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Weekly Quiz!

This was posted earlier this week.

I crunched the numbers for a 5 index and will be posting to X later today.
It’s very interesting!

So what do you think? Will a 5 index win at least one hole from Tiger?

The Five Keys to Better Practice

Have you ever wondered why your swing on the range doesn’t always show up on the course? Or why hours of grinding away at one drill might not yield the results you’re hoping for? The answer lies in how you practice. Let’s dive into the science behind designing effective practice sessions, so you can make the most of your time and see tangible improvements.

Sam Robertson and Damian Farrow wrote about this in the Routledge International Handbook of Golf Science. Robertson and Farrow reviewed skill acquisition literature and came away with these five keys.

1 - Train How You Play (Specificity):

The range isn’t just for picture-perfect shots to a 150-yard flagstick. To get better, your practice needs to mimic real-game scenarios. That means working on shots you’ll face during a round—like hitting a 7-iron from the rough with the wind against you. Studies show that practicing under these conditions helps players better “couple actions to key information,” like reading lies and controlling trajectory​​.

Takeaway: Add specific challenges to your practice. On the range, imagine a dogleg left or simulate uneven lies.

2 - Progress with Purpose:

Improvement comes when your practice is a little bit uncomfortable. But it’s not just about trying harder; it’s about practicing smarter. Gradually increasing the difficulty, such as narrowing target zones or adding pressure drills, helps you adapt without feeling overwhelmed.

Takeaway: Start simple and build complexity. Work on hitting greens from 100 yards before moving to 150.

3 - Push Your Limits (Overload):

Want to improve? Then challenge your comfort zone. This could mean increasing the intensity of your practice by hitting shots under time pressure or introducing simulated hazards. When your game stabilizes, it’s time to mix things up again​.

Takeaway: When practice feels easy, it’s time to step it up. Try hitting 10 drives in a row to a fairway only 20 yards wide.

4 - Variety is the Spice of Practice:

Hitting the same shot repeatedly might look great on the range, but it won’t prepare you for the dynamic nature of golf. Randomizing your practice—for example, alternating clubs or targets—improves adaptability​.

Takeaway: Avoid block practice. Instead, go random. Hit a long iron, then a wedge, then a punch shot.

5 - Don’t Let Skills Fade (Reversibility):

Like muscles, golf skills can atrophy if neglected. Missing practice sessions can lead to a drop in performance. The good news? A regular routine, even just a few times a week, can maintain your skills and keep reversibility at bay​.

Takeaway: Even if time is short, a few purposeful practice sessions a week can make a difference.

Bring It All Together

Next time you hit the range, remember: the goal isn’t just to look good—it’s to get better. By adding specificity, progression, and variety, and by challenging yourself with a dose of overload, you’ll maximize your potential. Track your practice habits and notice the results.

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