Should you have a practice swing before your shot on the course?

August 9, 2018

Hi, I’m Mel Sole, Director of Instruction at the Mel Sole Golf School, headquartered at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, SC. We conduct 1, 2, and 3-day golf schools, hourly golf lessons, and senior golf schools—any golf instruction program your heart desires. Give us a call at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993. We will be happy to book a commuter school or a package that contains accommodations, golf, and golf school.

Monthly Golf Tips by Mel Sole Golf School.

While playing golf this past weekend at Dataw Island Golf Club, I discussed with my playing partner about practice swings before hitting the shot on the golf course. He felt that a practice swing was a waste of time. He felt it did nothing to improve his play.

My own feelings are slightly different. I feel the practice swing is like the dress rehearsal before the play. If the dress rehearsal goes badly, the play is likely to suffer the same fate. The practice swing should tell your body exactly how you want the upcoming shot to feel and look.

By doing your visualization directly after the practice swing, you can have both the body and the mind programmed for a successful shot. Of course, this pre-shot routine does not guarantee that you will hit a perfect shot. However, I think it increases your percentage of hitting a successful shot.

To get the most out of your practice swings and golf shots when you are on the range practicing, do not just hit ball after ball. Instead, step back behind the ball, look at your target, take your practice swing, and then see the ball's flight towards the target. Now step into the ball and hit the shot. This way, you are practicing the way you play. And on the course, you will be playing the way you practice.

Everyone is different. My playing partner at Dataw Island is an outstanding golfer, and I am in no way criticizing his play. However, I think he would be a better golfer if he used the practice swing to his advantage.

https://youtu.be/QAgRBsYQ3Nk

Source: Mel Sole Golf School.

Thanks for reading - Should you have a practice swing before your shot on the course?

Monthly Golf Tips by Mel Sole Golf School.

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