How to Practice Like a High School Golfer

By Brendon Elliot

As adult golfers, we often reminisce about the days when we were young and carefree, with endless hours to practice and play our favorite sport. In particular, those of us who played golf in high school may find ourselves longing for the days when we could dedicate ourselves fully to the game. The good news is that with some adjustments to our practice routine, it’s possible to recapture some of that youthful vigor and dedication. Here’s how adult golfers can turn back the clock and practice like a high school golfer.

Creating a Regular Practice Schedule and Routine

The first step is to create a weekly practice schedule that mirrors the commitment and structure of a high school golfer’s routine. While we may not have as much free time as we did in high school, we can still carve out dedicated time for golf practice. 

Here’s a sample practice schedule to get started:

Monday:

• 45 minutes of putting practice focusing on distance control and accuracy.
• 30 minutes of chipping and pitching practice, working on different lies and trajectories.

Tuesday:

• 1 hour at the driving range, focusing on iron play and ball striking.
• 30 minutes of mental game practice, including visualization and course management.

Wednesday:

• Rest day or light stretching and mobility work to prevent injury and stay limber.

Thursday:

• 9 holes of practice on the course, focusing on strategy and shot shaping.
• 30 minutes of bunker play practice, including various types of sand saves and escapes.

Friday:

• 1 hour of full swing practice at the driving range, working on consistency and power.
• 30 minutes of short game practice, including putting, chipping, and pitching.

Saturday:

• 18 holes of play, simulating a tournament round with focused concentration on each shot.
• Post-round reflection and note-taking on strengths and areas for improvement.

Sunday:

• Rest day or light stretching and reflection on the week’s practices and progress.

By following a structured practice schedule like this, adult golfers can emulate a scholastic golfer’s dedication and focused practice. In addition to the specific practice activities, it’s essential to approach each practice session with the same intensity and purpose that we had as young golfers. Engaging in deliberate practice, setting specific goals for each session, and maintaining a positive attitude are essential elements of practicing like a high school golfer.

Coaching and Mentorship is Not Just For Kids

Adult golfers can also benefit from seeking out coaching and mentorship, just like they did in high school. Whether it’s working with a local PGA golf professional, joining a golf clinic, or finding a mentor within their golf community, adult golfers can gain valuable insight and feedback to improve their game. Additionally, participating in local amateur tournaments and leagues can provide a competitive outlet and a sense of camaraderie similar to the high school golf experience.

Final Thoughts

While we may not be able to turn back the clock entirely, adult golfers can certainly recapture some of the dedication and passion for the game that we had as high school golfers. By creating a structured practice schedule, approaching practice sessions with purpose and intensity, and seeking coaching and mentorship, adult golfers can practice like a high school golfer and continue improving their game at any age. And, keep track of your progress in your V1 GOLF app so you have reference of your progress! Remember, it’s never too late to pursue our passion for golf with the same vigor and enthusiasm as we did in our younger days. 

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is a multiple award-winning Golf Professional based in Central Florida. He is the 2017 PGA of America’s National Youth Player Development Award Winner and is the recipient of more than 25 other industry awards with a focus on Coaching & Education. He is considered by his peers as an industry expert on topics ranging from Jr. Golf Development to Operations to Industry Sustainability. He is the founder of the Little Linksters Golf Academies and the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development, a 501c3 nonprofit also based out of Central Florida. Brendon is also a freelance golf writer for PGA.com, Golf Range Magazine and several other golf websites and blogs. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America. You can learn more about Brendon at BrendonElliott.com and Little Linksters at littlelinksters.com.