Change your habits — learn to practice smart

Chances are you have spent hundreds of dollars on videos, books, range balls and the most recent technology in golf equipment -- and have tried numerous gadgets and gimmicks -- with little or no success. Chances are you have not improved.

A key element in why amateurs don't improve is they have a tendency to only practice what they are good at and ignore their weaknesses; therefore, this kind of practice results in not improving, but only maintaining, the player at his or her current level. This type of practice lacks direction or a plan for game improvement.

You need to understand your weaknesses as a player in order to improve. Take a lesson with a qualified PGA golf professional to get a better understanding of your swing and what needs improving.

With a better understanding of your golf swing, you will be able to identify and fix problems as you encounter them during a round. Upon learning where your problems are with your swing, you can set goals to work on these at a practice session.

In addition, practice to improve your short game.

The average player focuses his practice time mainly on the swing and neglects to understand the importance of dividing his practice sessions evenly between the golf swing and his short game.

Fifty percent of your shots in a round come from pitching, chipping, bunker shots and putting. Be honest with yourself and practice your short game as much as your long game.

When interviewing a student, I will ask, "Do you want to improve your swing or score?"

If they say score, I start my lessons with their short game. An improved short game will result in lowering your average score.

Dana Love is a PGA teaching professional who has built his teaching center at the Las Vegas Golf Club. He is a native Las Vegan and has given more than 28,000 lessons locally. For additional information or to schedule a lesson, Love can be reached at 525-1155.