How to improve your golf game during COVID-19 lockdown
It’s such an uncertain time at the minute with the ongoing outbreak and impact of COVID-19., and I hope that everyone is keeping well and staying safe.
However, I also understand that for us golfers it’s a very frustrating time! I think it’s fair to say most of us, myself included, are now really starting to miss playing, seeing friends, playing competitively and just being at the golf club!
There are two ways that this can go for your golf game; some may not touch a club in months and just neglect golf all together, and others will use this time positively, to actually improve your game during isolation.
So, why not use this time wisely and try get ahead of the field, keep the swing going and keep improving. Here’s my top tips for a few things that you can do from your home to improve your golf game.
Putting
COVID-19 or no-COVID-19, most of us neglect putting in our game all the time, so we should all use this situation to focus on putting. And we’ve all got space somewhere in the house for a putting station, right?
Hitting lots of putts will keep the feel in your hands going and this is so important because it’s very easy to lose that feel. So, set up a putting station and working on your stroke. You’ll not regret it when we do get back out on the course and you’re not 3-putting any more!
Short game
Just like putting, it’s really easy to lose the feel for chipping so set up 10 and 20-yard chipping and pitching targets in your garden or a nearby field. When you have such a large break from golf, like this, hitting lots of small shots will help and you’ll feel a lot more confident when we do get chance to get back out on the course in a few months’ time.
Increase your speed and distance
Believe it or not, this is possible in isolation and you can even do this without even hitting a golf ball.
Using the SuperSpeed Golf Training System, which includes a set of weighted club shafts, follow their online programme to increase your club head speed and gain more distance out on the course.
All of their products and training programmes can be seen on the SuperSpeed website, and if you’re interested in purchasing any, please use the link so they know it’s come from this website.
I am currently following the programme myself and it will be interesting to see if I notice a change when I get back out on the course.
Full swing
If you have the space and resources to set up a net or mattress at home, do it! This is a great way to keep hitting balls and practising your swing. But, always check in and ask yourself: ‘Am I doing the right thing? Does this feel right?’
Online lessons are perfect for this so just get in touch if you’d like more information. They’re available to everyone, all over the world!
Watch video tutorials
There are lots of swing tutorials on YouTube, but remember that they are very generic; some may work for you and some may not, so don’t watch too many and attempt to make too many changes!
I’ve filmed some videos of my own, which can be seen on my Facebook page (all filmed during lockdown and well away from the golf course - unfortunately!)
How to get quicker results - get the best of your practise and hit your targets faster!
How to get a more consistent strike - improve your strike with wedges and irons
How to hit a consistent pitch shot - set up and hit a perfect pitch shot
How to control your wedge distances - take the guesswork out of distance control
Drill: Improving distance control - a drill for working on your short game
Online Lessons
If you’re working on your game and want some tips, an online lesson is ideal. It can give you a focus for your practice, and is a good chance to cement those changes. Lessons can be offered to anyone, anywhere, there’s just four simple steps:
Film your full swing, half swing, short game or putting from face on and down the line
Answer these questions:
What’s your handicap?
How often do you play?
What’s your worst shot (e.g. hook or slice, thin or heavy strike)?
What’s your desired shot?
Send your videos and answers to me, via:
Sit back and relax. In one to two days you’ll receive video commentary of your swing, recommendations for improvement and drills to work on for our next lesson.
Exercise
Now is the perfect time to work on your golf fitness. Daily stretching is great and you can keep up your fitness with online yoga classes by searching YouTube for 'Yoga for Golfers’.
You might also want to think about walking, running or cycling to build your fitness.
Read a good book
There are loads of golf books that you can be reading during isolation, and what better time when the sun is shining and you can sit outside?
My favourite is 'Putting out of your mind' by sports psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella. You can see it on Amazon here and it's also available on Kindle and as an audio book.
There’s lots that can be done during isolation, especially if you’re determined to continuing improving your game. I hope everyone stays safe during this unusual time but I also hope you can find some time to work on your game and continue to enjoy golf! Thanks for reading!