By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Many young golfers dream of playing the game at the collegiate level – but what does it really take to reach those heights? Golf Range Magazine spoke to some current and former college golf coaches to find out how the practice range and playing habits contribute to a player’s success.
Golf Range Magazine: From the standpoint of statistics, do you think it is important for younger competitive players to keep tabs on all aspects of their games statistically?
Stats at this age (13-17) aren’t all that important. Their games are going to change from week to week. What is important is that the players always work on the weakest aspects of their game….and they can never spend enough time on their short game. Low score wins! Find your way to shoot your lowest score.
-Larry Penley (Men’s Golf Coach- Clemson University)
It is absolutely important for players to start keeping stats. Basic at a younger age and, as they transition into more competitive tournaments, more detailed stats. Juniors should begin [at an early age] to have an understanding of what happened [in their rounds], and why. This can keep their minds off actual score, and more on process-related thoughts.
-Drew Belt, PGA (Head Teaching Professional at Tupelo Country Club; Former Women’s Golf Coach – University of Mississippi; Former Assistant Golf Coach – Augusta State University)
“Yes, and no need to use a statistical service. Good old-fashioned Excel spreadsheets will do the trick!”
-Julie Garner (Women’s Golf Coach- Rollins College)
Golf Range Magazine: We asked PGA Head Teaching Professional at Tupelo Country Club Drew Belt about time spent on the practice range versus the course, and he shared what he considers “The Ultimate Range Practice Session.”
There are many different types of drills and ways to practice. But the common theme throughout your practice should be ‘intention.’ Each shot needs to be hit with a certain purpose and thought.
Drew Belt, PGA Professional
Whether it be full-swing, putting, or chipping, the first thing to do is start your [practice] session with block practice. This includes checking your ball position, grip, alignment, distance to the ball – all the fundamentals that make you succeed.
You can also use the first ten minutes of block practice to work on a drill or something that pertains to your motion. With putting that could include placing tees in the ground – [when] chipping it could be a stick in the ground.
Here is an example of a normal full-swing range session for all my players, [using first four greens on the range]:
a. Green 1 (80-100 yards) – Divide green into four quadrants.
- Back quadrants’ shots [should] be low and front quadrants’ shots [should be] high.
- Hit two balls to each quadrant.
- Record what you get out of eight – must get six of eight to move to next green
b. Green 2 (130-160 yards) – Divide green into four quadrants and repeat previous drill.
c. Green 3 (160-180 yards) – Divide green into two halves right and left. Hit draw into left half and fade into right half (for right-handed players). Must get six of eight to move to next green.
d. Green 4 (180-200 yards) – Hit six of eight balls on the green to proceed.
e. Driver – Hit six of eight balls into designated “fairway.”
-Drew Belt, PGA (Head Teaching Professional at Tupelo Country Club; Former Women’s Golf Coach – University of Mississippi; Former Assistant Golf Coach – Augusta State University)
Golf Range Magazine: What type of player is more typically successful at the collegiate level?
- Steady and consistent with little deviation in scores posted
- Can go low but, by taking chances, may have occasional higher scores
- Both player types have merit
Both types can work. Every team needs consistent players but also needs guys [who] can go low from time to time. I’m not sure if their course management (go for broke) is the issue or if they are just erratic players. Either way, it takes a different talent to shoot low scores and this is the best way to get a coach’s attention.
Clemson Men’s Golf Coach Larry Penley is in his 37th season with the Tigers
-Larry Penley (Men’s Golf Coach- Clemson University)
Both types of players can be very successful in college. First, the consistent player because [he or she] will be a constant contributor to the team. Second, a player [who] might not be as consistent, but has more of a potential to go low, can help as well. I believe both players can and have been successful.
-Drew Belt, PGA (Head Teaching Professional at Tupelo Country Club; Former Women’s Golf Coach – University of Mississippi; Former Assistant Golf Coach – Augusta State University)
A, if they are shooting low enough. My most successful players have been A’s.
-Julie Garner (Women’s Golf Coach- Rollins College)
Golf Range Magazine: What are some of the more important off-course traits that coaches look for from a prospect?
We rarely see many of the golfers when they aren’t competing, but we do pay attention to their relationships with their parents and other players. How they treat their parents and fellow-competitors seems vital to their recruitment. Players [who] are good teammates and easy to coach are always respectful and appreciate the opportunity they are given. Players [who] show disrespect to their parents and playing partners will destroy a team and be a nightmare for any coach. Understanding that golf is what they do, and it isn’t who they are, is the first step to being successful.
-Larry Penley (Men’s Golf Coach- Clemson University)
Competitiveness and an ability to manage their time is a huge part of playing golf in college. If players participate in other sports or had competed at a high level in other sports, that’s a plus. Coaches have an easier time with the college transition if the junior already has the ability to manage [his or her] time as well.
-Drew Belt, PGA (Head Teaching Professional at Tupelo Country Club; Former Women’s Golf Coach – University of Mississippi; Former Assistant Golf Coach – Augusta State University)
Respect for parents/coaches, high-achieving academics, emotional resilience, positivity, being coachable in every aspect of your life.
-Julie Garner (Women’s Golf Coach- Rollins College)
