Give Yourself The “Acid Test”

It would be best if each range practice session began with a number of ¼, ½ and ¾ length pitch shots with your sand wedge. Not only is it a small swing to get your muscles warmed up, it helps you build up to the full swing, and of course, it’s a REAL shot which occurs multiple times during every round of golf you’ll ever play. After this warm-up, choose a 6, 7 or 8 iron to focus on the set-up and swing changes you have been working on with your PGA Professional.

Consider concluding each range practice session using your 3 wood from the ground. The goal is to see a HIGH DRAW. The reason for the 3 wood is to TEST if swing changes have truly occurred.

I call it the “acid test.” You can’t accidentally hit high draw 3 woods, the margin for error is at a minimum so you eliminate all “false positives” (outcomes which “hide” flaws). If you tee up your driver all the time, the tee actually “hides” some of the possible flaws in your swing. Same is true when using irons since the combination of the shorter shaft and greater loft will reduce sidespin and the degree of off-line shots.

Swing only 10 of these 3 woods from the ground WITHOUT judging, getting angry or trying to “fix” anything. Remember, it needs to be a “pure” test to be able to judge whether the swing is really changing to the degree you think it is. If your ball flight is not a high draw, that’s OK, just know that you need to get back to work using the 6-8 irons again. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the % of high draws with the 3 wood based on your personal golf goals and dedication level.

Please practice with maturity and realize that it’s OK to “fail” with poor ball flight IF you learn something. Use the 3 wood acid test as a benchmark goal for your long-term progress. Be patient and continue to learn.