Just because you just finished 18 holes doesn’t mean your work’s done.
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Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a GOLF.com series in which we’re sharing improvements, learnings and takeaways from amateur golfers just like you — including some of the speed bumps and challenges they faced along the way.
It’s a common practice to hit balls at the range and putting green before teeing off. But practicing after completing 18 holes? That’s not necessarily on the agenda for many amateur players.
But should it be? GOLF Teacher to Watch Adam Smith thinks so, and he suggests how to incorporate a post-round practice plan into your schedule.
“If you watch the world’s greatest players warm up before they go play a round, you’ll notice an intense amount of focus,” Smith says. “But what you don’t often see on TV is their post-round practice routine.”
Was their tempo off during a round? They’ll hit balls to reacquire the proper feel. Was their putting off? They’ll take time reading greens and dialing in their speeds. Even if they went low during a round, pros are always grinding to get better — and carve out time to practice after 18 holes regardless.
“To truly be the best you can be in golf, consider going back to the driving range and putting green after your round,” Smith says. “All the best Tour players practice after they play, and you should, too.”
What should your post-round practice plan look like? Smith offers some tips below.
5 ways to maximize a post-round practice routine
While most amateurs just think to get in their car or grab a couple of adult beverages after playing 18 holes, Smith suggests staying in “performance mode” and heading for more practice instead, which will help you reach your golf goals sooner.
Here, Smith says, are the five areas to focus on:
1. Putting
The putting green is the easiest place to relax and collect your thoughts after a round. Hit some putts after playing 18 holes to help restore your confidence.
Simply re-create some of the short ones that you missed out there, and also hit some long putts that you could have lagged closer, using some of your favorite putting drills. When you spend time after your round on the practice green, not only will you improve your mechanics, but you’ll also improve your mentality — thus leaving the course happier despite how you scored.
2. Driving
Still have some gas in the tank? Don’t go to the grill for a beer. Instead, head to the driving range and smash more drives. But don’t just tee it up and release a bunch of pent-up frustration; be sure you have a plan to ensure you’re practicing and not just hitting.
Think about your pre-shot routine, find a smooth tempo, and go over (hole-by-hole) the drives that went haywire. Fix your slice, correct that hook and find the sweet spot.
A full swing reboot isn’t necessary — just make the small tweaks you need to start finding more fairways.
3. Bunker practice
Did you have a tough time getting out of the sand during the round? Hit the practice bunker and reclaim your title as a bunker-master.
Do your pre-shot routine, stay focused on your soft grip pressure and remember to feel a smooth, high finish. Just 15 minutes of practice from the sand should be enough to fix your on-course issues and leave you feeling better about getting out of the bunker in your next round.
4. Wedge work
The short-game area can provide much insight after your round, and help you replay some of those decisions (or club selections) while chipping and pitching.
Take a bucket of balls and work on all different types of shots from around the green, from bump and runs to tricky higher-lofted flops. See which club and shot type feels most comfortable while hitting to a variety of pin locations.
5. Take a lesson
If possible, find your instructor for a lesson immediately after your round. In some cases, just working with your coach after you play can serve you best — and can help to quickly solve bad habits.
With issues fresh in your mind, your teacher will be able to put together a real-time practice plan. It’s like instant golf therapy, so take advantage of it if it’s available to you.
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