Allocating practice/playing time

[Copernicus]

I started to play in June last year in a beginners group in which we mainly play evening 9 hole Texas scrambles with 3 beginners to one 'experienced player' once per week. Then recently been invited to play in a regular 18 hole Stableford weekend roll up with experienced players. I reckon that's really pulled my game up. I am just now ready to put handicap cards in and have a long list of people who have offered to take me out to play rounds. I am doing a golf related workout 2x per week with a trainer. Now it's light I can practice after work for say hour a and half or get up to 9 holes in. I have an hour's lesson on a weekend at a different club.

So my question is, given I want to play the roll up, ( if I want to play a comp in due course that can be done on the same day instead) keep my lesson and to progress, what do you experienced players reckon is the best way to allocate my week evening practice times -say 3xper week max after work and maybe an hour or so on a weekend - between, (a) commercial driving range (b) club practice ground ( those two divided short/long game) (c) playing a few holes on my own and playing second ball to retry shots to learn (d) social golf with experienced players (e) beginners scrambles (practice, social connection and to help out)?

There is not enough time!! ( also if anyone has a good early retirement plan feel free to chuck that in the comments!!)

 

[Capella]

I would say try to set aside at least one slot per week to specifically practice the stuff your pro gave you to work on in the lessons. Either on a range or, if it is short game stuff, on the practice ground. Apart from that, do whatever you enjoy doing the most. You will learn through all of them.

 

[fundy]

split your evenings between the practise ground/practising on course and playing social 9 holes for me

 

[Lambchops]

Stop taking it so seriously and get yourself down the pub 4 nights a week instead

 

[patricks148]

Go out and play, get some lessons, enjoy it and you will improve

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'd drop the trainer to allocate more time, work out the weaknesses and spend time on those and then take it onto the course. Peter Finch doing a scramble test for the short game where he takes a ball off the green on each hole and then chucks it into the rough and tries to up and down. Not tried that but seems an interesting idea to make short game practice realistic

 

[Dasit]

Prob best not to take advice from golfers on a golf forum as many have tried for years and not been able to break handicap goals.


Have you spoke to your coach about this stuff instead?

 

[clubchamp98]

Due to a foot injury I struggle with 18 holes so three times a week play nine holes and then 120 balls on practice ground.
ask the experienced players when you have finished to asses your weaknesses .
Some might be hesitant to but assure them you just want to improve.
Short game is very important but long game will come with time so practice both.
good luck.