We are in smack dab in the middle of the frost bitten, snow laden winter. At least we are finally watching the PGA Tour season get into full swing, but that isn’t helping matters much. Everyone is itching to get out on the course.
Here are some tried, tested and true ways to help beat the Winter Blues:
Get Swinging
The best way to beat the blahs is to hit some balls. Most metropolitan areas have indoor golf centers where you can either hit into a net or better yet to hit in a dome to see some degree of ball flight. Typically these facilities charge on a time basis. Thus to get the most bang for your buck you want to make sure you have warmed up and are ready to hit once you start the clock. Practice grooving your swing and just making solid contact with the ball. Good ball striking should be your focus.
Many cities also have outdoor driving ranges equipped with heated stalls. I highly recommend this for practicing. It allows you to see your trajectory and flight of the ball giving you feedback whether you have sliced or hooked your shot, something hitting into a net lacks. I find that up to minus 15 degrees Celsius or 20 degrees Fahrenheit I am nice and warm under the heaters while I hit. Anything colder than that and you will feel every miss hit though your hands. These facilities also usually charge by the bucket not making you feel so rushed. Go through your bag starting with wedges and finishing with driver.
Take a lesson
My favourite time of the year to take a lesson is the off season. The reason being is that you will learn new swing thoughts and moves and by not being able to go out to the golf course you won’t revert to your bad habits. Winter lessons give players the opportunity to go through a swing change, and allow times to practice and build on the swing without making it painful on the score card. During the golf season when you put a new swing into play and things go south you ditch it in a heart beat never really giving it a chance.
Ensure your lesson is from a CPGA/PGA instructor. Even if you spouse, friend or neighbour is a scratch handicap don’t take lessons from him/her as you will just pick up any of their bad habits.
Play in a simulator
Nothing like feeling like you are actually on the course than teeing it up at Torrey Pines, Pebble Beach or St. Andrews. Find a facility with a golf simulator and either go solo or make a foursome. Have some fun with it! Today’s simulators are so high-tech they will simulate wind conditions, elevation changes and slope and grain of the green. The graphics are stunning. It gives you the feeling you are really teeing it up. Make a weekly meeting of a group of friends…your own men’s or ladies night. There are even some facilities that offer leagues for the die hard.
Hopefully these tips will help get you through the winter blues!
