Listen, we get it. When you’re trying to get better at golf, but don’t have time to practise, the struggle is real. But that’s not an excuse. Sometimes, it just requires getting creative. Making the most of you do have, even if that’s just a spare few minutes during your time in the office, or around home at the end of the day.
With that in mind, we consulted a couple of our resident low handicap editors, former college golfer Drew Powell and senior game improvement editor Luke Kerr-Dineen, to hear how they navigate the problem.
1. Check your takeawayy – Drew Powell, plus-2.6 handicap
For me, it’s practising my initial takeaway until the club shaft is parallel to the ground (P2 for the swing nerds out there). There’s a reason it’s a staple in the pre-shot routines of so many PGA Tour pros—from Rickie Fowler to Sam Burns to Justin Thomas.
First, I’ll either throw an alignment stick down or find a straight line on a hardwood floor or rug. Then, setting up parallel to this target line, I’ll rehearse the takeaway, making sure that when the club shaft is parallel to the ground, it is either parallel to the line on the ground or slightly outside my hands.
It’s a key thought for me, and when I take a few minutes to practise it, I know it’ll keep my swing in good shape.
2. Build a better putting station – Luke Kerr-Dineen, Golf Digest playing editor and 1.3 handicap
I came to the realisation early last year that I really, really need feedback when I’m practising. Some golfers can get information overload, and just want to feel their way through. That’s not me. I need something quantifiable. It keeps me focused, and when I don’t have it, I start tinkering in pointless ways.
The way I get that at home is with a putting station, which you can see below.
Basically, I set up Tiger Woods-style putting gates, I use a mirror like the pros do to make sure my eyes are where I want them, and I’ve become obssesed with these PuttDots, which force me to hit the centre of the putterface (otherwise the ball will go squirming in a weird direction. It’s not easy, but it gives me all the feedback I need: About my setup, about my stroke, and about where I’m hitting the ball on the putterface. I squeeze in these little micro practice putting sessions throughout the day, and it’s really helping me on the greens.
