I have been asked as the first thing I would recommend as a place to start when away from the game of golf for a time.  I have pondered this question a fair bit and always come back to the same question:  What is it you want to accomplish – short or long-term success?

I know answering a question with a question seems like I am avoiding the question, but it really is important to my answer.  So for those just starting again or have had 5 months of winter, this is what I came up with as a way ahead.

Short term – go to the range and practice hitting the ball.  Try and reproduce muscle memory that will ensure a consistent swing.  Make sure you use every club in your bag and mix it up.  Hitting driver most of the time is not the answer.  Once you have determined how far you ball will travel on a consistent basis, head to the chipping and putting green.  Practice chipping with your 7/8 iron, PW and 60 degree wedge.  Hit from different distances.  Then putt!  Putt for as long as you have chipped.  Realistically, this whole process should take about 1 hour.  20 minutes on the range, 20 minutes chipping and 20 minutes putting.  This approach is generally more fun for the player and they feel they will have immediate success.  Of course that varies depending on the skill of the player.

Long term – head to putting green first!  Practice putting for 20 minutes and chipping for 20 minutes, the sand trap for 10 minutes and pitching from 25-35 yards for 10 minutes.  Once you have established your short game, then start working on our long game.  Practice your short game for the first two weeks, then head to the range alternate times for 30 minutes.  I have found that muscle memory in your short game is harder to achieve, but has greater long-lasting results.

Well I can hardly wait to start golfing, I guess you figured which approach I am going to use….the long-term.  I am well into my workout routine to prepare for golf season in 48 days.  Hope this helps.  I am a grateful golfer.  See you on the links!