Practice

[brettbrettr]

How do you practice? Or, maybe, how do you suggest I practice?

I live in Brooklyn, have been playing this summer 1-2 times a week and hitting balls at the pier 1-2 times a week. I've taken a couple of lessons. Obviously, what I'm looking to do is improve but have some questions:

1. What's the value of hitting off a mat?

I've been working mostly on my backswing, as that seems to be the area in need--too far inside. So repeating a backswing at the range is obv easy. However, I'm not so sure that striking the ball on the mat has much relation to strking the ball on a course. Seems the best option but still...

2. "Practice on the range, play on the course."

I've seen this a lot and don't really know. Certainly when I think about more than 1-2 things while playing I find I get a bit paralyzed. Am I really meant to just "let it all go and swing" when I'm on the tee-fairway?

3. Short game.

I guess I just have to move. Any NY golfers have access to pitching/sand/chipping practice spots?

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Any other practice suggestions/tips.concepts suggested would be appreciated.

I have a ton of other questions about this and will likely follow-up. However, tee time in 60 mins and my ride has just arrived.