pga tour pros practice routine

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Practice like the pros.

The Next Level of Practice…

Practice like the pro’s.

• From the wedge and working up through the bag, they focus on a target and specific yardages. Flying the ball to exact distances, much like they would need to on the course during a round, is of the utmost importance. Many use a rangefinder and shoot the distances of targets to hit to, and many more use a Trackman, Flightscope or other radar to aid in this.
• Shot shaping…combining the above regarding yardages, Tour professionals try to visualize and execute hitting different shot shapes into targets. Fades, slices, draws, hooks, and straight shots…everything that could come up on the course during competition.
• Trajectories…in addition to the carry yardages, and the shot shapes, Tour Professionals will also work on hitting a combination of shots at different trajectories into chosen targets.

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How To Get On The PGA Tour: A Comprehensive Guide To Turning Pro

January 16, 2024

Discover the roadmap to becoming a professional golfer and joining the prestigious PGA Tour. From developing your game to navigating amateur tournaments, securing college scholarships, and turning pro, this guide covers it all.

Preparing for a Career in Professional Golf

Developing a strong golf game.

Becoming a professional golfer requires a strong foundation in the sport. To develop a strong golf game, it is essential to focus on the fundamentals. This includes mastering the basic techniques of the swing, such as grip, stance, and posture. Regular practice and repetition are crucial in honing your skills. Consider seeking guidance from a professional golf instructor who can provide valuable feedback and help you identify areas for improvement.

Building Physical Fitness and Endurance

Golf may not be as physically demanding as some other sports, but it still requires a certain level of physical fitness and endurance. Engaging in regular exercise routines that focus on strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness can greatly enhance your performance on the golf course. Incorporate exercises that target specific muscle groups used in the golf swing, such as the core, arms, and legs. Additionally, cardio exercises like running or cycling can improve your stamina and help you stay energized throughout a round of golf.

Understanding the Rules and Etiquette of Golf

Golf is known for its strict adherence to rules and etiquette. Familiarize yourself with the rules of golf as outlined by the governing bodies, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A). Understanding these rules will not only help you avoid penalties but also ensure fair play and respect for the game. Furthermore, golf etiquette, such as maintaining a good pace of play, repairing divots, and raking bunkers, is essential in creating a positive golfing experience for yourself and others.

Practicing Mental Resilience and Focus

In addition to physical skills, mental resilience and focus are vital for success in professional golf. The ability to stay calm under pressure, maintain focus, and bounce back from setbacks is what sets apart the best players from the rest. Developing mental resilience can be achieved through techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, and positive self-talk. Practice staying in the present moment and let go of past mistakes. By developing a strong mental game, you can enhance your performance and handle the ups and downs that come with competitive golf.

By prioritizing the development of a strong golf game, building physical fitness and endurance, understanding the rules and etiquette of golf, and practicing mental resilience and focus, you will lay a solid foundation for a successful career in professional golf . Remember, it takes time, dedication, and perseverance to achieve your goals. Stay committed to your training and strive for continuous improvement.

Navigating Amateur Tournaments

Amateur tournaments play a crucial role in the journey of aspiring professional golfers. These tournaments provide valuable opportunities to gain experience, establish a handicap, and track progress. In this section, we will explore the different aspects of navigating amateur tournaments, including identifying and participating in local tournaments, gaining experience in national and international competitions, and establishing a handicap.

Identifying and Participating in Local Tournaments

Participating in local tournaments is an excellent way for amateur golfers to gain exposure and test their skills against other players in their community. To identify local tournaments, you can start by checking with your local golf clubs or associations. They often organize regular events for amateur players of all skill levels.

Once you have identified the local tournaments, it’s important to register and secure your spot in advance. These tournaments can be quite popular, so it’s essential to plan ahead and ensure your participation. Keep an eye on registration deadlines and make sure you meet all the requirements, such as handicaps or age restrictions, if any.

Local tournaments provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase your talent and meet fellow golf enthusiasts. They create a platform for networking and building connections within the golf community. By participating in these tournaments, you not only enhance your skills but also gain valuable experience in a competitive environment.

Gaining Experience in National and International Competitions

Once you feel confident in your abilities and have gained some experience through local tournaments, it’s time to take your game to the next level by participating in national and international competitions. These tournaments provide a higher level of competition and offer exposure to a broader range of players.

To gain experience in national and international competitions, you can start by researching tournaments that align with your skill level and goals. Various golf associations and organizations organize such tournaments, both at the national and international levels.

Participating in these competitions not only allows you to challenge yourself against top-level players but also provides an opportunity to travel and experience different golf courses around the world. It is an excellent way to broaden your horizons and gain exposure to different playing styles and conditions.

Establishing a Handicap and Tracking Progress

Establishing a handicap is an essential aspect of navigating amateur tournaments. A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer’s ability, which allows players of different skill levels to compete on a fair and level playing field. It represents the number of strokes a player is expected to take to complete a round of golf.

To establish a handicap, you need to record your scores in each round of golf you play. The more rounds you play, the more accurate your handicap will be. Golf associations and clubs have systems in place to calculate handicaps based on the recorded scores.

Tracking your progress through your handicap is an effective way to measure your improvement over time. It helps you identify areas of your game that need more attention and allows you to set goals for yourself. By consistently monitoring your handicap, you can track your development and see the tangible results of your hard work and dedication.

Securing College Golf Scholarships

When it comes to pursuing a career in professional golf, securing a college golf scholarship can provide a significant advantage. Not only does it offer financial support, but it also provides a platform to enhance your skills and gain exposure to competitive environments. In this section, we will explore the essential steps to secure college golf scholarships.

Researching and Applying to Universities with Strong Golf Programs

The first step in the process of securing a college golf scholarship is to thoroughly research and identify universities with strong golf programs. Look for colleges and universities that have a track record of success in golf, both at the team level and individual player achievements. Consider factors such as the reputation of the coach, the quality of the facilities, and the competitiveness of the program.

To make this process easier, create a list of potential universities that align with your academic and athletic goals. Consider reaching out to current or former college golfers to gather insights about their experiences and the level of support provided by the university. This research will help you narrow down your choices and focus on universities that offer the best opportunities for your golf career.

Once you have identified the universities that interest you, it’s time to start the application process. Each university will have its own application requirements and deadlines, so make sure to carefully review their websites and gather all the necessary materials. This may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, an athletic resume highlighting your golf achievements, and standardized test scores.

Demonstrating Athletic and Academic Excellence

When applying for a college golf scholarship, it’s essential to demonstrate not only your athletic skills but also your academic excellence. Colleges and universities are looking for well-rounded student-athletes who can excel both on the golf course and in the classroom.

Highlight your golf achievements in your application materials, such as tournament wins, handicap improvements, and any notable performances. Include any relevant statistics or rankings to showcase your skills and potential.

In addition to showcasing your athletic abilities, don’t forget to emphasize your academic achievements. Maintain a strong GPA, take challenging courses, and participate in extracurricular activities that demonstrate your leadership and commitment.

Networking with College Coaches and Players

Building relationships with college coaches and players can greatly increase your chances of securing a college golf scholarship. Reach out to the coaches of the universities you are interested in and express your interest in their program. Attend college golf tournaments or camps where you can interact with coaches and players in person.

Networking with current college players can also provide valuable insights and guidance during the application process. They can share their experiences, offer advice, and potentially even recommend you to their coach.

Additionally, consider joining golf associations and organizations that provide opportunities to connect with college coaches. Attend golf expos or conferences where you can meet coaches from various universities and showcase your skills.

By networking with college coaches and players, you not only increase your visibility but also demonstrate your dedication to pursuing a college golf scholarship.

Turning Professional

Becoming a professional golfer is the dream of many aspiring players. It is a journey that requires dedication, hard work, and a strategic approach. In this section, we will explore three key aspects of turning professional: participating in qualifying tournaments, building a strong professional network, and securing sponsorships and financial support.

Participating in Qualifying Tournaments

Participating in qualifying tournaments is a crucial step towards turning professional in golf. These tournaments provide aspiring golfers with the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete against other talented players. Qualifying tournaments are typically organized by professional golf associations or governing bodies and serve as a gateway to professional tours.

To participate in qualifying tournaments, you must first research and identify the upcoming events in your region or country. This information can be found on the websites of golf associations or through reputable golf publications. Once you have identified the tournaments, it is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria, entry fees, and registration deadlines.

Before entering a qualifying tournament, it is essential to prepare yourself both physically and mentally. This includes maintaining a consistent practice routine, working on your golf skills, and honing your mental resilience. Additionally, studying the course layout, understanding the prevailing weather conditions, and strategizing your game plan can give you a competitive edge during the tournament.

Participating in qualifying tournaments also offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience and exposure. Even if you do not qualify for the professional tour immediately, the tournament experience can help you assess your strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and learn from more seasoned players. Remember, every tournament is a stepping stone towards your ultimate goal of turning professional.

Building a Strong Professional Network

Building a strong professional network is essential for any aspiring professional golfer. Networking allows you to connect with industry professionals, fellow players, coaches, and sponsors who can provide guidance, support, and opportunities for advancement in your career.

One way to build a professional network is by joining local golf associations or clubs. These organizations often host events, tournaments, and networking opportunities where you can meet and interact with other golf enthusiasts. Additionally, attending golf industry conferences, seminars, and trade shows can also be beneficial in expanding your network.

When networking, it is important to approach interactions with a genuine interest in getting to know others and building mutually beneficial relationships. Actively engage in conversations, ask questions, and listen attentively to others’ experiences and advice. Be open to sharing your own experiences and offering assistance when possible. Remember, building a strong network is a two-way street, and fostering meaningful connections can lead to opportunities and support throughout your professional golf journey.

Securing Sponsorships and Financial Support

Securing sponsorships and financial support is crucial for turning professional in golf. These partnerships can provide the necessary resources and financial stability to pursue your career as a professional golfer.

To attract potential sponsors, it is important to establish a strong personal brand. This includes showcasing your skills, achievements, and unique qualities that set you apart from other aspiring professionals. Creating a professional website or social media presence can serve as a platform to highlight your journey, share your golfing experiences, and engage with your audience.

When approaching potential sponsors, it is important to research their brand values, target audience, and existing partnerships. Tailor your sponsorship proposals to align with their objectives and demonstrate how a partnership with you can benefit their brand. Highlight your achievements, future goals, and the value you bring as a professional golfer.

In addition to sponsorships, exploring other avenues for financial support is essential. This may include seeking grants, scholarships, or funding opportunities provided by golf associations, charitable organizations, or educational institutions. Researching and applying for these opportunities can help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with turning professional.

Remember, securing sponsorships and financial support requires persistence, professionalism, and effective communication. Building relationships with potential sponsors and demonstrating the value you can bring as a professional golfer are key factors in attracting support and creating a sustainable career in the golf industry.

Sustaining a Professional Golf Career

Developing a consistent practice routine.

As a professional golfer, one of the most important aspects of sustaining a successful career is developing and maintaining a consistent practice routine. This routine should encompass various elements of the game, including physical training, mental preparation, and technical skill development.

To begin, it is essential to allocate dedicated time for practice each day or week. Consistency is key, as regular practice allows for gradual improvement and the refinement of skills. By setting aside specific hours or days for practice, you can establish a routine that becomes ingrained in your schedule, ensuring that you make progress over time.

In terms of physical training, incorporating exercises that focus on golf-specific movements and muscle groups is crucial. This may include strength training exercises to improve swing power and stability, as well as flexibility exercises to enhance range of motion and prevent injuries. Additionally, cardiovascular exercises can improve endurance on the course.

Mental preparation is equally important in a consistent practice routine. Engaging in activities such as visualization, meditation, or mindfulness exercises can help sharpen focus, increase resilience, and enhance overall performance. By incorporating these techniques into your practice routine, you can train your mind to remain calm and focused under pressure during tournaments.

Technical skill development should also be a priority in your practice routine. This involves dedicating time to honing your swing mechanics, short game proficiency, and putting skills. Utilizing video analysis tools or seeking the guidance of a professional coach can provide valuable feedback and help identify areas for improvement.

In summary, developing a consistent practice routine is essential for sustaining a professional golf career. By allocating dedicated time for physical training, mental preparation, and technical skill development, you can continuously improve your performance and maintain a competitive edge on the course.

Managing Physical and Mental Health

In order to sustain a successful professional golf career, it is vital to prioritize and manage both physical and mental health. The demands of the sport can be physically and emotionally taxing, making it crucial to establish healthy habits and routines to support overall well-being.

First and foremost, taking care of your physical health is essential for optimal performance. This includes maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet to fuel your body with the necessary energy and nutrients. Hydration is also key, as dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased cognitive function. Additionally, getting sufficient rest and sleep is crucial for recovery and allowing your body to perform at its best.

Regular exercise outside of golf can also contribute to overall physical health. Engaging in activities such as cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises can improve endurance, strength, and prevent injuries. Incorporating cross-training into your routine can also help prevent burnout and provide a fresh perspective on your golf training.

Equally important is managing your mental health. The pressure and expectations of professional golf can take a toll on your psychological well-being. It is important to recognize and address any signs of stress, anxiety, or burnout. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as meditation, mindfulness, or hobbies outside of golf, can provide a much-needed balance and mental rejuvenation.

Seeking support from a mental health professional or counselor can also be beneficial in managing any mental health challenges that may arise. They can provide guidance, coping strategies, and support to navigate the unique demands of a professional golf career .

In summary, prioritizing and managing both physical and mental health is essential for sustaining a professional golf career. By establishing healthy habits and routines, seeking support when needed, and finding a balance between golf and personal life, you can ensure long-term success and well-being.

Seeking Professional Coaching and Guidance

As a professional golfer, seeking professional coaching and guidance can be instrumental in sustaining and furthering your career. Coaches provide valuable expertise, guidance, and support to help you reach your full potential and overcome any obstacles along the way.

A professional golf coach can assess your current skills, identify areas for improvement, and design a personalized training plan to address your specific needs. They can provide technical guidance, analyze your swing mechanics, and offer drills and exercises to enhance your performance. Additionally, coaches can provide feedback and accountability to ensure consistent progress.

Beyond technical guidance, coaches can also provide mental and emotional support. They can help you navigate the mental challenges of the game, develop strategies for maintaining focus under pressure, and cultivate a resilient mindset. Coaches can also serve as a source of motivation, encouragement, and perspective during both successes and setbacks.

In addition to individual coaching, seeking guidance from experienced professionals in the industry can also be beneficial. Networking with fellow golfers, tournament organizers, and industry experts can provide valuable insights, opportunities, and connections. Building a strong professional network can open doors to sponsorships, endorsements, and collaborations, further supporting your career.

In summary, seeking professional coaching and guidance is essential for sustaining a professional golf career. Coaches provide technical expertise, mental support, and accountability to help you continuously improve and overcome challenges. Additionally, building a strong professional network can offer opportunities and support for long-term success.

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As a lifelong golf enthusiast, Stacey E. Black has spent countless hours on the greens, perfecting their swing and studying the sport's rich history. With a passion for sharing their knowledge with fellow golfers, they founded SwingTalks as a platform to offer expert tips, insights, and news about everything related to golf.

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How to practice like a Pro

Published: 03 January 2018 Last updated: 03 February 2021

Practice like three-time PGA Tour winner Brendan Steele, whose latest victory came at the 2017 Safeway Open in October

Forget beating balls on the driving range and trying to beat your longest drive. You need to practice with a purpose, which means using the winter months to fine tune every aspect of your game ready for the summer. 

Brendan Steele had just three weeks to get his game in shape for the start of the 2017/18 PGA Tour Season, and he did it by slogging away on the course and in the gym nearly every day. 

The American was rewarded by winning the 2017/18 season opener at the Safeway Open for a second year in a row and taking top spot in the FedEx Standings. We sat down with the 34-year-old to find out what it takes to hit the ground running on the PGA Tour. 

RELATED: Practise at home with the Best Golf Practice Nets

My practice diary…

7:00 : When I’m practising at home, I like to workout in the morning. I will get up around 7am, eat breakfast and then hit the gym around 8am. My workouts tend to be non-golf specific and based around strength training. My coach’s theory is that when all else is equal, the strongest athlete wins.

He changes up my routines based on where we are in the season and how much time off I have. During the off season, I work out really hard four days a week, but I don’t do any cardio. The only stuff I do is short explosive exercises like medicine ball throwing or pushing a sled.

9.30am: When I get to the course, l head straight for the practice green. I start off by unwinding a piece of string with knitting needles on each end, and measure out a straight, 10-foot putt from the hole. I’ll then work on my stroke using just my left hand from three feet and then six feet. I’ll also stick an alignment rod under my arms to make sure I’m feeling connected, and then I’ll go back to 10ft and work on drilling putts from there.

9.45am: The next 45 minutes I spend alternating between different drills. One of my favourites is a star drill, in which you set five tees around the hole from about 4ft and try to hole the putt from each position. There’s another version from 12 feet where you have three balls and score points according to how many putts you hole. So, if you miss all three putts, you get minus one. If you make one, you get one point.

If you make two out of three, it’s three points and if you make all three then it’s five points. The aim is to get to 20 as quickly as possible. I tend to draw a circle using six tees around the hole and work in between them to experience different types of breaks and reads.

10:30am : I’ll go to the chipping green for half an hour and start with some block practice by placing a Tour stick along my feet to make sure my alignment is good. From there, I like to do more random practice around the greens, focusing on lie assessment and landing spots and experimenting with different flights. But I don’t like to stay in the same place for too long; I like to throw balls down in different spots and then play to different holes to replicate on-course shots. I’m lucky enough to have a short game area where I can hit wedges back from 90 yards so I’ll crunch some numbers from there for another half an hour.

11:30am: Break for an early lunch. 

12:30pm: I’ll start with some wedges on the range to loosen up again and then go straight into some swing work. I am prone to swinging too long, which means I then come into the ball too narrow and end up getting stuck behind. To help me feel like I’m swinging short and wide, my coach has got me swinging to a three o’clock and nine o’clock position on a clubface. I tend to hit 20 balls swinging like that, which really helps to keep my arms parallel and my lower body stable.

12.50pm: Once my swing starts to feel more in tune, I’ll work my way through my bag and practise different ball flights . For the Open Championship, I was trying to flight the ball down a little bit more and work on shots which were going to work against the wind. Other times, I might focus on shaping drives if I need to hit a lot of draw drivers or fade drivers.

1.30pm : Before I finish, I tend to throw about 10 balls into a fairway bunker. I’m lucky that I’m able to do that on the range at Shady Canyon Golf Club [in Irvine, California], but I think it’s important that you practise all kinds of shots because anything can happen on the golf course. You’ve got to be prepared for every eventuality.

2:00pm : Finally, if the weather is good, I like to play at least nine holes with my buddies. There is no substitute for getting out on the course and hitting off different lies.

Questions for Brendan

How much does your routine differ during a tournament week? My coach Chris Mason dictates everything and puts a practice plan together. Wherever we go, the first thing I always do is some speed drills on the green. I try to play at least nine holes during every practice day, and then the rest of my time is spent fine-tuning things. Often, I’ll work on my distance control on the range and my coach will call out different numbers. I will then try to see how close I can get using TrackMan.

Are you a technical golfer or a feel golfer? I’m not very technical, but I always have different feels which I am trying to work through. Sometimes things which work well one week won’t necessarily work tomorrow. What I’ve really tried to do is limit the amount of swing thoughts I have. I try to keep things very simple.

How do you structure your warm-up before a round? If I’ve got an 8am tee time for example, I will be on the putting green at 7am. I will do my string drill to start, and then take two balls and work on my speed and read. That takes about 15 minutes, and then I’ll head to the range and hit about 40 balls for the next 20 to 25 minutes. Usually, I’ll start with a few wedges and then go into the nine o’clock to three o’clock drill to promote that feeling of swinging short and wide. From there, I’ll work my way up to the driver, hit a few chips and then head back to the putting green and run process putts.

How do you stay fuelled and hydrated during a round? When I get on the first tee, I normally grab an Amino Vital sports drink, which is an amino acid complex and gives me a boost before my round. When I reach the turn, I have a whey protein shake, but I tend to eat something every three or four holes. Normally I stock my bag with beef jerky, nuts and a few energy bars.

What advice would you give to an amateur looking to improve their game? Always work on your short game. People don’t spend nearly enough time on their chipping, and don’t have a clear idea what they want to do. First, you need to assess the lie; then you need to identify a landing spot and figure out what trajectory is needed. If possible, you always want to land it on the flattest part, about 10 feet on. The beauty of this game is that there’s always a decision to be made about when to take a shot on and when to be a little more cautious. But if you like the number you’ve got and you know the miss isn’t too bad, be confident and go for it.

NEXT: How to exercise like a Tour Pro

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• PGA Tour champ Justin Thomas’ golf workouts for a solid core and total-body muscle

The 2017 PGA Championship winner added 15lbs to his frame to power his breakout season. Here are some routines inspired by the training that helped him dominate the green.

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PGA Tour star Justin Thomas  leveled-up in the 2017 season, winning four tournaments including his first-career major at the PGA Championship.

After dealing with some injuries, Thomas overhauled his training program— putting an intense focus on core-strengthening workouts , mobility exercises , and routines to boost flexibility , which helped him play some of the best golf of his career.

“I wasn’t always someone who loved working out,” Thomas tells Men’s Fitness . “But now, it’s a major part of my life. It’s important for my body to feel how it needs to feel to play the best I can. It’s something I take very seriously. I probably put on a good 15-20lbs last year.”

That added strength helped Thomas put more speed on his swings and gain confidence on the course. Thomas and his trainer prioritized core and mobility work to strengthen the stabilizing muscles in his abdomen, back, hips, and glutes.

“We’ll always work on something core-related and we do a lot of split-stance [work],” Thomas says. “We rarely do something that’s working only one aspect. It’s nice to be big and strong, but let’s be real: Golfers don’t need to be throwing weight around. We need to stay flexible.”

How Thomas trains in the off-season

When Thomas isn’t playing in a tournament, he’ll usually hit the gym Monday and Tuesday, rest Wednesday, return Thursday, rest Friday, then train again on either Saturday or Sunday. Thomas’ workouts usually last between 60 and 90 minutes, with 10 minutes of stretching before and after to keep his body loose.

Thomas also begins every routine with some glutes activation by loading his hips to make sure those muscles are firing.

“If they don’t, that kind of misaligns everything else and you can feel it,” he says. He’ll do lunges, anti-rotation work with bands, pull and push exercises, and unilateral movements to work on balance.

How Thomas preps during PGA tournaments

When he’s in a tournament week, though, Thomas’ workouts are a bit different.

“During those weeks, I’ll workout maybe two times,” Thomas says. “It depends on if I have a morning or afternoon tee time. We have a physio guy that’s out with us on tour and I’ll see him everyday—in the morning to stretch me out and 30 minutes after I play or practice for deep-tissue work to keep me loose and moving. We’re doing so much walking on the course for a five-hour round, so you can’t drain yourself with a workout every day.”

His efforts have clearly been working. In 2017, Thomas finished as the highest-earning golfer on the PGA Tour, and he brought home the PGA Tour Player of the Year award for his accomplishments. Thomas plans to keep that momentum rolling into 2018.

“All I can do is get myself as prepared as possible, and try to play the best I can,” Thomas says. “With training, it’s really just making sure you’re being functional and not overdoing it.”

Want to train like a PGA Tour champ? Here’s a core-centric workout, and a strength- and muscle-boosting routine, inspired by the training that helped Thomas dominate the green.

How to do Thomas’ golf workouts

Complete as straight sets: Perform one set of the first exercise, then repeat for recommended number of sets. Once complete, move on to the next exercise in the workout.

Want a copy on the go?

Justin thomas's golf workout for a concrete core, medicine ball rotational throw, reverse crunch, dumbbell split squat, resistance band woodchopper, mountain climber on sliders, reverse lunge, justin thomas's full-body strength workout, seated incline dumbbell curl, bentover row, dumbbell overhead press, single-leg romanian deadlift, medicine ball russian twist, single-leg hip extension, overhead lunge.

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Every shot from 3-hole playoff | Will Zalatoris wins FedEx St. Jude Championship

Will Zalatoris didn’t just win his first PGA TOUR title Sunday at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. He also proved that sticking to a simple blueprint can breed success.

Committing to the same practice routine for three years turned Zalatoris’ putting from a liability to an asset, as proven by the series of clutch putts he holed on the final holes of his victory at TPC Southwind.

The most important may have been the 10-footer for par on the 72nd hole, the one that led him to exclaim, “What are they going to say now!?” and that was ultimately necessary for him to get in a playoff with Sepp Straka. Zalatoris, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area and a big Warriors fan, said his Stephen Curry-inspired retort was directed at all who have criticized his putting over the years.

Zalatoris has been working with Josh Gregory, a Dallas-based performance and short-game coach, for a little more than three years. Gregory, the head coach at Augusta State when it won back-to-back NCAA men’s golf titles, develops drills and games that help his PGA TOUR clients improve around the greens. It was Gregory who devised the routine that helped Zalatoris turn his putting around.

“He was in a bad place with his putting,” Gregory said, recalling their early days together. “He was lost. But all he needed was simplicity in what he was working on, and a blueprint of how to get better.”

Gregory gave Zalatoris that blueprint, and together they’ve been following it ever since. The practice sessions aren’t complicated, Gregory said, and they only take between 20 minutes and one hour. Although short in duration, the sessions are efficient, focused, and maybe most importantly, consistent.

They begin with short, straight putts, using a putting mirror and string line to work on his setup and to ensure his putts are starting on the proper line. They look to identify any issues with his grip, foot pressure, alignment, and shoulder line.

Then they play an 18-hole putting round on the green, selecting putts of different distances and slopes, scoring the game using a Strokes Gained system. This helps to engage Zalatoris’ competitive side, while also working on crucial aspects of putting, such as speed control and green reading.

“That’s why he’s persevered through all the criticism and the bad times; he does the same thing all the time,” Gregory said of Zalatoris. “We do the same drills every day. Regardless of whether he shoots 75 or 65, we’re doing the same thing.”

During one of these practice sessions at the PGA Championship, Zalatoris and Gregory developed a grip trick, or checkpoint, to ensure he addresses his putts properly.

“(He adjusted) where his hand placement is at the PGA Championship at Southern Hills,” Gregory said. “We had done a ton of work before that and identified some areas with his setup and his tilt; we’re always trying to get him (leaning) more left because he tends to tilt back with his grip on the SuperStroke.

“When he’s putting really well, you can’t see any of the ‘e’ in ‘SuperStroke.’ He covers it up with his hand. So I want his bottom finger a quarter of an inch below the ‘e.’ When he gets in trouble, his right hand gets too high on the putter, so you can see the bottom of the ‘e.” Then when his hand gets too high, he can’t control the putter face as well, and he gets too inside. The lower he gets to the ground, he can feel the weight of the putter better and feel like he’s taking it straighter back. It’s just a checkpoint we go through every day.”

The PGA Championship is also where he made big strides because of the confidence-inspiring putts he made on the final two holes of regulation to get into a playoff with Justin Thomas. Zalatoris holed 8-footers on those final two holes, and even though Thomas won the playoff, those clutch makes were huge for Zalatoris.

“It’s like Southern Hills was the turning point,” Gregory said. “After he made those putts on 17 and 18, he called me that night, and he goes, ‘I finally believe I’m one of the best players in the world.’ Those two putts have probably changed his putting stroke more than anything that we do.”

Despite finally breaking through last week in Memphis, Zalatoris and Gregory were on the practice green Tuesday at the BMW Championship in Delaware, with a putting mirror and a string line setup at his practice station.

“He’s going to do the same thing every day,” Gregory said. “Even after winning, we did the exact same drills today. We’ll do the exact same drills tomorrow. Our putting routine before and after the rounds is almost down to a ball count. It’s that exact. He’s wired like I am. I’m a super structured guy when it comes to practice. He’s the same way, that’s why we hit it off.”

To be fair, the Tuesday practice session may have taken a few extra minutes than normal. Usually, Zalatoris doesn’t have fellow PGA TOUR players and caddies approaching him every few minutes for celebratory high fives and hugs after a victory.

They were welcome interruptions, which Zalatoris embraced with smiles, appreciation, and a wry jab here and there to keep it light. Yet, they were interruptions nonetheless to a blueprint that Gregory and Zalatoris developed years ago.

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

TPC Louisiana

Here's how six PGA Tour pros practice putting before they go play

By Luke Kerr-Dineen

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- An hour spent on the practice putting green watching PGA Tour pros before they go play can teach you a lot.

First, think what many amateurs do: most usually throw down a few balls, quickly eye-up that hole 30 feet away and pull the trigger. They do that a couple more times, and toss in maybe a few sneaky short putts before heading to the first tee.

Related: Adam Scott's warm-up routine before beginning his Masters defense

"Ask any of the guys out here, they all have specific routines they do before they go play," Graeme McDowell said earlier in the week, a thought echoed by Zach Johnson: "I've got certain things that I plan to do every time I go play, like most of these guys."

I spent an hour before the third round of the RBC Heritage watching what a selection of PGA Tour pros do before they go play. Almost everything varied from one pro to another, but all seemed to share one common trait: None of the pros I saw spent any significant time hitting long putts. Practically all their time was spent drilling short putts from inside 10 feet.

Related: LPGA Players' Pre-Round Routines

Here are some of the drills preferred by the pros:

Jordan Spieth

With three golf balls, Spieth spent about 10 minutes hitting putts with just his right hand. After that, he hit three golf balls from eight feet, gradually working his way around the hole and moving farther away until he got to 12 feet.

Patrick Reed

Reed spend most of his time drilling seven foot putts -- also in sets of three -- lining up over a mirror and string to make sure everything moved on line.

Perez had his caddie video his putting stroke from ground-level by the hole as he hit three sets of nine foot putts from different angles (all the same distance).__

__ Billy Horschel

Horschel spent 20 minutes hitting nine foot putts with two tees resting a few feet away from the ball's starting position. The tees were spread about a golf ball's width apart. The goal was to start the putt on line so it would travel through the tees and into the hole.

Jonathan Byrd

Byrd was one of the more technical players on the green. Set up about 12 feet away from the hole, Byrd hit putts using a system that forced his putter to travel on the same line -- straight back and through -- throughout the stroke.

__Snedeker's favorite drill seemed to be when he set four balls at different spots around the hole, three, six and nine feet away. His goal was to make all 12 putts in a row, working his way from shortest to longest. If he missed one, he would start again from three feet.

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Putting Practice with Tour Pro [Behind the Scenes]

• Cordie Walker
• May 18, 2020

We got an exclusive look into the practice of Tom Lovelady, and what he works on when he goes to the putting green. 

The first thing that sticks out about Tom’s practice is how intentional it is, there is no wasted motion and everything he is doing has a purpose.

How many times do you see players just drop a couple balls on the green, hit the same putt three times, and move on without learning anything from what they just did.

Tom makes sure that his practice is very intentional, rarely hitting the same putt twice in a row. This allows Tom to replicate the golf course, because as we all know, you only get one chance to hit the putt when it counts. 

The next theme to Tom’s practice that stuck out was his constant attention to speed.

He makes sure to mention that every player has a different speed they like to see the ball go into the hole, and marrying that speed to the line you choose is so important.

Using a tool like the Perfect Putter, Tom is able to find the speed that he likes with each of the putts at his practice station, and then practice seeing the ball break into the cup at that specific speed.

This is vital on the golf course because being able to visualize and execute a putt to a certain speed is so important to becoming a better putter. 

Tom is very candid and honest about identifying his weaknesses and turning them into strengths. He talks about his strokes gained putting stats from the previous year on tour and how he struggled from 4-8 feet. He identified this weakness and purchased a tool that would help him better understand line and pace on his putts. Especially when putting on fast greens with a decent amount of slope, marrying line and speed in crucial to have a chance of making it.

Golfers need to be able to see what needs improving in their own game, and be humble enough with themselves to address it. 

Another point that Tom makes a point of is hitting the ball in the same spot on the putter every time. He talks about knowing his stroke, and understanding that to achieve the contact that he wants with his putter, his stroke needs to have a short and low follow through.

This allows him to hit the ball with a slight descending blow and connect with the putter in the same spot every time. This is such an important aspect in speed control, because if you hit three different putts on three different spots on the face, they will all have different speeds. 

The last point that Tom addresses is how he sees the putts rolling into the hole. It is very interesting because Tom does this differently depending on the putt.

Some players like to pick a spot, and some tend to see a line of the ball entering the hole, while Tom says that on uphill putts he picks a spot in the back of the cup and on downhill putts he sees a line into the hole.

This is interesting because essentially his process is changing putt to putt. It is a method that he taught himself and clearly works for him as he has made it to the PGA Tour.

It is important for aspiring golfers to find what works for them and stick to it.

There is nothing wrong with developing your own process and owning it, as long as it is effective for you. 

Tom gives incredible insight into the practice routine of a PGA Tour player, so the next time that you find yourself bored on the putting green, make practice intentional, fun, and interesting and you too can improve your putting. 

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PGA Tour Practice Routine

How do the best professional golfers practice and train.

Before any golfer, pro or otherwise, picks up a club, they look at the capability of their body versus the requirements of the swing.

What exactly does this mean?

Most of us are aware that golf requires rotation at the hip joints, shoulder joints and spine. So, what if a golfer has a very tight low back or any restrictions in their shoulders? Well, the obvious answer is that any loss of range of motion creates swing flaws in addition to injuries. This is a fact based on human performance and movement. It is also necessary to create a fluid and natural golf swing. Not only does golf require good rotation at each joint, but it must be efficient and explosive.

I have had the opportunity to visit such a human performance center where some of the more famous tour players train. I was able to explore the same tests they take as part of their initial assessment period. Remember since we are all built differently and have different strengths and weaknesses, we all test differently.

The results of these tests help guide, direct and prioritize any training program moving forward. How successful is this approach to golf conditioning? I watched it place a green jacket on a well deserving young player just a couple of years ago.

What should you be tested for?

Muscle strength. Evaluate each significant muscle group. Are there any significant differences between your left side and your right side?

Range of Motion. Do you have adequate range of motion in the joints which most affect the golf swing? How does your lower body look versus your upper body? Does your left side match the flexibility in your right?

Core strength and endurance. Do you know how to properly engage your core region? If so, for how long?

Aerobic capacity and endurance. Do you have what it takes to last through a solid 18 holes? Is there an opportunity for improvement?

Balance. Do you have proper balance? Do you know what normal balance for golf looks like?

Physical assessment tests similar are commonly used by the top touring pros today. These tests are being offered at some of the top golf performance centers and will surely be the wave of the future. It is your true understanding of your relative strengths and weaknesses that creates opportunities for immediate and sound improvement in your game.

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One Week Sample Practice Routine Outlined by Chris Smeal, PGA

• by Chris Smeal
• April 24, 2024 April 24, 2024

By Chris Smeal , Director of Instruction

Follow Chris and his students on Instagram Here:  https://www.instagram.com/chrissmealgolf/

One Week Sample Practice Routine Outlined by Chris Smeal, PGA Questions please contact us at 619-339-2377 or Email  [email protected]

How Good Do You Want to Be?

• Put Some Purpose in Your Practice. It is not enough to just go hit some balls. You must have a goal and you must be working towards something.
• Add or Take out anything based on your time
• Remember – for every minute you’re not practicing, someone else is and is getting better than you
• Practice- Play – Compete – Learn – Read- Watch – Train
• We are practicing for the Big Moments in Golf… The final 9-Holes of a tournament when you are in contention. The ability to hit a great lag putt on the final hole of an event. To make a clutch 3 foot left to right putt on the final hole to qualify for the US Amateur. To drive it down the center of the 18th hole of the US Open on the final day with water right and bunkers left.

• 9-Holes at Par 3 Course working on Distance Control with irons

• Play First ball for score.
• Play extra ball from 30-40 yards short of green and keep that balls score
• Hit extra short chips just off side of green if play is slow and you have time to practice

• Putting Session – 40-Minutes

• Make 50 Putts from 3 Feet
• Play 9-Hole 2-Putt Game (Pick 9 putts outside of 20 feet and you have to 2-putt all 9-Holes

• Nightime Gym Workout

• Weights and Cardio

• Range Day – 3 Hour Practice Session

• Warm Up with Pitch Shots for feel and contact.
• Work on Wedges for 7 Minutes LW – SW – PW
• Practice High Shots, Low Shots, Vary Distances with each club
• Practice Full Finish vs. Cut Off Finish with each club
• Hit Odd Number Clubs Today (9, 7, 5, 3 iron)
• 3 Fades and 3 draws with each club calling shots on command. If you struggle keep working on it until you have a good pattern going.
• Hit 12-18 Woods off the ground working on ball flight pattern. Hit high fades with 3 wood to practice landing the ball softly. Then put 3 wood on short tee and work on turning it over and hitting it farther.
• Pick different targets and hit to a determined fairway. Do your full pre shot routine like it’s the opening tee shot of a tournament. Track whether you hit fairway, miss right or miss left for each shot. Do this daily and you can stay on top of hitting your fairways.
• Play a Mock Round on the Range of the next course you plan to play. Good drill for your imagination and to see if you can hit good shots switching clubs rather than pounding the same one over and over again.

• Nighttime Gym Workout

• Cardio and Stretching

• Short Game and Range Day

• Start with Pitching and Chipping
• 30-Minutes of dropping multiple balls in one location and practicing repeating same shot over and over
• 30-Minutes of practicing Scoring around the green. Use one ball and chip and putt out around a green and keep score. Play as many holes as you have time for or even better compete with a friend.
• 15-Minutes of Sand Practice working on different lies and hitting shots varying your trajectory.

o Putting Session

• Start with 9-Hole Stroke Play Practice to see if you can putt good right away.
• Green Reading Drill Using sticks to choose read and see if you read the break correctly
• Lag putt to circle of tees from 30-40-50 feet

o Range Session

• Ball Flight Drill
• Work on Each Club in your bag and try to hit the same shot pattern with each shot. Maybe hit every ball today with a slight draw, or a slight fade.
• Do some weighted clubs swing to increase club head speed.
• Practice hitting the driver with max speed to increase club head speed. Max speed with balance, make sure you stick your finish.
• Night Time Gym Workout

• 18-Holes on Course

• You have now had 3 straight days of practice so go ahead and play 18-Holes for score.
• If you are working on something particular in your game that still needs work and you miss a shot you should drop another ball and try and fix it. It’s important to balance out scoring style practice rounds with practice rounds to work on things.
• After your round you should practice any areas of weakness or replay some key shots you could have improved on.

• Nighttime Cardio Workout

• Short Session after 4 Days of Good Practice

• Putting Session – 30-Minutes
• 50 3-footers
• Lag Putting drill
• 9-Hole Drawback drill (Pull back all putts missed by one club length)
• Chipping Session – 30 – Minutes
• Chip and try to land ball on a towel for landing spot
• Chip 9-Holes for score
• Vary clubs Drill 7, 9, SW
• Trajectory Drill
• Land on Towel
• Try and make it spin like crazy

o Nighttime Workout

• AM Short game Session
• Shag bag at practice area
• 2 Hours of Short game Pitching from 30-40-50 yards
• 18-Holes on Course
• Play Red Tees and keep score working on going low
• 18-Holes in AM Match with Friends or Competitors
• Work on Areas needing improvement from AM Round

For more information please contact Future Champions Golf  at [email protected]

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4 Awesome Short Game Practice Drills

• February 26, 2014

David MacKenzie

• Practice Drills

Try these short game drills (used by Tour players) to start honing your short game and making more up and downs this season.

If there’s one piece of advice for practicing golf, it’s spending more time on your short game drills, than the driving range. Better players simply hit it closer from around the greens. But it’s important to make short game practice fun, which is what these short game drills are designed to do.

1. One club, Two distances

In order to become a genius from 100 yards and in (the scoring zone), you need to develop your feel.

. A great way to practice feel is to hit the same club several distances (you can try this with your long game too). With this drill the aim is to make it instinctive how far the pin is away from you (from within 100 yards), something you’ll need to do to get to low single figures.

• Start at 125 yards and hit one ball to the target
• Move to 115 and use the same club to hit to that same target
• Move to 105 and change to whatever club you hit from this distance
• Move to 95 and hit the same club as you did from 105
• Move to 85 and hit whatever club you would from this distance
• Finish by hitting your 85 yard club from the 75 yard position.

So…you’ll have played from 6 distances and used your 3 wedges twice each, to 2 different distances.

Some players choke down on the club and change their ball position for distance control and others use swing length and tempo. Experiment with both and see what works for you. You can also repeat this drill and create more distances by using 5 yard increments.

Have you downloaded a FREE copy of my Mental Game Starter Guide yet? If not, please do so by clicking here

2. Real Short Game Practice

One of the first things I talk to amateurs about when I take on a new student is how they practice. More often than not, a fundamental change is necessary. I try to instill the “practice as you play” philosophy. What this means is that you simulate the golf course as much as you can.

One great short game drill is to take 20 balls and drop them around the practice green from different lies and positions. For each shot, you go through your routine just as you would on the golf course and imagine you are playing in a competition on whatever golf course you normally play (or perhaps where your next competition may be). If the ball comes to rest outside of gimme range (2ft), go through your pre-putt routine, just as you would on the course or in a competition and try to hole the putt. You can compete in the game of chance with bonuses from the best online casino in Poland https://bizzocasino.net/promotions and become a winner.

When you’ve made the up and down, move onto the next ball until you’ve holed all 20. This exercise might take 40-50 minutes to perform, but it makes practice very meaningful.

What this does is:

• Practice your routine – getting your process the same and focusing on it should be consistent no matter what the shot or situation
• Work on your imagination and visualization
• Simulate pressure while you practice
• Makes practice fun, playing from different lies and trying different shots
• Gives every shot a purpose, instead of being just another practice ball

3. See it, Feel it, Trust it

This is great drill for improving your chipping quickly and works on using a variety of clubs from the same distance, so you can see the benefit of using less lofted clubs from around the green.

• From the edge of the green, pick a hole on the practice green that’s about 20-25 ft away.
• Take your 6-iron and go through your pre-shot routine
• Your pre-shot should have 3 main steps: Visualization, Feel and Trust. When you’re visualizing your shot ask yourself, where the ball will land and how it will roll out to the hole and where on the hole it will go in. When you’ve seen the shot in your mind’s eye, feel the swing you need to produce that shot. When you’re standing over the ball, say to yourself “trust it” and do exactly that.
• When you’ve holed your 6-iron, repeat the process your 7-iron and move all the way through to your PW. That’s a minimum of 5 shots, so see how close you can get to a score of 5 each time.

4. Par 18 game for the Short Game

• From around the green, you’re going to pick 9 locations to play from, 3 easy, 3 medium and 3 difficult.
• Each mini hole is a par 2 and by playing all 9 holes your make the total “Par 18”
• Play all 9 holes and keep your score and make 18 your target.

Although I don’t ever recommend trying to beat your score during a round, in practice it’s different. You want to create the same pressure as if you were on the golf course, whereas on the golf course we want to reduce pressure. By thinking about your score while practicing (and trying to beat it), you get closer to the pressure you feel on the course.

Thanks for reading, please don’t forget to share these drills with your friends and let me know how you get on by commenting below!

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How to practice more effectively, practice drills: feel drills for the range.

Too many golfers waste valuable time practicing in the wrong way. One of the goals…

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This Post Has 2 Comments

Just re-read the short game drills and it was a good reminder as to how useful it is to re-read this stuff from David at GSoM. My short game has really sharpened up recently using some of these techniques, but I hadn’t thought about using a 6 iron from the edge of the green. This is another great tip and something I am going to try this weekend on the range before going out on the course.

Many thanks for reading Pete! I’m glad it’s helping you. Speak soon!

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Golf Instruction

How to build the perfect golf practice routine.

Every golfer knows that they need to practice in order to improve – that much is obvious.  Golf is a notoriously difficult game, so you aren’t just going to get out of your car and walk to the first tee with expectations of scores in the 60’s or even 70’s.

To play well takes time, effort, and practice , even for the most talented of individuals.

Unfortunately, many golfers who do decide to invest their time and effort into working on their games do so in an ineffective manner.  If you don’t have a clear plan—in other words, a concise practice routine—in place for how to spend your practice time, you are going to wind up wasting your efforts.

It would be a shame to work hard at your game only to get nothing in return, so crafting a detailed plan is a necessary step in this process.  Once you know exactly what you are going to do with your time at the practice range you can get down to actually executing the strategy.

The 50/50 Rule for Beginners

If you are just getting started in the game of golf, you need to learn to allocate your time at the practice range properly in order to develop all of your skills.  There are a number of different shots that you must be able to hit in order to shoot good scores, so working on just one part of your game at the range would be a big mistake.  Remember that golf has a way of exposing your weaknesses, so make sure you are strengthening all of your skills as much as possible .

The 50/50 rule is a great way to get started with your first few practice sessions.  This rule states that 50% of your time should be spent on the full swing, with the other 50% allocated for the short game.  Most golfers don’t get anywhere near this ratio, as the average amateur player spends the vast majority of their practice time on the full swing.  The result is that most amateurs have poor short games, in large part because they simply don’t practice this crucial area of the game.

When you arrive at the practice range, decide how much time you have available to practice and then cut that time in half.  So, obviously, if you have an hour available to practice, you are going to spend 30 minutes on putting and chipping and 30 minutes on your full swing.  You can organize those minutes any way you would like, but many players like to start and finish with the short game while sandwiching full swing practice in between.  For example, you could start with 15 minutes of short game, hit balls for a half hour, and finish up with 15 more minutes of short game training.

For those of you out there who are too busy to hit the range on a regular basis (or even those who want to sneak in some extra practices sessions at home), a great idea would be to pick up a portable driving range, such as the RukkNet , to ensure you’re practice sessions stay on a regular schedule.

Short Game Practice Notes

Just spending time on your short game isn’t enough – you need to spend that time wisely.  If you simply stand on the putting green rolling the ball around with no purpose, you really aren’t going to get any better.  To actually see improvement in your short game due to the time you are investing, take the following notes to heart:

#1 Practice Plenty of Short Putts

Missing short putts is the fastest way to ruin your score in a given round, so make sure you dedicate a portion of your putting time to rolling in a bunch of three and four footers .  These might seem like easy putts—and for the most part they are on the practice green—but they can get awful tricky on the course.  By making plenty of them in practice, you will have a high degree of confidence when you face them for real.

#2 Chip from Poor Lies

One of the most common short game practice mistakes made by the average golfer is always chipping from a great lie.  If you only drop your practice balls right in the middle of the short grass, you really aren’t going to test or improve your chipping skills.  Find plenty of bad lies around the practice green and invent new ways to chip the ball close.  This kind of practice won’t be as easy as chipping from the fairway, but it will be far more useful.

#3 Use Your Own Balls

Chipping and putting with range balls is completely pointless.  Hitting good short game shots is all about feel, and you won’t learn any feel when you are hitting cheap range balls that are only designed for durability, not performance—and certainly not for feel.  Be sure to practice your short game with the golf balls that you are actually going to use on the course.

Full Swing Practice Notes

The same thing that can be said for the short game also applies to the long game, that is, you aren’t going to get better if you don’t practice with a purpose.  The following notes will help guide your long game work:

#1 Pick Specific Targets

By far, this is the most important point when it comes to practicing your full swing.  Golf is a target-based game, so you should be working on improving your ability to send the ball toward a specific spot down the range.   Many golfers just stand up on the range and swing away, which does nothing for their control over the golf ball and often only gives a player a false sense of confidence in their swing —this is also why so many golfers don’t understand why they seem to “play better” on the range versus on the course.

#2 Take Your Time

If you have 30 minutes in which to hit some balls, you will be far better off hitting 30 shots at a slow pace than hitting 60 in a rush.  You should be working on the mechanics of your swing, and you can’t do that when you’re firing off golf balls in rapid-fire mode.  Nothing about golf is fast, and when it comes to your practice sessions that’s actually a good thing.

#3 Ignore Distances

As mentioned above, range balls are cheap items that are meant for durability rather than performance.  Therefore, you shouldn’t be judging the distance of your shots on the range in terms of what you can expect on the course.  With an actual (quality) golf ball, you are going to get drastically different results.  Therefore, you should use your distances as ball-park figures only when practicing with range balls .

If you’ve ever been to the practice range at a PGA TOUR event you’ll notice something interesting: PGA TOUR players always use the exact same ball type on the practice range as they do on the course.  That’s right, if a Tour player uses a Callaway ball in their game they can be found using the exact same make and model on the practice range.  This is because the pros know that every ball has different feel and performance characteristics.  Now don’t get us wrong, we’re not suggesting that you use $60/dozen Pro V1’s on the range—that would be just crazy and you’re certainly not a PGA TOUR professional who gets all the free golf balls he wants.  The point here is just to have you understand not to assume that the performance of the range balls you it will equate to the performance of the “real” golf balls you use in your round.

Final Notes on Creating a Golf Practice Routine

Every golfer has their own unique way of practicing, and you will develop your own patterns and habits in time.  Find out what works for you, and what doesn’t, and continue to fine tune your routine until it starts to lead to improved results.

Cover Photo via Flickr

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