Ultimate Practice Plans

Ultimate Practice Plans is a short golf blog post that looks at ideas on how to boost the quality of your training. Most golfers go to the driving range with the idea of improving their game. Unfortunately, the majority of those golfers head to the driving range with no practice plan in place. They tend to get a bucket of balls and proceed to start hammering them down the range with a Driver. Aimlessly hitting balls, each one harder and faster than the next, with no plan at all. All I can say to those golfers is, congratulations… Your problems will only become permanent. Take a look at my Practice Plans, which you can do on the Driving Range, to help boost your game. Ultimate Practice Plans Here are my Ultimate Practice Plans that include the following… Simulate Holes on the Course One Club at Multiple Targets Practice Your Pre-Shot Routine Simulate Holes on the Course Simulating a golf hole on the driving range is a great way to bring strategy and realism into your practice, even if you’re limited to a flat, open tee area without a green. Here’s how you can do it effectively: 1. Pick a Hole to Simulate Choose a hole you know from a course you play, or imagine a realistic par-3, 4, or 5. Visualise the hole layout: Yardage Fairway shape (dogleg left/right?) Hazards (water, bunkers, trees) Green size and slope Wind and elevation, if relevant 2. Plan Your Shot Sequence Break the hole down just like you would on the course. For example: Par 4, 390 yards: Tee shot: 240-yard drive (visualise target area as a fairway) Approach: 150-yard shot to a green with bunkers right and short Optional: 30-yard pitch to a small target (simulate a missed green recovery) 3. Use Targets and Imagination Since the range doesn’t have a green, simulate features using visual markers: Tee shot: Pick a narrow zone between range flags or trees to simulate a fairway. Approach: Pick a yardage marker and imagine a green around it (e.g., a 10–15-yard diameter). Recovery/chipping: Hit small targets or mat sections to simulate short game precision. 4. Add Pressure and Rules To increase realism and discipline: Play “one ball only” – no mulligans. Keep score: Track fairways hit, greens in regulation, up & downs. Use a scorecard to track your “hole simulation score”. Impose penalties for poor shots (e.g., drop for water hazard if you miss your imagined target). 5. Incorporate Variation Change hole simulations every few shots: Mix up par types (simulate Par 3s, 4s, 5s) Add wind or elevation changes mentally (adjust club selection accordingly) Simulate uneven lies by adjusting stance or club face 6. Example Routine Hole 5 – Par 4 – 410 yards – Dogleg right Tee shot: Hit a 250-yard fade between two range poles Approach: 160-yard draw around an imagined tree to a “green” near the 150 marker Optional: Chip from a poor lie using a towel as a target 30 yards away Simulating holes on the range turns mindless ball-beating into meaningful practice that directly transfers to your course performance. It improves decision-making, club selection, and mental toughness skills that matter more than pure mechanics in scoring. One Club at Multiple Targets Practising golf on the range using 1 club to hit multiple targets is a focused, effective drill that develops your game. Improve your Creativity, Distance Control, and Shot Shaping. It mimics real-game demands where you have to adapt rather than just swing full power every time. Purpose of the Drill Improve feel and touch Learn to hit different trajectories Practice partial swings (50%, 75%, etc.) Train shot shaping (Fade, Draw, Low, High) Make practice deliberate and not repetitive How to Do It 1. Choose Your Club Start with a mid-iron like a 7-iron, or go with your favourite club. 2. Identify 3–5 Different Targets Pick a variety of distances and directions on the range: Close (e.g. 60–80 yards) Mid (100–120 yards) Far (140+ yards) Left/right targets to practice alignment 3. Use One Club to Hit All of Them You’ll have to do the following: Shorten your backswing for shorter targets Choke down on the grip Open or Close your club face to shape or loft the shot Vary your swing tempo and change ball position Example Routine (with a 7-Iron) | Target | Shot Type | Technique | 70 yards | Pitch shot | 50% swing, choke down, ball back | | 100 yards | Knockdown | 3/4 swing, smooth tempo | | 130 yards | Full shot | Normal 7-iron swing | | 110 yards | Fade | Open stance, swing left | | 90 yards | Draw | Close stance, swing out right | My Hot Tips Use alignment sticks to visualise the path and ball flight. Take your time, treat each shot like you would on the course. Keep a notebook to record feel vs. distance (e.g., “7-iron, 60% swing = 95 yards”). Don’t just guess, watch ball flight and dispersion. This drill helps you: Build distance control with partial shots Train course-like decision-making Feel more confident improvising on uneven lies or wind conditions Get the most out of one club in real scenarios Practice your Pre-Shot Routine Practising your Pre-Shot Routine in golf is one of the most underrated but powerful ways to improve your performance. A solid routine creates consistency, reduces anxiety, and helps you stay focused under pressure. Here’s how to practice it effectively: What Is a Pre-Shot Routine? It’s the sequence of physical and mental steps you go through before every shot. A good routine: Builds confidence Keeps your mind from overthinking Creates rhythm and timing Helps you commit fully to each shot How to Practice Your Pre-Shot Routine 1. Define Your Routine First Break it down into simple steps. A solid routine usually includes: MENTAL STEPS: Pick your target and intended shot shape Visualise the shot (trajectory, landing, roll) Take a deep breath to calm your nerves Make a clear decision (no second-guessing) PHYSICAL STEPS: * One or two **practice swings** with intention * **Step into the ball** the same way each time * Align feet, hips, shoulders * Look at the target, then back at the ball * Pull the trigger (within 5–10 seconds) 2. Practice With One Ball, One Shot Instead of hitting a bunch of balls quickly: Step away after each shot Go through your full routine as if you’re on the course Use random clubs and targets to simulate course variety Time your routine—ideally 20–30 seconds max from start to swing. 3. Add Pressure Elements Simulate performance stress to make it more real: * Keep score on a “9-shot challenge” (track how many shots hit your target) * Do a “must-hit fairway or start over” drill * Practice in front of a friend or coach 4. Film Yourself Use your phone to: Record your routine and check for consistency See if you rush or hesitate Spot any fidgeting or indecisive moments 5. Take It to the Course Use your routine on every shot—even in casual rounds Make small adjustments, but stick to the core steps Reflect on how well you commit to it under pressure Why This Practice Matters Helps you manage nerves and distractions Builds muscle memory not just for the swing, but for decision-making Prepares your mind and body to deliver your best shot, consistently What are your thoughts on my Ultimate Practice Plans? Please leave a comment by completing a Contact Form. To read more of my golf blog posts, click here.