Range Chat – Should You Practice or Play More to Get Better at Golf?

For years, I played far more golf than I practised. 

Like most golfers, I teed it up whenever I could and wondered why my handicap wouldn’t budge. 

So what actually helps more — practice or play? 

Practice should work. 

It allows you to focus on fundamentals without pressure. 

But most golfers don’t practise — they just hit balls. 

Bad practice grooves mistakes. 

Playing more doesn’t magically fix flaws either. 

The course simply exposes them. 

Lessons change the equation. 

Clear priorities, better fundamentals, and smarter practice make a real difference. 

The balance that works for most golfers: 

Practise 1–2 times per week. 

Play once per week. 

Add short, focused practice before rounds. 

Confidence comes from good practice. 

Repetition done correctly removes doubt. 

One warning: 

Endless sessions on hard mats load elbows, wrists, and shoulders. 

Mix surfaces and shorten sessions when needed. 

Final Word: 

You need both practice and play — but with intention. 

Join the Conversation: 

Do you practise more or play more? What’s helped your game most? 

Disclaimer – From the Range 

Shared from long-term amateur experience, not professional coaching. 

These are lessons learned over time — offered to help you think, not to tell you how to play.