Instruction

How does a major champion prepare for a round? We found out

In a special edition of Play Smart, GOLF & ADP have partnered to uncover how the best players in the world prepare for the biggest events and how it can help you play smarter, better golf.

BETHESDA, Md. — The foundation for any good round is a proper warmup — especially in the professional ranks. There are no breakfast balls at the highest level.

Much like snowflakes, however, no two warmup routines are the same. Every player has their own routine that works for them, and they stick to it religiously.

Ahead of the second round of the KPMG Women’s PGA, we followed major champ Georgia Hall to get a sense for what her warmup routine entails. Watch the video above, or read below for more.

11:31 a.m. — Arrive at putting green

Hall walks out of Congressional Country Club’s massive clubhouse just after 11:30 a.m. and heads straight for the putting green. Her caddie had arrived at the practice green a few minutes before and scoped out a spot in the far corner of the green to set up shop.

11:33 a.m. — Start rolling putts

Hall chats with her caddie for a couple minutes and then begins rolling putts. She starts with a series of three-footers around the hole, and then gradually works her way up to mid-range putts. After that, she hits several lag putts across the green to dial in her speed.

11:52 a.m. — Walk to the short-game area

After just shy of 20 minutes on the putting green, Hall sets off for the short-game area. At Congressional, this area is over near the range, so she had to bit of a walk to get there.

11:55 a.m. — Begin chipping

Hall starts by hitting mid-range pitch shots off tight lies, and then works her way over to the rough to hit several shots from the long stuff. She finishes her time at the short-game area by hitting a few shots out of the bunker.

12:03 p.m. — Move to the range

With short-game practice complete, Hall and her caddie move over to the range.

12:04 p.m. — Start range session

Hall first hits a series of half-wedge shots and then slowly works her way through the bag. She finishes her time on the range by hitting several full-send drivers.

12:25 p.m. — Leave the range

Hall spent about 20 minutes on the range and then begins her walk back to the practice green, which is adjacent to the 10th tee box.

12:28 p.m. — Sign autographs for fans

On her way back to the putting green, Hall stops to sign a few autographs for some fans.

12:29 p.m. — Roll a few more putts

With 10 minutes left until her tee time, Hall rolls a few more putts.

12:31 p.m. — Walk to the tee box

Eight minutes before she’s set to begin her round, Hall leaves for the tee box.

12:32 p.m. — Arrive at 10th tee

Hall arrives at the tee box and exchanges pleasantries with her playing partners and the starter. She looks at her phone one last time and then stores it away in her bag.

12:39 p.m. — Tee off

Hall is introduced by the starter as she tees up on the short par 3. She takes a few deep breaths, takes aim and fires her ball just right if the pin. Her day starts with a stress-free par.

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