Practice vs Playing. How can we bring the good practice shots to the golf course?
PGA Pro Marcus Edblad explains why golfers often struggle to transfer their driving range performance to the golf course. He advocates for a more rigorous practice routine that includes randomized club selection, competitive pressure, and hitting from difficult lies like sand to master impact. Edblad emphasizes that one must practice at a level higher than they expect to perform during a round to account for course variables and nerves.
Practice should be significantly better than what you expect on the course to account for pressure and uneven lies.
Avoid 'block' practice; change your club for every shot to simulate real course conditions and the 'first-shot' requirement.
Incorporate pressure-inducing goals, such as hitting five consecutive clean shots before allowing yourself to play.
Mastering 'impact' is the most critical skill; practice full shots from sand to develop extreme confidence in ball-striking.
Understand that swing mechanics often change under pressure (e.g., path becoming more neutral or more inside) and plan accordingly.