The Mile Why Club

“It’s better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.”—James Thurber I mean really, how many options are there? You go to the course to play, to practice or to take a lesson. Some of you can add “compete” to that list, but it’s really just a subcategory of “play.” Yet, grabbing a cup of soup and practicing for thirty minutes after work will require different preparations from playing in the final round of a televised major championship. Each has its own protocol of preparation. Practice: Although practice is a relatively simple part of the game, try these tips to make ever session count. Ensure availability. Just like you do when determining WHEN to play, check the time of day, or season, or the club’s calendar of events before your practice session. Be prepared. Keep some gear in your car just in case a practice opportunity presents itself. It doesn’t have to be your entire set of clubs. Typically, I keep two wedges, a pair of golf shoes, socks, a hat, a jacket, and a shag bag in my Jeep at all times. This way I can make the most of every urge to practice. It’s just like my Grandpa always told me—”You should keep a pair of balls in your pants to play with, just in case you need the practice.” Or something like that… Take Lessons: Taking lessons is an essential component in the improvement process, and it’s considerably different from practice. In short, a lesson determines what and how to practice. Be ready on time. The pro probably has a busy schedule. Assume he or she teaches a lesson before and after yours. Do your part and show up when you said you would so you don’t impact that rest of the day’s schedule for the teacher and all subsequent students. Give yourself time to warm up before the lesson so your teacher won’t have to watch you do it. If you aren’t ready to fully engage in the lesson on time, you’re late. Being present is not the same as being ready. Don’t be nervous. Golf pros have seen it all. You can’t do much to surprise us. Really, only a handful of things can go wrong before or during the golf swing, and every golfer simply has a unique combination and severity of the same swing flaws. Play: Here’s the most common—and the most fun—reason to show up at your favorite golf course. Know where you’re going. Make sure you know where you’re going and how long it’ll take to get there. Nothing is worse than scrambling to check in and tee off on time if you’re running late. Call ahead, ask a friiend, or find a map online to get directions. Make reservations. Reserve the essentials—tee times, carts, and sometimes caddies—as far in advance as possible. Carts can be in real demand on busy days. Caddies are typically independent contractors and should be scheduled at least twenty-four hours ahead of time. Investigate. Understand and adhere to the club’s policies on such matters as dress code, personal golf cart usage, and acceptable forms of tender. NEver assume that you know the policy of a course that you haven’t played regularly or recently.