You might believe that if you want to get better at golf you need to spend hours out on the course or at the driving range. Of course while you do need to put in the time there, it’s also true that there are plenty of things that you can do at home to reduce your handicap and become an all-round better player. Here are six ways you can improve your golf game at home.

1 – Get into yoga

Improving your flexibility is one of the most underrated but important ways to enhance your game. Lengthening your muscles gives you a greater range of motion which allows you not only to put more power into your swing but also add control and precision. This is where exercises like yoga and Pilates can be so useful.

You can start them at home today – there are plenty of instructional videos online if you don’t want to have to pay for a class. All you need is a yoga mat and enough space on the floor to complete the poses.

2 – Invest in a golf simulator

Undoubtedly the best way to improve your golf game at home is to invest in a high quality golf simulator. You might think of simulators as too much of an expense for a hobby, but it’s actually the case that simulators are available across a wide range of budgets. Whether you’re looking for a simple screen and mat set up to put in a room, or a full size enclosure with the latest technology, it’s easy to find something suited to your needs.

For example, the Optishot 2 has everything you need for high quality home golf simulation – all you require is enough space to swing your club and you can get going. If you’re serious about improving your game at home this is definitely the best way to do it.

3 – Strengthen your core

As mentioned earlier, yoga and Pilates are very valuable for golfers. One reason is that they add strength to your core. But if you would like to enhance your core muscles even more, there are plenty of ways to do it. One of the best is to start using an Orange Whip. This training aid is not only a great way to practice your swing, it also gives a fantastic workout to your core muscles.

4 – Watch more golf

Here’s an easy one: watch more golf on TV. But don’t just watch – really study the pros and how they move through their shots. This can be very useful when it comes to improving your own game.

5 – Practice in front of a mirror

Once you’ve watched more golf on the TV, you’ll be in a better positon to understand what you’re doing wrong. So now you should practice your swing in front of a mirror. Being able to see yourself while you perform shots should give you a better idea of where your weaknesses are what you need to do in order to improve. It might seem unlikely but this method allows you see yourself playing in a way that you never usually would. You may notice mistakes that you will be able to easily correct.

6 – Get putting

One aspect of golf that’s easy to practice at home is putting. Buy a putting mat that mimics the green and work on your short game. All it takes is time and practice, so you’ve got no excuse if you are struggling with putting when you next get out onto the course.