[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "How to Use the Practice Green?"

Amateur golfers should check the speed and distance sense on the practice green before the round.

Putting is the most important aspect of golf.

The actual standard score that determines the score is 36 strokes, which is half of par 72. This is why you should arrive early at the golf course and always check your putting on the practice green before heading out to the course. The practice green is a separate area provided by the golf course, distinct from the actual course, designated for checking putting or short game before tee shots (A green which is separate from the golf course and is designated for practicing putting and/or the short game).

Amateur golfers should train to adjust to the different green speeds and distance senses at each golf course, and practice hitting the sweet spot accurately. Of course, putting without any purpose on the practice green does not greatly help reduce your score. The most effective putting practice method is the clock putting drill. Balls are placed in the order of clock numbers and putted sequentially around the circular direction.

Next is the long-middle-short sequence (The 1-2-3 Putting Drill), and finally, the sweet spot gate putting drill, which practices hitting the sweet spot of the putter head. Insert tees on both sides of the practice green wide enough for the putter head to pass through, then move the putter head back and forth between them (putter head is going straight back and straight through to the hole).

Practicing the sweet spot helps the ball roll straight and well. For reference, many practice greens only allow putting (Don’t chip on the practice putting green). Using it for other purposes can cause embarrassment. If there is a small sign around the practice green that says "No Chipping," you should never use a wedge. Above all, it is important to follow the golf course rules.

A: Let’s go to the practice green and check the speed of the green today.

B: Yes, it’s always a good idea to practice your putting before you hit your first tee shot of the day.

A: May I practice chipping here?

B: No. As you can see, the sign over there says "No Chipping."

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist