Newsday.com: Practice like the pros

TIP OF THE WEEK

Practice like the pros

September 7, 2006

"When you go to the range for a pre-round warm-up or for a long practice session, make sure you practice with a purpose. Always set up a club for alignment. The club should be placed parallel left of your target for proper body alignment [if you are a righthanded player]. Start off with small shots, 50 to 70 yards. Then move to your pitching wedge, 8 iron, 6 iron, 4 iron, utility club, fairway wood, and, finally, your driver. When you are finished, hit four or five wedge shots for tempo. Make sure you practice on the chipping and putting green. Knowing the green speeds will help lower your score on the course."

--Mike Stevenson, PGA professional, Deepdale Golf Club