Here’s what I’m doing. I’ve got a facility with a trackman very close to my office so I’m going there 4-5 times per week for 90 mins per session. I’m breaking each session into three parts -
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technique/drills - I’m working with an instructor so he’s giving me things to work on and different training aids to use so do this first. I’m working on improving my path and shallowing my swing. I’m outside to in and steep and need this to get better.
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Practice games - I have a set of different type of shots/targets (eg - 30 yd and 60 yd targets, hit three shots to each using my 56 and 60 wedges, measure outcomes and compare to the last time or pick a target for a full 7I and another for 3/4 7I and hit three to each alternating for 7-10 mins)
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Data collection - One major goal is to figure out how far I hit my wedges at different swing speeds. So, at the end, I hit 25 or so wedges at a specific feeling (1/2, 3/4 or full). Trackman collects all the data I need and what I’m learning is how far I carry the ball at with each of these swings (and that the speed of the swing at each of these feelings is very consistent which is good). Over the winter, I’ll hit hundreds, if not more, of balls with each of these swings so I should have it pretty dialed in next year. When the weather gets better, I’ll take this outside and measure how far the ball goes with each swing in the elements. I bet it’s close to the simulator but it will be different. I’m also going to gather the same kind of carry and dispersion data through my whole bag but I want to work more on the swing changes before I really get into that.
Putting - I have a mat in my basement and, later in the winter, I’m going to spend some time every day working on my aim (I have a left bias) and start line (also left bias). Things like gate drills will help here. I’m going to hit a million 10 ft and in putts. My lag putting is pretty good but I do not make nearly enough of the shorter ones (even acknowledging that the expected number of makes is a lower than most people realize). I’m intrigued by Aimpoint and will probably sign up for a session next year when the weather gets better.
Short Game - not much I can really do here in a Trackman but I will work on pitching and chipping technique. But, getting good feel is something that needs to be done outside, on grass, to real holes.
Fitness - I’m using Fit For Golf which I have enjoyed and will layer in some kettlebell workouts I started last year before Covid. I’m very limited given that I can only workout in the basement but it’s better than nothing and I know I’ll get somewhat stronger. Also thinking about using SuperSpeed sticks but I’m a bit apprehensive about that as I hurt my shoulder last summer using those. We’ll see about that.
Finally, next summer, I’m going to enter as many tournaments as I can. I’m going to put myself out there under the gun as much as I can and probably stretch in events that are beyond me. But, this is the best way to test the swing and strategy and, over time, will help the improvement plan a lot. And, by the end of the summer when the only two events I care about come around - the Mid-Am qualifier and club championship, I’ll be as ready as I can be.
