Pro Golfer's Rule: Hit Only 20 Driver Shots a Day

Professional golfers suffer injuries large and small, but they rarely get hurt from improper swing mechanics. Amateurs are different. Incorrect form and repetitive flawed swings lead to injuries.

About 20 years ago during my junior career, I paid a heavy price for unplanned practice. When my driver shots weren't landing straight, I practiced all day for several days until they did. I ended up suffering injuries and pain for months afterward. I couldn't swing properly, and my swing mechanics deteriorated so badly that it took a long time to correct them.

After that experience, I developed my own method for practicing long clubs like the driver. I want to share an efficient approach to driver shot practice.

Hit Only 20 Balls Using the '5-5-10' Method

Golfers with some experience don't necessarily need to follow the "more is better" principle when practicing driver shots. Unlike small swings such as chip shots, long clubs can feel different each day and swing mechanics can change. Spending hours practicing when shots aren't working is inefficient.

Limit driver practice to 20 balls and remember '5-5-10.' The key is dividing those 20 balls into groups of 5, 5, and 10, each with a different focus.

Hit the first 5 balls with light swings as a warm-up. Focus on feeling the clubhead movement and trajectory, the sequence of each swing phase, and timing.

The next 5 balls aim to build speed. Swing powerfully at 80-90% power with normal swing speed. These first 10 balls are about developing swing form and timing rather than striking the ball. Focusing on ball contact during these phases defeats the purpose. Take your time with each shot and maintain concentration.

Hit the remaining 10 balls following your routine as if hitting actual tee shots on the course. You can't replicate every on-course routine exactly, but imagine real play as much as possible. Stand behind the ball, look at the target, set your aim point, take your address, waggle, glance at the target once, then swing. Trying to land balls within your target zone creates pressure similar to actual course conditions.

Good results are likely because you can swing with concentration while maintaining the feel, timing, and speed developed during the first 10 balls. Track your success rate on the final 10 shots daily and you'll see improvement. I also strongly recommend making 5-10 practice swings holding the club upside down before hitting the 20 balls. The lighter feel helps you better sense club movement and trajectory.

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Lee Dong-hwan won consecutive Korean and Japanese Amateur Championships in 2003 and 2004. He became the youngest Rookie of the Year on the Japan Professional Golf Tour and recorded two career victories there. He was the first Asian player to finish at the top of U.S. PGA Tour Qualifying School and competed on the American circuit until 2020. He currently plays on the KPGA Tour.