Playing

Scared

I am scared to death about my GOGO in June...(guys only golf outing). I have not played a round of golf in a year.

If I let the thought dominate me I know my weekend will be long and arduous. What is it that I can do in the next 22 days to prepare most efficiently? When playing I have a pretty sound repeatable swing, I do tend to "come over the top". Slicing is not an issue except for the biggest clubs.

Here's how I think I will attack this. Your feedback and comments are appreciated. First I have "spring training"...Usually one day...It depends on the feedback feelings I get from that day. I start with the 12" putt...And logically extend the distance as I feel the need to escalate the challenge, when I am comfortable at the distance I move out. Here's the key: I am going to focus on speed only. The mind does not disintegrate enough away from golf like the swing can. It is not a physical memory we are seeking (see driver basics below) but we are tapping past "pictures" to read the lines. This area I will trust 100%, that I see the line. All I want is the correct speed today. Ultimately the target will become the focus as your speed reads become more accurate. I expect an hour to an hour and half for this session. Shorter or longer practice is up to you and the feedback you get.

From here I would proceed to simple chips from the fringe trying to mimic the putting stroke and speed reads. The only keys for me here are weight more on front foot and accelerate the swing through impact. That's it. My sense is the first few chips will come out "hot" and run by the hole. At this point it is imperative I shorten the swing and maintain the acceleration to find the correct combo of length of swing and acceleration. Generally speaking this session can really perk you up if you dump a few beauties close or in the hole. Now I would also look for different lies around the greens that might require higher lofted shots or more of a running shot. I would also get some shots off the longer grass surrounding the putting surface. This session could be another hour or hour and half. I happen to enjoy chipping and pitching practice so it could go 2 hours.

I might now jump back for a few putts to "warm down" so to speak. And I start to mentally get excited for the next session. This is the short irons with an emphasis on understanding how far each club will go...Generally speaking the shorter the backswing the less distance the ball will fly. Its impossible to hit every club enough times in one or two days to check each ones distance. What I have found is there is about 10 yards difference between clubs for me. So I can dial in the PW, the 7 and maybe a 4 and have enough info to understand each club's relative distance it would fly. e.g. The 7 goes 150 the 8 should go 140 and the 4 iron might go 180...

The short irons can be practiced in the same day as the short game. I do suggest you step away for an hour between sessions to mentally refresh and recharge with a snack. I would probably sit and visualize some shots while I ate.

The next day of spring training is focused on reemphasizing yesterdays sessions and then move to the woods. I will write about that in the next column.




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