Driving Range Routine
[5 Steps to Becoming a Better Golfer]
Are you going to the range smacking a few iron shots and then grabbing your driver and going for bombs? Sure that may be fun, but the only way to ensure you are improving your game is to have a driving range routine. We at Golf Mamba have spent several hours researching and putting together a driving range routine that will be sure to improve your golf game.
Driving Range Routine
Step 1
Stretch and Get Loose
No matter what age you are, stretching before your driving range routine is the safest and best practice to help prevent injuries. Take 10-15 minutes to stretch. Ensure to really focus on these aspects:
Back
Hips
Hamstrings
Wrists
Shoulders
Core
Stretching thoroughly before you start your driving range routine will give you the mobility you need and help lower the risk of possibly injuring yourself. If you need additional guidance check out this simple but effective stretching routine!
Step 2
Short Chips For Feel
Now that we are loose and ready to start the next step in our driving range routine, we will be chipping 10 golf balls to get a nice feel. We like to start short to long.
This is going to get you back into the flow quickly and give you a great feel.
Step 3
Improve Your Weaknesses
Now that we have hit a few balls, the next step in our driving range routine will require you to do some homework. This is the technical improvement part of the routine.
Do you struggle with slices?
Do you open the club face?
How is your golf grip?
Now is the time to do some research and find out how you can improve.
Hit 20 balls focusing on improving a technical aspect of your game.
One example of improving a technical aspect would be working on your grip. Maintaining the correct pressure and keeping your club face square at impact.
Step 4
Target Practice
We are now ready to take some full swings. Have you ever heard the phrase “Practice like you play”?
This is exactly what we want you to do for each club in our bag. We like to start our driving range routine with clubs that have more loft and work our way down to the driver.
For example, I love starting with my 9-iron.
Pick a club and choose a target with an appropriate yardage. Stand behind the ball to make sure you are lined up correctly.
I like to take a practice swing just as I would on the golf course. We really want it to feel like you are out on the course. This way it feels more natural when we get out there.
Then I swing, assess, and repeat.
We like to hit about 50 balls total from 9-Iron to Driver. Some days at the range you don’t need to hit every club.
Really try to focus on your improving your distance and accuracy with your weaker clubs.
Step 5
Pick Something Fun
Lets not forget that most of us are out here because we love this game and want to improve. I like to set aside about 15-20 balls at the end of each driving range session to have fun.
For example my favorite thing to do is to pull up scorecards from local courses I’d play and approach each shot like I was on the course until I reach the green.
Another thing I love to do at the end of a driving range routine is to practice shaping my shots. Practicing hitting draws, fades, stingers, etc.
Lets Recap
Not having a plan before you go practice at the driving range is planning to fail. If you want to improve your golf game, it is vital to have a driving range routine.
We have given you a solid base to start with, but everyone is different. Feel free to add to the routine as you see fit.
If you enjoyed this article, please check out our full guide on How to Swing a Golf Club.
