Golf Tips from the pros

A Proper Warm Up

Daryl Allercott,
Associate Professional,
Northview Golf & Country Club,
Surrey, British Columbia

How often do you arrive at the golf course forty-five minutes prior to your tee-time? Chances are not as often as you should. One key to a good round of golf is being properly prepared and loosened up before the game. Arriving at the course forty-five minutes in advance will give you plenty of opportunity to hit some full shots as well as do some chipping and putting.

Driving Range: You do not have to hit a large bucket of balls, instead hit twenty or thirty balls and loosen up slowly. Start out with a short iron and progress up to the longer clubs. Try to get a "feel" for your swing but do not start working on your swing and making changes. Remember this is just a warm up and not a practice session.

Chipping: Save a few balls from your warm up basket and head to the chipping green. Try both the bump and run shot as well as some more lofted shots to get a sense of feel. The goal is to get each shot about two feet from the cup. By hitting some good chips you will have more confidence to take to the course. Also, if the course has a practice bunker hit a few shots from there. Remember, about half the shots taken in a round occur around the green.

Putting: When you hit the putting green before your round you are there to get a feel for the speed of the greens, not work on your stroke. Practices some longer putts (around thirty feet) and try to lag them close. Next, sink some short putts to build some confidence before you tee off.

Although time is precious in our busy lives, the small amount of time it takes to warm up properly before a round of golf will be well worthwhile. You will now feel ready to play on the first tee rather than the fifth tee and your chances of getting off to a good start are greatly increased.

Courtesy The B.C. Golf Guide