Winterize Your Game

The winter months is a critical time period to take the necessary steps to improving your game. Aside from starting a fitness plan for adding strength and power, players of all ages and levels can maintain a steady practice schedule to keep your game going in the right direction.

Find a good indoor heating golf range

If you live within distance to a larger metro area, you probably have access to public golf ranges that have heated practice areas. This is the best way to maintain and improve your swing while building muscle memory and timing.

SKLZ Smash Bag

If you don't have access to a heated golf practice range, buying the tools to practice at your home will be crucial to your game. The SKLZ Smash Bag is great. Find an area in or around your home where you can take a full golf swing. Then practice hitting the bag firmly. It allows the user to mimic impact with your golf club. This will allow you to maintain proper muscle memory and joint strength.

Practice Nets

If you're lucky enough to have a backyard, buy a golf practice net and tee up a few golf balls. You can get in some driver practice which will help to eliminate any downtime between seasons. You don't have to spend a lot of money. If you don't have a back yard, buy a portable net you can set up in a grassy area in some open area. Take some wooden tees. Wooden tees are best for the environment if you break them and have to leave them at your practice area. Be aware: If you practice with your Irons, you'll probably leave some divots in the ground. So, make sure you're in an area where nobody will be angry about the torn up turf.

Indoor Putting Practice

Set up an indoor temporary putting green.

• Locate a nice open area in your home where you can set up a make shift putting green.

• Find 3 plastic cups,3 golf balls, and your putter.

• Move breakable items from the immediate area. (For kids: Ask an adult if this is ok.)

• Select a starting line. Set up the plastic cups at least 6-12 feet from that starting line.

• The starting line is where you will place the 3 golf balls.

• Choose some challenging angles and distances for the placement of your plastic cups. Place the opening of the cups towards your starting line.

• Now practice putting your golf balls towards the cups. The goal is to make a hole in one. (At least in 2) Keep a score card. Challenge a friend or family member.

• Don’t just focus on making the shot. Focus on your techniques as well. (Grip, stance, alignment, etc.)

Keeping Playing and Practicing!