Does any of the following sound familiar when it comes to going to the driving range?

“My husband turns into a golf pro telling me I need to do what he tells me if I expect to improve. Even if I’m taking lessons, he seems to think he knows better what I need to do than my teacher. We almost always leave the driving range mad at each other and he has no clue why I am so upset. After all, he was just trying to help!”

Or this: “Men seem to swarm when they see a woman at a range. Trying to show off their ability and knowledge of the golf swing, they are always telling me what I am doing wrong. I think they could care less about helping me. They just want my phone number.”

And finally: “With so many people, it is distracting. I find myself watching others hit balls and without realising it, I lose track of what it is I need to be working on. Or worse, I’ll try to emulate others thinking what they are doing will help me and I lose patience, get mad and leave.”

Here is some advice you might consider before heading to the range

After all, practice is the key to improvement and the last thing you need is distraction from your mission.

Take responsibility for your swing development and practice by telling your spouse, partner, or the local range ‘blow hard’ that while you appreciate their help, you would prefer to be left alone to work on your swing. If they get upset, stick your guns. Thank them for their help but be firm in your resolve. Honestly, any serious golfer will understand exactly what you are asking and why!

When you get to the driving range, select a hitting station where as many golfers, as possible, are behind not in front of you. It will minimize your distractions and you may actually sense you are the only one practicing.

Another important point:

Should you and your partner be beginners or just starting out, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can help each other. It does not work that way when it comes to the golf swing. You cannot help each other understand the golf swing because no two people process or think the same way. Even if you are taking lessons from the same teacher in the same class.

One last thing to help with minimising distractions:

An IPod or walkman can be one of the best aids you can use when practicing. The music actually, (and I am not a Psychologist), gives your brain something to do other than trying to dictate when and how to swing the club. Upload some easy listening music you like. Also using this type device is a great way to tune out your surroundings so you can focus on your golf swing. 

About the Author:  

Steve Riggs is a retired golf teaching professional of over 30 years working with countless clients in the U.S. and  the Caribbean. Now retired, Steve is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and regular contributor to Par Excellence Magazine, New England Golf Monthly magazine and mynegm.com.  Steve is the host/producer of a weekly Radio/Internet golf program, THE myNEGM LESSON TEE which airs Wednesdays 10:05-11am ET.  Listen live at WNRI 1380 AM radio or online at: mynegm.com and www.wnri.com . The show is followed around the country and Canada in it's second year on air

Follow Steve Riggs on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tltgolf