Pre-Tournament Practice Schedule

As part of our One Week Out challenge, we’re outlining a practice schedule that will help you take your game from “meh” to magical in just one week. Not all of us are in the habit of creating - and sticking to - a consistent practice schedule. This usually ends up biting us in the butt when suddenly, it’s a tournament weekend and we haven’t done as much as we’d hoped to prepare.

Instead of always playing catch-up, take advantage of this one-week-out practice schedule to sharpen up your game and get green-ready.

While it may be tempting to focus on technical aspects of your game and your weaknesses, Director of Instruction at Paradise Valley CC and Forest Highland Golf Club Justin Klemballa says it’s more important to focus on feeling “warmed up” and confident on the course.

Justin’s first tip is to only hit a maximum of 5 balls on each club before switching to a new one. This club rotation will allow you to remain flexible and nimble in your swing and avoid burnout. Follow the 5-ball rule and switch targets (and distances) consistently in order to avoid getting bogged down on the technique of your swing. Justin also recommends switching up the distances.

Tip number two is to focus on your short-game skills. Justin’s one-third rule is that one-third of your practice should be on putting, one-third should focus on chipping, pitching, and bunkers and the last third should focus on your long-game shots. Following this rule, two-thirds of your practice time should revolve around your short game, which is crucial in order to sharpen up your skills on the green, and crucial practice ahead of a tournament.

Justin recommends using the breadcrumb technique - taking a bucket of balls and dropping them intermittently around the green before chipping them in order around a circle - when you have the short-game practice area to yourself. You can take this a step further by doing one round with a club you rely on often, and one club that you use less often.

Justin’s third tip is to play a 9-hole round at least once - but twice is great too - without keeping score. This will help you get yourself into the playing mentality as opposed to the grinding mentality. Doing so will help you feel comfortable and confident when you step up to the green on tournament day.

Focus on taking different shots around the green, trying new things, and keeping your approach consistent but light as you practice. You can temper your expectations by staying out of your head and enjoying low-pressure practice sessions that make you feel good.

You can learn techniques like these - and so many more - when you enroll in our high-powered 6-week Compete Confidence Signature Course with Tori Totlis. You’ll learn to approach every tournament confidently and build skills that will help you play consistently.