At Tarun Sardesai Golf (TSG) Academy, we often mention that intentional practice makes a golfer’s game perfect. Despite spending hours at the range, many golfers find it difficult to make significant progress in their game. Usually, their practice methods matter more than their effort. One of the most crucial elements to improving and becoming a more reliable golfer is learning the art of practicing.
Really, what is practice?
The act of repeatedly doing a movement or behavior, in our case, the golf swing, to develop and master a skill is called practice. This could entail improving putting rhythm, short game control, swing mechanics, or decision-making in golf. Repetition alone, however, does not guarantee improvement in your game- it may help you fetch a few good shots, but for your game to become a milestone, your intent and dedication towards your craft matter!
Both the quantity and the quality of practice are essential. Practice frequency, intent, and above all, the feedback are critical factors. A coach, technology, or even self-evaluation can help provide feedback. Inaccurate or misinterpreted feedback can lead you towards unproductive practice and draining of energy in the wrong direction. For this reason, more rapid and long-lasting development results come from a guided practice session, such as the structured sessions provided at TSG.
Types of Practice
Block practice and random practice are the two main types of practice in golf. Though they have somewhat different functions, both are crucial. Let’s understand the meaning and differences between the two.
Block Practice
In block practice, the same motion is repeated across several shots with the same club. For instance, using a 7-iron to hit 50 balls while concentrating only on swing mechanics and not on objectives or results.
When learning or improving technical changes, this kind of exercise is invaluable. Golfers can use it to isolate a movement, comprehend how it feels, and lay the groundwork for proper mechanics. Block practice is perfect for technical improvement because it is very organised and low-pressure.
Random Practice
The purpose of random practice is to mimic actual on-course circumstances. Similar to a real round of golf, it requires periodic changes of clubs, targets, and shot types. A wedge to a nearby pin, a long iron to a far-off target, and finally a drive might constitute one shot.
This type of exercise introduces decision-making and variability in a golfer’s game. It tests concentration, flexibility, and emotional restraint—all of which are vital in competition and tournaments. Additionally, random practice puts players under more strain and teaches them how to perform when it counts.
When is it Appropriate to use each kind of Practice?
When and how to apply different practice styles is crucial for efficient golf training.
At TSG, we advise golfers to use block practice mainly in the early stages of their preparation or during the off-season. With no expectation to perform right away, this is the perfect opportunity to work on swing modifications, posture, sequencing, or grip tweaks.
The emphasis should gradually shift to random practice as competitive rounds or tournaments approach. Usually, players should begin modelling real-game circumstances two weeks before the competition. This gets the body and mind ready for the course’s unpredictable nature.
A lack of productive random practice is often the problem if you do incredibly well on the range but struggle in competition. Even if you have a good understanding of the technique and control over your shots, they may not necessarily be of help to you on the course if you are not trained in demanding and spontaneous circumstances.
The TSG Method for Smarter Practice
At TSG, the structure of your practice routine is never random; rather, it is always planned and intentional. Our coaching methodology combines performance-based training with technical improvement at every stage of a golfer’s development and adaptation to the game. Our efficient team assists golfers in understanding not only what they should practice but also why they should practice it, through structured feedback, relevant use of technology, and customized practice regimens.
Golfers can easily bridge the gap between range performance and tournament success by being proficient in both block and random practice.
At the end, we remind you that balancing practice routines is an art. While random practice develops the golfer’s strategy, block practice develops the stroke. These practice strategies, when applied in their training sessions, help in developing aspiring players into competitive, flexible, and self-assured golfers.
So, here’s what we believe: Train with purpose, practice wisely and let your preparation shine where it counts most on the course. Happy Golfing!
