How to Warm Up Before a Round of Golf
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When it comes to prepping for a round of golf, most players rush to the driving range, pounding balls in hopes of perfecting their swing. While that may feel like the most productive use of your time, the reality is that consistent performance on the greens often plays a bigger role in lowering your score. To set yourself up for success, here’s how to allocate your time before a round—and why your putting practice and short game are the most crucial elements.
1. Arrive Early – But Don’t Rush
The ideal prep starts at least an hour before your tee time. This gives you ample time to check in, loosen up, and avoid the stress that comes with running late. Get to the course early enough to relax into your routine and focus on quality over quantity.
2. Warm Up Your Body (10-15 Minutes)
Begin with some light stretching and body movement to get the blood flowing. Focus on flexibility, especially in your hips, lower back, and shoulders, as these are key areas for your swing. A few minutes of dynamic warm-up exercises—like walking lunges and shoulder stretches—will help loosen any stiffness from the car ride or early morning wake-up.
3. Range Time – Less Is More (15-20 Minutes)
Rather than spending excessive time on the range, focus on a few quality shots. Hit a handful of balls with your shorter irons and wedges, then take a few swings with your driver. Your goal here isn’t to reinvent your swing but to get a feel for your tempo and shot shape. Most importantly, finish with a club you’re likely to use on the first hole, whether it’s an iron or a driver.
4. The Key to Your Round – Putting Practice (20-30 Minutes)
Your putting routine is where the Putt Line really shines. After your swing is dialed in, dedicate a solid 20 to 30 minutes to mastering the greens. Here’s how to maximize that time:
• Start with straight-line putts: Use the Putt Line to practice hitting straight putts, ensuring your stroke is accurate and consistent.
• Work on distance control: Practice lag putting from various distances to gauge the speed of the greens. Putt Line’s 1-foot markers help you develop a feel for distance and control.
• Master breaking putts: Shift focus to those trickier breaking putts by adjusting your practice routine. Set the visual pucks at an angle to simulate real-world conditions, honing your ability to read greens and understand break lines.
By making the Putt Line a key part of your warm-up, you’ll not only improve your putting technique but also boost your confidence when you step onto the course.
5. Short Game Practice (10 Minutes)
Finish your prep by chipping and pitching around the green. Try hitting a few different shots with wedges to prepare for a variety of conditions. Keeping this short and sweet helps maintain focus while fine-tuning your touch around the green.
Final Thoughts
The best golfers aren’t the ones who hit the longest drives—they’re the ones who can putt with precision and confidence. Before your next round, dedicate your time wisely. More than 50% of your shots come from your short game or putting. Prioritize quality over quantity, and make putting practice with the Putt Line an essential part of your routine. You’ll not only feel more prepared but also improve your chances of shaving strokes off your scorecard.
1. Arrive Early – But Don’t Rush
The ideal prep starts at least an hour before your tee time. This gives you ample time to check in, loosen up, and avoid the stress that comes with running late. Get to the course early enough to relax into your routine and focus on quality over quantity.
2. Warm Up Your Body (10-15 Minutes)
Begin with some light stretching and body movement to get the blood flowing. Focus on flexibility, especially in your hips, lower back, and shoulders, as these are key areas for your swing. A few minutes of dynamic warm-up exercises—like walking lunges and shoulder stretches—will help loosen any stiffness from the car ride or early morning wake-up.
3. Range Time – Less Is More (15-20 Minutes)
Rather than spending excessive time on the range, focus on a few quality shots. Hit a handful of balls with your shorter irons and wedges, then take a few swings with your driver. Your goal here isn’t to reinvent your swing but to get a feel for your tempo and shot shape. Most importantly, finish with a club you’re likely to use on the first hole, whether it’s an iron or a driver.
4. The Key to Your Round – Putting Practice (20-30 Minutes)
Your putting routine is where the Putt Line really shines. After your swing is dialed in, dedicate a solid 20 to 30 minutes to mastering the greens. Here’s how to maximize that time:
• Start with straight-line putts: Use the Putt Line to practice hitting straight putts, ensuring your stroke is accurate and consistent.
• Work on distance control: Practice lag putting from various distances to gauge the speed of the greens. Putt Line’s 1-foot markers help you develop a feel for distance and control.
• Master breaking putts: Shift focus to those trickier breaking putts by adjusting your practice routine. Set the visual pucks at an angle to simulate real-world conditions, honing your ability to read greens and understand break lines.
By making the Putt Line a key part of your warm-up, you’ll not only improve your putting technique but also boost your confidence when you step onto the course.
5. Short Game Practice (10 Minutes)
Finish your prep by chipping and pitching around the green. Try hitting a few different shots with wedges to prepare for a variety of conditions. Keeping this short and sweet helps maintain focus while fine-tuning your touch around the green.
Final Thoughts
The best golfers aren’t the ones who hit the longest drives—they’re the ones who can putt with precision and confidence. Before your next round, dedicate your time wisely. More than 50% of your shots come from your short game or putting. Prioritize quality over quantity, and make putting practice with the Putt Line an essential part of your routine. You’ll not only feel more prepared but also improve your chances of shaving strokes off your scorecard.