Watch club golfers and you'll see all kinds of practice swings: lazy waves of the club, aggressive slashes, or none at all. Good players use practice swings with purpose: to rehearse the shot, feel the tempo, check the lie and find where the club meets the ground. Used well, a practice swing makes the real swing better.
What a good practice swing does
- Rehearses the shot: the length, tempo and shape you want.
- Finds the low point: where the club brushes the ground. Read how to play uneven lies.
- Tests the lie: how the grass will affect the club. Read golf trouble shots.
- Relaxes you: loosens tension.
How to make it count
- Stand beside the ball, in a similar lie.
- Picture the shot. Read golf visualisation.
- Swing with the same length and tempo you intend for the shot.
- Brush the turf where the ball would be.
- Step in and repeat the feeling.
Short game practice swings
- Chips and pitches: rehearse the swing length while looking at the landing spot.
- Putts: make practice strokes while looking at the hole to feel distance. Read how to putt: the fundamentals.
How many?
One or two is enough. More slows play and rarely helps. Read pace of play.
Rules to remember
- Bunkers: you may not touch the sand in a practice swing. Read golf bunker rules.
- Penalty areas: practice swings are allowed, but don't improve your conditions.
- Ball moved: if a practice swing accidentally moves your ball, a penalty may apply. Read ball moved at rest.
- Improving the lie: don't flatten grass behind the ball with practice swings.
Common mistakes
- Practice swings that don't match the shot.
- Too many practice swings.
- Taking divots on tees or near greens unnecessarily.
- Ignoring the feel when you step in.
Practice swings for different shots
| Shot | What to rehearse |
|---|---|
| Driver | Balance, tempo and a full finish |
| Iron from the fairway | Brushing the turf where the ball will be, or just after it |
| Pitch | The length of backswing for the distance needed |
| Chip | Brushing the grass and the feel of the landing spot |
| Bunker | The length and speed of the swing, without touching the sand |
| Uneven lie | The balance and swing shape the slope requires. Read how to play uneven lies |
| Putt | The length of stroke for the distance, looking at the hole |
The "look and feel" method
A practical routine many golfers use:
- Look at the target and visualise the shot. Read golf visualisation.
- Feel one or two practice swings that match the shot.
- Step in and set up promptly.
- Swing with the same feel.
The key is that the practice swing is linked to the specific shot, not just a loosening-up movement.
Using practice swings on the range
Range practice is a great place to train better practice swings:
- Alternate a practice swing and a real shot, trying to match them.
- Use a target for every ball.
- Simulate the course: change clubs and targets every shot. Read taking your range game to the course.
Practice swings and pace of play
Practice swings shouldn't slow the game. Take one or two, prepare while others play and be ready when it's your turn. Read pace of play.
Why your practice swing looks better than your real swing
Many golfers find their practice swing smooth and the real one rushed. Common reasons:
- The ball changes the goal: you start trying to hit "at" it.
- Fear of the result creates tension.
- Different tempo: real swings often speed up.
Solutions include swinging at 80% speed, focusing on the finish and using a simple swing thought. Read golf swing thoughts and golf tempo and rhythm.
Frequently asked questions
How many practice swings should I take?
One or two.
Should my practice swing match my real swing?
Yes, in length, tempo and intent.
Can I take a practice swing in a bunker?
Yes, but you must not touch the sand.
Why is my practice swing better than my real swing?
There's no ball and no pressure. Make practice swings purposeful and focus on the target in the real swing.
Is it against the rules to take a practice swing?
No, but in a bunker or penalty area you mustn't touch the sand or ground in a way that improves conditions or tests the surface.
Do professionals take practice swings?
Most do, usually one or two, as part of a consistent routine.
The bottom line
A good practice swing is a rehearsal, not a habit. Match the shot, brush the turf, feel the tempo and keep it to one or two. For more, read golf pre-shot routine.