make seven or eight into a pretty small imaginary fairway. If I don’t accomplish the goal, that either means push-ups or more four footers on the putting green.
A cool thing that has been afforded to me is the opportunity to play and practice at the Merit Club in Libertyville, IL. . At MC, I have been fortunate to play with some very talented players throughout high school and college. They have pushed me to be better.
I still remember my first round there with Patrick Flavin, a role model of mine, and current Korn Ferry Tour member. Nervous and unsure of my game, I played the round better than I thought. Playing with players BETTER than you is by far the best way to improve. You will be nervous, feel alone, and even be embarrassed, but searching for players better than you, and challenging your game against theirs, will give you confidence and motivation to get better.
From what I know, Flavin loves playing more than anything. While he does drills, he believes playing for pride and money will get one’s blood flowing more than anything, and I can definitely attest to that.
Find what works for you. There needs to be some fun when you are practicing, but if there is no sense of fear or reward at the end of it, real reps under pressure won’t be as similar to your comfortable ones on the range.
“Comfort zones are often expanded through discomfort.” - Peter McWilliams
Have fun being uncomfortable.
