Winter is one of the most powerful training seasons for golfers in the Midwest. With access to accurate data, controlled environments, and structured coaching, players can make breakthroughs that are hard to achieve outdoors.
Here’s how to build a winter practice routine that creates real, measurable improvement — whether you're training at our Chicago Indoor Golf Studio or Buffalo Grove performance facility.
1. Prioritize Contact — The Foundation of Every Great Swing
Across thousands of CSOG lessons, one truth shows up consistently:
Players who improve contact improve everything else.
Winter is the ideal time to refine:
- Strike location
- Start-line control
- Face stability
- Low-point management
Tools like impact spray, GCQuad strike maps, and slow-motion video make this progress visible and trackable.
2. Build Your Routine Around Measurable, Indoor-Friendly Metrics
Indoor golf environments allow for high-precision feedback.
Instead of guessing, players can evaluate:
- Face-to-path
- Spin rate
- Launch angle
- Ball speed
- Smash factor
- Angle of attack
This is why indoor golf lessons in Chicago and Buffalo Grove are so effective — the feedback is instant, accurate, and repeatable.
3. Use Focused Training Blocks Instead of Random Reps
A great winter session doesn’t need to be long.
It needs to be structured.
Here’s the CSOG training model:
Block 1 — Contact (10 min)
Light warm-up + strike location check.
Block 2 — Technical Priority (15 min)
One focus only — no clutter:
- Release pattern
- Backswing depth
- Impact alignment
- Tempo sequencing
Use video and numbers to verify improvement.
Block 3 — Ball-Flight Skills (10 min)
Train intentional ball flights:
- Straight
- Fade
- Draw
- Knockdown shots
- Wedge distances
These skills carry directly to the course.
Block 4 — Challenge Mode (5 min)
Pressure drills:
- Three-ball dispersion challenge
- Fairway accuracy test
- Launch-window game
Pressure builds long-term consistency.
4. Don’t Forget the Mental & Strategic Side of Golf
Most winter golf routines focus only on mechanics.
That’s a mistake.
CSOG integrates decision-making into indoor training, teaching players:
- How to choose the right shot
- Routine discipline
- Visualization
- Pressure management
- Tournament preparation
Great golf isn’t just physical — it’s strategic.
5. Evaluate Progress Every 2–3 Weeks
Winter is perfect for periodic assessments.
Measure:
- Strike location patterns
- Dispersion tightening
- Grip pressure changes
- Balance improvements
- Speed gains
- Short-game benchmarks
Small changes compound fast in a controlled environment.
The Bottom Line
A proper winter routine is one of the fastest ways to level up your game.
With the right structure, tools, and feedback, you can walk into spring with more confidence — and fewer doubts.
CSOG’s indoor golf training programs in Chicago and Buffalo Grove give you the environment needed to make this winter your most productive yet.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US
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Craig Rosenberg Northbrook, IL format_quote
I met David about 4 years ago when he was at Green To Tee up at Glencoe Golf Club. I hired him to work with my son who wanted to try and be on the high school golf team. My son did make the team and then I decided to start taking lessons from David. In the last 2 years David has taken my handicap from 23 to 14.
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Kathy Mignin Chicago, IL format_quote
My 14-year old son has worked with David for several years. David has helped him develop a very solid golf game; learning all the fundamentals as well as developing the confidence to compete. In addition, David has provided a great example of how to conduct oneself both on the course and in life.
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Cathy McCulloch Wilmette, IL format_quote
In eighth grade my daughter decided to give up her other sports and start a completely new sport- that being golf. She started with David Maslen who taught her the basics from the ground up. She had never held a golf club before and David patiently and methodically taught her everything she needed to know about the game of golf.
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Barry McGregor Chicago, IL format_quote
I started to practice golf 5 years ago. Everything seemed difficult till I found David. Since then, my skills improved by a huge margin. I cannot recommend David enough; I send my two boys to the golf camps and it's so rewarding to see the progress.
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Marving Drake Chicago, IL format_quote
Playing golf is one of the things I like the most but I never thought I can progress in this sport. David was the only instructor who proved be otherwise; golf is for everyone and we should all trust ourselves.
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Claudia Earman Chicago, IL format_quote
It's difficult to chose a sport from so many options when you have children. Luckily David's gold camps turned out to be the best solution for my family: I send them every year to the camps and my kids enjoy golf more than any other sport.
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Crofton Kendall Chicago format_quote
By age 15, Sophomore year, my daughter played on the varsity high school golf team. David would come to tournaments and support her during the golf season. He would review her play and focus lessons on her areas of greatest need. He is an encouraging, positive, and an incredibly knowledgeable coach. David sets his standards high and expects his students to put in the time to improve.
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Alton Raymond Chicago format_quote
David is always kind, professional and encouraging.
My wife and I also appreciate the outstanding communication David has with us and his insights into ways our son can continue to develop and improve.
It has been a pleasure both to watch my son's golf game become very good and to see all the success David is having! -
Lex Charley Chicago format_quote
I asked David if he would work with me and my friends and start a group clinic a few days a week during the winter. That was extremely successful and every clinic sold out each week. David is a great teacher.
