Golf.com Clark Driving Range Practice Method Revealed
30-Minute Hip and Hamstring Strengthening Training
Adjust Ball Position and Swing Path Holding a Wedge
Check Basics Then Practice Challenging Tee Shots
Warming up is important in golf. Without sufficient warm-up, the lower back, elbows, and ankles can be strained. Pre-exercise is necessary to prevent injuries and lower scores. Recently, Golf.com in the U.S. revealed the warm-up routine of Wyndham Clark (USA). He is the player who won last year's major tournament, the US Open. He is also a veteran with three PGA Tour wins. As of the 26th, his world ranking is 4th, making him one of the top golfers in the world.
Clark has a style of thoroughly loosening up at the driving range. He spends about 70 minutes hitting balls, practicing chip shots, and putting at the practice range. The important thing is that before this process, he spends about 30 minutes working out. "It is a process to activate the muscles. I exercise to sweat and raise my heart rate." This exercise does not mean bench pressing. It is about loosening the gluteal muscles.
Golf requires tremendous explosive power. Clark swings at a speed of 125 mph (about 201 km/h). To endure and control this speed, the body must be solid. He explained, "To play golf, it is necessary to check if all muscles are functioning properly. I do a lot of core exercises. I also pay attention to rotational exercises and invest time in strengthening the glutes and hamstrings."
When Clark goes to the driving range, he always holds a gap wedge and takes shots. There are two reasons for this. The first is to adjust ball position and setup. He uses two alignment sticks. One is placed vertically pointing at the target, and the other at the tee. It is a sure way to place the ball in the correct spot. The second is to create the swing path. Clark dislikes his swing going steeply upward. "My swing tends to be steep. That is also why I make mistakes. I start my swing to the left, which causes a large divot. To prevent this, I always bring a swing stick to the practice range."
He attempts a high draw with the wedge. He makes a clean swing with limited divot. At this time, he checks how his body feels. He checks whether he is pulling or pushing. If the shot is unsatisfactory, he adjusts the ball position and setup again and continues practicing.
Once his body is sufficiently warmed up, he does shot making. He tries fade, draw, and straight shots. Using alignment sticks makes shot making much easier. He takes short irons and long irons and tries to create shots. He also tries to increase and decrease the distance with the same club. "Trying to create shots is fun. When the wind blows, you should not fight it but use it."
He practices tee shots assuming difficult situations. Clark is struggling with hitting draw shots. He imagines the hole and tries to turn his weaknesses into strengths. Finally, he heads to the practice green. He focuses for 3 to 4 minutes to check the green conditions. After understanding the speed, he heads to the teeing ground of the 1st hole.
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