In recent years, World No.1 Rory McIlroy has found himself not doing as much work on his game on the range, instead deciding to do most of his practice where he feels it counts – out on the course.
Tales of players whacking balls into the distance until their hands bled/blistered have been commonplace throughout golf literature, but McIlroy has eschewed that notion, choosing to base most of practice at his actual place of work.
“I listened to an interview with Bob Rotella recently and he said, ‘golf is the only sport where you don’t practice on the playing field,’ which I thought it was a very good statement,” said McIlroy. “Why do we stand on this range that’s 80 yards wide and hit the targets that don’t mean anything?”
“I used to practice a lot, but I’m of the mindset now that I think the best thing you can do is go out and play golf; put yourself in certain positions by getting up and down from funny lies; that’s essentially the game.
“That’s the game we play. My thinking on that has definitely evolved over the last few years.
“I think it’s one of the best way to practice because out on the course you’re almost always in-between clubs, you always have to do something. I always tell junior golfers, learn how to hit a 7-iron 140 yards.
“Learn how to do these little things, that’s what will make you a better golfer.” – Rory McIlroy
“It’s no surprise that the best golfer of the last 30 years, Tiger Woods, got so good at doing that kind of stuff.”
So, take it from Rory – get better and enhance your creativity by playing more!
