how much practice..??

[RGDave]

Another observation would be that practicing at a driving range is good fun but a waste of time with negligable impact on your game.

I never quite understand these comments. My pro spent hours hitting crap balls off crap mats and got to scratch.
I started golf aged 23, and by 26/27 was regularly playing to 4 or 4 on a good day. I never used anything but the range, as my municipal club had no practice ground.
I agree with the alignment thing, sure, but I don't see it as clear as black and white "the range is no good".

 

[paul1874]

I don't practice or play enough so that could explain why I am still at pretty much the same level as a couple of years ago. I would like to play more and improve with the help of my pro but work and life gets in the way.

 

[jasondransfieldgolf]

I started teaching a guy in May who was off 20 and had been having lessons for 3 years solid with another pro and his h'cap has stayed the same, a mutual friend recommended me as the guy was about to give up. So he came for a lesson and we didn't work on his swing at all, just short game. I gave him a few drills to do, asked if he could put in 2hrs a week on this practice. I then told him if he was committed to this his h'cap would start to tumble, I even said I thought he could get to 14 this year, I don't think he believed me. His h'cap is now 13!!! We have only just started to look at his swing and I predict he will be single figures this time next year. So in answer to the first post, I would speak to your pro about working on your short game learning different shots around the green and commit to a plan. Your handicap will also tumble.

 

[Dellboy]

I play 3 times a week,and try to get in 5-6 hours a week practice in after work, mainly chipping and putting at my local course, but now the weather is turning and nights are closing in it will be a few hours a week down the driving range if I'm lucky.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I used to Practice more than I played , my handicap went up.
This year I played more than I practiced, my handicap went down.

That being said, I do have some things to work on over the winter but it won't be at the expense of playing.

 

[chrisd]

I do practice as well as take the odd lesson. I do the range 2/3 times a week and play twice a week. Its my main hobby and I just want to get as low a handicap as I can and, like Homer, I really enjoy practicing.

Chris