Scratch Practice Regime

Question
Hi,

I am a high school sophomore shooting low 70s regularly in tournament. I would like to take my game to the next level, and break par consistently. Almost all my practice time is spent on short game which has become my strength. I neglect my long game as I am clueless about how to practice effectively on the range. Driving is my weakness and I regularly fight a hook. I would prefer to hit a fade even though it is not my natural ball flight. During the summer, I can play daily and during the rest of the year I can play on weekends and maybe for an hour or two after school. I am looking for a suitable practice regime to take my game to plus handicap level. Specifically, I would like to know how to practice long game, especially driving, when mechanics are not the focus. Also, do you think i should change my ball flight and, if so, how should I go about doing it?

Thank you very much,

Jeremy

Answer
Hi Jeremy:

Congrats on your fine play and your aspirations to become a good player.  Whatever you do, CONTINUE TO PRACTICE YOUR SHORT GAME!  You cannot do it enough, as it will BE THE ONE THING that keeps you competitive and gives you an edge over the competition.  In reference to your driver, I can give you some suggestions, but it is always best to find a good, often talked about PGA professional who can give you some good instruction and help you.  But, if you fight a hook, please check these things first:

1.  Your grip.  Weaken your left hand grip (I am assuming you are a right handed golfer).  If you weaken the left hand grip a little, it should slow down the clubface rotation some.  This will help you hit it straighter with less spin on the ball.  

2.  Your alignment.  Better players have a tendency to line up to the right, and pretty soon, start hooking it back to the target.  It's more of a reaction instead of a swing flaw, however, if you line up correctly (square) in the first place, you won't feel the need to try to save it with your hands.  

3.  Swing Path.  An inside out swing path through the ball is also something that lends to a hook.  Check the path of the club into and through impact and make sure it's not too much from in to out.  

Practice of Long Game (Driver):  Work hard on the range.  When you hit balls, spend 75% of your time on your driver.  Put clubs on the ground to make sure your alignment is correct.  Here you're working on the path.  Your working on the mechanics of the swing and the shot.  You must do this.  So if you have 100 balls in front of you, 75 of those balls will be hit with your driver.  Then, the best way for you to practice with your driver is to do that on the course.  You must be able to look at fairways and hazards and visualize and shape the shot in your mind.  You must be able to hit drivers on the course.  So, if you can be on a golf course late in the day when no one else is likely to play, stand on a tee box and hit 20 drivers.  Do this on a few holes and that would be a great practice session.  It works for me, great way to practice.  

But if you want to get better with your driver, go practice with it.  And make sure it is fit for you, checking the shaft to make sure it's stiff enough for you.  

Best of luck, go get em.

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member