Craig McLaughlin

One thing that we wish that we all had more of…time.  Many golfers that I speak with say that they wish they could play or practice more, but they just don’t have the time.  Work, family, and other social commitments will take up a majority of our time.

Typically an 18 hole round of golf will take anywhere from 4hrs 15mins to 4hrs 30mins.  Add in the drive to and from the golf course as well as the post round lunch and libation, you could be looking at a 6 hour or so commitment.  Here are several ways that you can squeeze in some golf time, even if you can’t get the chance to play a full 18 holes.

9 Hole Rounds or Rain Checks

If you can’t commit to the full 18 hole experience, give 9 holes a try!  9 hole rounds will take about half the time it does to play 18 holes.  What is even better is that 9 hole rounds can also be posted for a handicap.  At Candia Woods & The Oaks, golfers can also opt for a pro-rated rain check.  Let’s say you pay for 18 holes and find out that only 11 holes or 14 holes will be enough….you can come to our pro shops after so many holes and get a raincheck value for the holes un-played to be used at a later date.

Driving Range Time

Even if it is only for a half hour, coming out to the driving range will help to keep you game sharp.  Our ranges offer small, medium, and large baskets depending on the time you want spend on the range.  We also offer exceptional short game areas to work on your putting, chipping and pitching skills.

Office/Home/Backyard

When at home or the office (if permitted) you can work on your putting game.  There are many putting drills that can be applied when not even at the golf course!  Practicing the path of your putting stroke and how square your clubface is, will make for lower scores when you do get out to the golf course.  Don’t forget that you can also practice swing drills and fundamentals in your backyard.  It is a great way to break up the yard work!

Watch Golf on TV

Watching the pros on TV can greatly improve your game from a strategy and mentality aspect.  Pay close attention not only to their golf swing and scores, but also how they prepare for each golf shot.  The professional golfers are the best at staying in the moment and giving 100% on the shot at hand.  You will also see tips such as green reading and at times the rules of golf.

Being crunched for time can certainly affect your golf game.  If you plan on improving or even maintaining a certain level in your game, it does require practice and training.  So even taking a few minutes to get some golf in will help.  So next time you are thinking, “I just don’t have the time”, remember these tips to help you squeeze in your golf fix.