Make your practice more difficult than the game

So, I spoke in another post about "Scrimmage" for golf. When scrimmaging, the idea is to face every possible challenge that will come at you in the real game. Looking at other professions or sports, this idea is used regularly.

* Navy Seals rutinely run real-life drills that replicate war times. Being one of the most effective groups in the military, it is vital that the Navy Seals train in the conditions that are much more difficult than what they face in the field.

* Surgeons need to keep their cool during life & death situations. During surgery, there are obstables that arise and the doctor needs to think several steps ahead when dealing with each situation. Even the best surgeons practice under the most heated of situations.

* Airline Pilots regularly practice in a simulator under conditions that would test the nerve of even the most experienced pilot. I have a friend (Pilot for Delta) who told me that he once flew UNDER the Golden Gate Bridge with a Boeing 767 in the simulator. For the future safety of the passengers, it is vital that pilots train in these situations.

Back to Golf.

How do you prepare for the challenges that await on the golf course? Do you only work on your technique? Do you simulate different situations that you might face? Do you practice the "often terrifying" feeling of the first drive? Do you challenge yourself with the "knee-knocker" 3-foot putt?

If you are serious about becoming a better golfer, train like the Navy Seals! Make your practice always more difficult than the actual game. Then you won't be surprised when you play well. Here is a 30-minute example of this practice:

30 minutes on the putting green.

5 minutes to feel your tempo (putt several balls to the edge of the green with focus on your rhythm).

10 minutes - Short putts. "Tornado Exercise". Place 7 balls around a hole...one at 1ft, then 2ft, then 3ft and continue around the the hole at 1ft increments until you get to 7ft. Start at the first putt and hole out, then follow like this: 1ft-3ft-5ft-7ft-2ft-6ft-4ft ...If you putt out all balls without missing, then move on to the next pattern: 7ft-1ft-6ft-2ft-5ft-3ft-4ft. If you miss at anytime START OVER.

10 minutes - Long putts. "Draw back". One ball putt towards 9 different holes (3 @ 15 -30ft, 3 @ 30-45ft, 3 @ 45-60ft). The goal is max 2 putts per hole. If you miss short of the hole or longer than half a putter length, then your penalty is to add an extra putter length to the putt. If the result is more than 18 putts, START OVER.

5 minutes to end your session with tempo (putt several balls to the edge of the green with focus on your rhythm).

If you make your practice more difficult than the game, your results may surprise you. Good Luck!

- Steven