Tips for Tuning Up Your Golf Game During the Off-season.

As colder weather approaches a lot of golfers will soon be forced to put the clubs and go into hibernation for a few months until spring rolls back around.   Most of us die-hards will certainly be keeping the clubs in the trunk a bit longer and hanging on until the last patch of grass is covered in snow.  For those cold-weather troopers we applaud your tenacity.  For everyone else, we advise that you don’t store your clubs just yet.  Here are some helpful tips for tuning up your golf game during the off-season while we wait (not so patiently) for spring to arrive.

• Short Putts:   Hand-eye coordination and developing a proper rhythm are key aspects to successful putting.  Practicing putting at home (or office) provides a great opportunity to compartmentalize your putting stroke and focus on improvement in these areas.  If you don’t want to spring for a putting mat (they’re pretty cheap), pick up a turf mat from your local arts and crafts store to practice on.  Create a target on your makeshift putting surface (the old coffee mug will work just fine) and focus on nailing short 3-5 foot putts.  Short putting will help you concentrate on the mechanics of your stroke (your “pendulum swing”) and enhance your hand-eye coordination and rhythm.   If the weather is decent, try the same drill on a real practice green but  emember to keep it short.  The whole point is to focus on just a few key parts of your stroke and get the fundamentals down before adding in other dynamics such as slope and angle.
• Chipping Practice:    Now that you have the practice mat, pick up some wiffle golf balls and head into the basement.   A thicker style golf mat is preferable for this drill to replicate rough grass.  Use a product like the BirdieBall system (video below) or simply set up a small garbage can 15 feet in front of you and chip the wiffle balls into the garbage can.  Repeat this drill and move the can closer and further as you wish.  Keep in mind that similarly to our putting drill above, the point of this practice is to focus on the basic mechanics of your swing.  Obviously a waffle-type ball won’t respond the same way a regular golf ball will but you can still use the time to practice keeping your head down and developing an even and consistent rhythm.  For a different look try removing the garbage can and setting up the putting green mat used for short putts with a target in the middle.  Again if the weather permits, try this on the chipping green with real golf balls.

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• Hit the Range:  Easier said than done…its cold out there!  Good news is that a lot of driving ranges are now indoors or heated.  Throw on that  hooded sweatshirt, fill your travel mug with a hot beverage and work on your long game.  This is strictly to keep your swing intact. For more advanced analysis try bringing your smart phone to the range and videotaping your swing and your body movements.  Later you can use the video to compare your swing to the pros.  Work on improving anything you can identify as a potential issue (tempo, back-swing, angle of approach, etc.)
• Take Lessons:  Find a local store and inquire about lesson packages.  There are some decent pros inside stores like Golfsmith and Golf Galaxy that are affordable and helpful.   It makes for a great holiday gift to a golfer or to you!
• Get in Shape:  As the cold rolls in, a lot of trade in the pull carts for a warm spot on the couch which often leaves us with a few extra unwanted pounds come springtime.  Do yourself a favor and get your body in shape, not only for golf, but for life.   Hit the gym, run or walk on the treadmill, or sign up for a yoga class.  When springtime rolls around you’ll be leaner, more flexible, and ready to start taking some more skins from your buddies who’ve been sitting around all winter.