To be a better player in 2025, Drew Pierson suggests using the winter months to plan and practice
This story first appeared in the Fall 2024 edition of Northern Ohio Golfer Magazine, the official print publication of the Northern Ohio Golf Association. NOGA members who provide a mailing address in GHIN receive a copy mailed to their home twice per year. Not yet a NOGA member? Join for 2025 now!
— by Drew Pierson, PGA
The leaves fall, daylight fades quickly, and temperatures begin to drop. Any lingering warm days feel like a bonus round—a last chance to enjoy a strong finish to the season or work out any remaining frustrations. In the past, winter meant putting away your clubs until spring. But with modern simulator technology and training advancements, off-season downtime can now be used productively. This article will guide you in drawing insights from your 2024 season to create an effective winter training plan with drills and tools to help you improve.
Reflect and Set Goals
The first step is to reflect on the past season and set goals for the year ahead. Take some time to assess what went well, where you saw the most improvement, and areas that could benefit from further development. Once you’ve reflected, define specific goals for your off-season practice, whether it’s preparing for competitive events or simply enjoying a company outing. These goals will guide your training routine.
Find a Coach
Consider working with a coach to address any mechanical issues in your game. While platforms like YouTube offer plenty of instructional content, only some things suit some players, and bad habits can form without personalized guidance. Take time to research potential coaches and ask questions about their teaching approach. PGA.coach provides a database of PGA Professionals, while online platforms like V1 Coach and Skillest connect you with instructors worldwide, offering virtual lessons tailored to your needs.
Select a Practice Facility
A reliable practice facility is essential for implementing your off-season plan. Trackman is highly recommended, but other simulators like Full Swing and GC Quad are also excellent. Many facilities offer hourly rates or membership options. If you have a home setup, like a simulator or hitting net, ensure it can provide visual and data feedback. A smartphone camera can capture high-quality video, and a tripod is a valuable addition. Affordable launch monitors, such as the Garmin ($599.99) and the PRGR Portable Launch Monitor ($229.99), are also available, giving you access to key data points like club speed, ball speed, club path, and face angle.
Build Your Practice Plan
With your goals in place, a coach on board, and a facility ready, it’s time to build your practice routine. Start by identifying how much time you can realistically commit each week. It’s better to start small and gradually increase your practice frequency.
A good practice plan should balance training and trusting practice. Training practice focuses on mechanics and implementing new techniques, often with specific drills and slow-motion reps. During this phase, concentrate on one or two setup elements and a single swing thought or feel. Training is about achieving precise visual positions and collecting accurate data feedback, not ball flight.
Trusting or simulation practice, by contrast, emphasizes shot execution and focuses more on results. Here, you want to focus on ball flight and aim to hit shots at specific targets. Trackman’s Performance Center and Target Practice Range are ideal tools for this. The Trackman Combine is another valuable feature, challenging you to hit random shots at various target yardages. As spring approaches, shift your focus to trusting practice to prepare for on-course performance.
Example Training Routine: 90-Minute Session
This sample practice plan, adaptable to various timeframes, focuses on a full swing, distance wedges, and putting. Designed for a player aiming to qualify for competitive events, this routine incorporates both training and trusting elements.
1. Warm-Up
◦ Stretch
◦ Hit 10-15 shots with a short iron, gradually building up to full speed.
2. Train
◦ Focus on drills and slow-motion swings, prioritizing specific visual positions and feels.
◦ Use a training aid if needed and record your swings to track progress.
3. Trust
◦ Hit 15-20 balls with a variety of clubs, including wedges, mid-irons, and driver.
◦ Aim each shot at a specific target and follow your pre-shot routine.
◦ Use simulator programs like Trackman’s Performance Center to practice random shots at different yardages.
4. Putting
◦ Work on specific drills for short (3-6 foot) putts and lag putts.
◦ Use training aids as necessary, such as alignment sticks or putting mirrors to assist with setup, alignment, and stroke path.
Each phase of this plan covers essential areas of the game and can be adjusted based on time constraints. Ensure you maintain your pre-shot routine during trusting practice to simulate on-course conditions. Consider keeping score on these drills to add challenge and measure your progress.
Add Elements of Fun
Off-season practice doesn’t need to be all serious. Look for a facility that offers a weekly golf league or play Trackman’s free global tournaments. These events add to the pressure of competition and can accelerate your development by challenging you to hit quality shots in a more game-like setting.
Focus on Fitness and the Mental Game
Your winter training plan should also include fitness and mental training. A golf-specific fitness regimen can improve body mechanics, increase swing speed, add distance, and prevent injuries. Dedicating even 15 minutes daily can make a significant difference, and getting into the habit now will pay dividends come spring. Look for a TPI Certified Professional to assess your physical strengths and limitations related to your swing. You can also explore golf fitness apps like Fit For Golf, which offers an extensive workout library, or home systems such as Golf Forever ($199.99), which provides hundreds of workouts and uses AI to personalize your plan.
The mental aspect of golf is crucial, as successes and failures on the course often start in the mind. Developing mental resilience requires patience and discipline. Experiment with different mental strategies and keep trying until you find what works for you. There is a wide selection of books on the mental game, along with golf podcasts and virtual programs, to guide you. Consider consulting a sports psychologist, as many offer virtual services.
Concluding Thoughts
As the season wraps up, remember that winter is a valuable time for growth. By reflecting on past performance, setting clear goals, and dedicating time to physical and mental training, you’ll create a strong foundation for the coming year. Use the available resources—coaching, technology, literature—and don’t forget to include some enjoyable elements in your routine.
Committing to a well-rounded off-season plan will enhance your skills and reawaken your passion for the game. When spring arrives, you’ll be prepared to take on new challenges and confidently achieve your golf aspirations.
Drew Pierson, PGA is the General Manager of The Clubhouse Cleveland (theclubhousecle.com) and a 10+ year Class A PGA Professional. Certified in TPI and PGA Teaching, Coaching & Golf Operations. Reach Drew at (216) 450-6205 or drew@theclubhousecle.com
