9 Ways To Improve Your Golf Short Game: Home Edition
Even while we're stuck at home during the Covid-19 crisis, we can still use the time to become even better at golf. You can improve your golf short game even in the home. Some have the mistaken belief that they have to do it on the golf course, but you can certainly practice from the comfort of your own home. Granted, you still have to put in the time, but this can still lead to improvements in your golf game.
#1: Buy a Golf Simulator
Probably one of your best ways to make use out of this time, you can buy a golf simulator to help with improving. Some believe that they can't afford it, but you have simulators that will fit for a variety of budgets. It's true that the more expensive versions will have more capabilities, but you don't have to buy the most expensive model in order to see results. But, you do need to make sure that you will have enough space in the home to complete your swings before purchasing.
#2: Do the Eyes Closed Chipping Drill
The goal of this drill is to improve clubhead awareness for chip shots. To do this drill, you will first set up the chip shot as you normally would. Before you go to take the shot, however, close your eyes. This teaches you how to put all your other senses into hyper overdrive, and most importantly your feel. You can also do this during hurricane season if you happen to be stuck inside during a downpour.
#3: Practice with a Mirror or Take a Video
As is often the case, you can't correct make corrections to your swing without having some way to see where you are making your mistakes. You can use a mirror to do this, but it might be even more helpful to take a video. The advantage of a video is that it helps you to playback your swings to see what you might be doing wrong with each swing while being able to keep your head down through each stroke. You might even take the video and post it on a forum of experts who can help you to improve your form and technique.
#4: Practice the Hanger Drill
To get in a good swing, your wrists play an essential role. You need good wrist strength, and you also have to make sure they aren't too loose as you go to hit the ball. To begin the hanger drill, grab a regular coat hanger and grab it like you would a golf club. Put the hanger on your left forearm as you make your swing to ensures everything stays in its proper place.
During the process of our swing, there comes a point where we often want to twist our wrists. This is an incorrect movement. As you work on this drill, you will want to focus on muscle memory and grip strength. This will help you get rid of bad habits.
#5: Do Planks
Planks put the focus on one of the often neglected aspects of golfing, core strength, which aids stability. As you work on planks, your stability will greatly improve, and you will notice a big difference in your swing speed. Usually, it's best to start simply with the basic front plank, holding for 30-60 seconds.
#6: Swinging
Probably one of the hardest things to improve, the golf swing plays a big role in your success or failure as a golfer. This isn't exactly easy to practice at home either. However, you can improve your swing with what is known as the basketball drill. To do this, you keep a basketball in the upper section of your legs while going through your swing motion. This ensures proper body positioning which is one of the essential basics every golfer should know.
#7: Practice Yoga in the Meantime
Golf involves a great deal of flexibility. As you begin to lengthen your muscles, it will improve your strength and your range of motion. This will let you put greater power into your swings. At the same time, you will have greater control, decreased likelihood of injuries, and more accuracy from your shots.
#8: Practice Putting
You can practice putting indoors as easily as you could outside, and with this skill, you won't need much space to pull it off. You can choose to create your own putting mat, or you could buy one online as well, depending on what you want to do. Add foam or towels underneath the mat to simulate uneven green surfaces.
#9: Watch More Golf Matches
You can also use this time to study the art of golf. To passively improve your golf game, many of us often turn on the TV to watch what the pros are doing. Some of the things you may want to study include:
- Swing styles
- Course strategy
- Pre-shot routines
Watching golf on TV can give you invaluable insight, but if you watch each match with a more critical eye you may be able to learn a trick or two as well.
Hopefully, some of these tips have helped you to figure out how you can make the most out of your time at home. Golf is a complex and interesting game, that can be as stressful as it is enjoyable. As you improve, you will be better equipped to take your skills to the course. Book a tee time at Plantation Golf & CC and bring along a buddy that you can compete against in a friendly way. You don't have to take it too seriously, especially when you first get started. Instead, set up the game so that you will be in the best position to have the most fun. Eventually, the love of the sport will help you to improve at the game.