The Problem with Range Sessions
The average golfer's practice session: buy a large bucket, hit drivers until the arms are tired, chip a few, skip putting, go home. This isn't practice — it's exercise with a golf club.
Deliberate practice is different. It's focused, goal-directed, and includes feedback loops.
The 60-Minute Structured Session
Block 1: Short Game (25 minutes)
Start with scoring shots — they have the highest ROI.
- Putting (10 min): 5 minutes of lag putts (30+ feet) for distance control. 5 minutes of 3-footers — make 20 in a row before moving on.
- Chipping (8 min): Pick one technique (bump-and-run or flop). Hit to 3 different targets. Track how many finish within a 6-foot circle.
- Bunker (7 min): Focus on consistent splash. Draw a line in the sand 2 inches behind the ball and hit the line.
Block 2: Approach Shots (15 minutes)
This is where Strokes Gained lives.
- Hit to specific yardages using your wedge distance ladder.
- Alternate between PW, GW, and SW to simulate course conditions.
- After each shot, assess: "Was that my intended distance and direction?" Feedback is the key.
Block 3: Full Swing (15 minutes)
- Start with your most reliable club (probably 7-iron). Hit 5 balls with a single swing thought.
- Move to driver for the last 10 balls. Simulate tee shots: pick a target, go through your full pre-shot routine, hit one ball, step away.
Block 4: Pressure Simulation (5 minutes)
Play "Par 18": 9 chips and 9 putts. Try to get up and down in 2 or fewer on each. Keep score. This adds consequence to your practice.
Tracking Progress
Keep a simple notebook:
- Date, duration, focus area
- One thing that improved
- One thing to work on next session
Key Takeaway
Quality trumps quantity. A focused 60-minute session with structure and feedback produces more improvement than 3 hours of mindless ball-beating.