Golfers must choose distance over direction

Most people who practice their golf swing head to the driving range, where they start blasting balls and figure their game must be getting better.

But are they really achieving their objective?

In many cases, the answer is no.

The real foundation for a productive practice session is mind over matter, which means realizing that scoring is based on distance over direction.

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At the range, most golfers pick a target, then try to hit the ball on their intended line. That's a worthy goal, but there's something else to consider.

When that same player is actually on the course, what's the first thing they normally do before hitting an approach shot into the green?

They find out the exact yardage to the target.

That same meticulous approach should be applied on the practice range.

So the next time you're ready to pound out a pile of range balls, focus your attention on the distance you hit each and every iron shot, while making the direction of the shot No. 2 on the to-do list.

After all, hitting the ball pin high all day is going to lower your score faster than ripping a 300-yard drive.

David Goolsby is director of The International Golf Academy at Jones Creek Golf Club. E-mail questions and comments to dgools@yahoo.com.)