How to Practice Like a Pro: Turning Driving Range Sessions into Game-Ready Skills

Practice like a pro!

Every golfer dreams of playing like a pro, but many fall into the same trap at the driving range—mindlessly hitting balls without a clear purpose. If you want to see meaningful improvement, you need to approach practice sessions like the professionals do: with structure, purpose, and focus.

In this post, we’ll explore how to turn your driving range practice into game-ready skills by using strategies that PGA Tour players rely on.

1. Have a Game Plan Before You Arrive

Professional golfers never show up to practice without a clear agenda. Before heading to the range, decide what you want to focus on—whether it’s improving your driving accuracy, dialing in your irons, or sharpening your short game.

Pro Tip: Choose one or two specific goals per session to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2. Warm Up with a Purpose

Pros don’t just stretch—they warm up their swings with intention. Start with shorter clubs like wedges to establish rhythm and balance. Gradually work up to longer clubs, paying attention to your tempo and ball contact.

Drill Idea:

• Hit 10 wedge shots with a smooth, relaxed swing.

• Focus on solid contact and proper distance control.

  
  

3. Practice Like You’re on the Course

One of the biggest differences between amateur and pro practice sessions is how they simulate on-course play. Instead of hitting the same shot repeatedly, pros change targets and clubs, replicating real golf situations.

Challenge Drill:

• Pick different targets on the range for each shot.

• Alternate clubs as if playing a hole on the course.

4. Use Feedback Tools

Top players rely on data to track their progress. Tools like launch monitors, alignment sticks, and swing video apps provide instant feedback on swing mechanics, ball flight, and contact points.

Quick Tip: If you don’t have access to high-tech tools, use foot spray on your clubface to check contact or film your swing with your phone.

5. Focus on Short Game and Putting

While the driving range is important, most scoring happens within 100 yards of the hole. Pros dedicate a significant portion of their practice time to chipping, pitching, bunker shots, and putting.

Short Game Routine:

• Hit 10 chips to different targets.

• Practice 3-foot putts in a circle around the hole to simulate pressure.

6. Add Pressure Drills

Playing under pressure is what separates pros from amateurs. Add high-pressure situations to your practice by setting performance goals and rewarding yourself for meeting them—or imposing consequences if you don’t.

Pressure Drill:

• Set a goal to hit 7 out of 10 fairways or greens.

• If you miss, add a short-game drill as a “penalty.”

7. End on a Positive Note

Pros often finish their practice sessions with a shot they know they can execute well. Ending with a successful shot boosts confidence and creates a positive mental image for your next round.

Conclusion

Practicing like a pro doesn’t require Tour-level equipment—it’s about having structure, focus, and a commitment to improvement. By applying these strategies, you can elevate your practice sessions and translate those skills to better scores on the course.

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Ready to take your practice sessions to the next level? Book a lesson at www.ericjmacdonaldpga.com, where I’ll help you develop a personalized practice plan tailored to your game. Let’s practice with purpose and play like a pro!

Remember: Every swing counts when you practice like a pro.