Golfing News & Blog Articles

Stay up-to-date on golfing news, products, and trends from around the world.

Major(s) News & Notes, August 29, 2024

Fridays are for the Tour but that pesky distance data is still under review. Plus, a big ratings jump for the Women's Open, Nelly takes the Annika, Curtis Cup preview, Quotables and Reads.

Ko: Recent wins don't change retirement plan

Lydia Ko said her victories at the Olympics and the Women's Open haven't changed her mind about retiring from professional golf before she turns 30.

PGA Tour bans 'alternate routes' as pros plot mischief at East Lake

The PGA Tour found itself in a "lose-lose" internal O.B. discussion at the Tour Championship when it learned what its players were planning.

The post PGA Tour bans ‘alternate routes’ as pros plot mischief at East Lake appeared first on Golf.

Justin Thomas' biggest 2024 lesson? Avoiding ‘trouble’ with 1 part of being coached

What was Justin Thomas’ biggest 2024 lesson? At the Tour Championship, he said it was avoiding “trouble” with one part of being coached.

The post Justin Thomas’ biggest 2024 lesson? Avoiding ‘trouble’ with 1 part of being coached appeared first on Golf.

Accuracy and Control Make All the Difference


Direction Accuracy and Distance Control are the most important aspects that you need to break 80 in every round. We all know this, so why do we miss so many important shots? Instead of paying attention to the basics our minds wonder. We focus on the shot that a pro would make. We put a lot more power into the swing to clear water or sand traps when we should be laying up and chipping to 3 feet. This game would be so easy if we just play with a comfortable swing and the following basics.


In an article by Zephyr Melton in Play Smart on the GOLF.com blog I found the basics that “Joe Durant used in order to be among the straightest drivers in golf history.” . During his peak performance years his driving accuracy was between 75% and 82%. The following 3 points were key for his success.

Golf Magazine used these images to show Keegan Bradley’s crouched setup and swing. It really helps him control his direction and distance.
Check Your Lines: You have to check your setup to line up your shot. He used alignment sticks to pick his direction and the square of his feet to his target line. He would imagine that he had alignment sticks through his shoulders, hips and feet and set them up parallel to each other.Use Alignment Sticks: When Durant hits shots on the range, he kept two alignment sticks on the ground in front of him. One was inside his ball, while the other was parallel to it just outside the ball. He was trying to make sure that his foot line was parallel to the inside pole. The outer pole was a guide for his club swing plane. If he could take his club along the same path on the takeaway, he knew he was in good shape.Tee It Low: Generating as much distance as possible is a popular strategy among pros these days, and that usually involves teeing it high and swinging up on the ball. But when you want to promote accuracy, it’s in your best interest to tee it low. It helps you take spin off your ball.
When he was under pressure, he teed it lower to squeeze it out there with a fade for better control. Overpowering the ball was never good for his shots.
Practice with GOLFSTR+ to control the flat of your leading wrist and elbow for more consistent hits. Joe Durant recommended controlling your direction and your power to limit the spin on your drives. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com

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Monahan: Saudi talks 'enhanced' but no timeline

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said negotiations to bring golf back together have been "enhanced" and are "stronger" but that there is no deadline for the tour to reach a deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Have Fun Golfing

Having fun on the golf course is all about enjoying the experience, regardless of your skill level. Here are some tips to make sure your time on the greens is enjoyable:

1. Play with Friends

  • Social Aspect: Golf is a great way to spend time with friends or meet new people. The camaraderie on the course can make the game more enjoyable.
  • Friendly Competition: Engage in light-hearted competitions like longest drive, closest to the pin, or lowest score on a particular hole.

2. Don’t Take It Too Seriously

  • Relax and Enjoy: Remember, it’s just a game. If you hit a bad shot, laugh it off and move on.
  • Focus on the Experience: Appreciate the scenery, the fresh air, and the time spent outdoors rather than obsessing over every shot.

3. Try Different Formats

  • Scramble Format: Play in teams where everyone hits a shot, and the best shot is chosen for the next hit. This can reduce pressure and add a team dynamic to the game.
  • Best Ball: In this format, each player plays their own ball on every hole, but the best score among the team is counted.

4. Set Personal Challenges

  • Improve a Specific Skill: Focus on improving one aspect of your game, like putting or driving, and celebrate small victories.
  • Beat Your Personal Best: Aim to improve your score from your last round, but don’t stress if you don’t.

5. Enjoy the 19th Hole

  • Post-Round Relaxation: After the game, enjoy a drink or a meal at the clubhouse with your group. It’s a great way to unwind and reflect on the round.
  • Share Stories: Talk about the highlights of your game or funny moments that happened during the round.

6. Play at Scenic Courses

  • Appreciate the Beauty: Choose courses with beautiful landscapes or unique features. Playing in a stunning setting can make the experience more enjoyable.
  • Take Photos: Capture the moment by taking photos of the course or your group.

7. Use Fun Gadgets

  • Golf Gadgets: Bring along fun gadgets like rangefinders, GPS devices, or novelty headcovers to add a playful element to the game.
  • Music on the Course: Some courses allow you to play music while you golf. Create a playlist of your favorite songs to keep the mood light and fun.

8. Don’t Keep Score

  • Stress-Free Round: If you’re not feeling competitive, skip the scorecard altogether and just enjoy hitting the ball around the course.
  • Focus on the Fun: Without the pressure of keeping score, you can focus more on having fun and trying out different shots.

9. Embrace the Learning Process

  • Learn New Techniques: Use your time on the course to learn and practice new shots. Don’t worry about mistakes—see them as part of the learning experience.
  • Take a Lesson: Consider taking a lesson with a golf pro. It can be a fun way to improve your game and pick up new tips.

10. Play with a Good Attitude

  • Positive Mindset: Approach the game with a positive attitude. Celebrate good shots, and don’t dwell on the bad ones.
  • Encourage Others: Compliment your playing partners on their good shots and keep the atmosphere light and supportive.

11. Mix Up the Course

  • Play Different Tees: Challenge yourself by playing from different tees or mix it up to play the course from a new perspective.
  • Mini-Games: Introduce mini-games within your round, like playing a hole with just one club or using only your non-dominant hand for a shot.

12. Dress for the Occasion

  • Fun Attire: Wear fun or themed outfits that can add an element of humor and enjoyment to your round.
  • Comfort: Make sure you’re dressed comfortably for the weather, so you can focus on having fun.

13. Bring Snacks and Drinks

  • Stay Energized: Pack some of your favorite snacks and drinks to keep your energy up and enjoy a mid-round treat.
  • Picnic on the Course: If allowed, consider having a small picnic break during your round.

14. Play at Non-Peak Times

  • Avoid Crowds: Playing during off-peak times can mean fewer people on the course, allowing for a more relaxed pace and less waiting between shots.
  • Twilight Golf: Playing in the late afternoon or evening can offer cooler temperatures and beautiful sunsets.

15. Focus on Enjoying the Game

  • Mindset: Focus on why you’re out there—to enjoy yourself, relax, and have fun. Remember that golf is a game, and the primary goal is to have a good time.

By incorporating these tips, you'll find that playing golf can be as much about the fun and experience as it is about the score.

Who's taking home the trophy? Looking at the 30 players swinging for the FedEx Cup

Scottie Scheffler enters the Tour Championship with a two-stroke lead and Keegan Bradley is coming off a BMW Championship win. Who's coming home with the trophy this week?

Hovland 'shocked' by revamped East Lake layout

After a huge redesign project, the 30 golfers in the Tour Championship will be playing a different East Lake course for the first time in the FedEx Cup season finale.

One (Smart) Ring to Rule Them All

There is a lot of cool gear in the golf equipment world that doesn’t always fit neatly into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.

What We Tried:

The Samsung Galaxy Ring. A smart, wearable fitness tracker in the shape of a ring.

Who Tried It:

Connor. Director of Content and resident sneakerhead. I’ve been a habitual WHOOP user for nearly a year now. That said, I’ve always been intrigued by the thought of a fitness tracking ring. When I heard Samsung was coming out with one, I knew I had to give it a go.

What does it do?

The purpose behind the Samsung Galaxy Ring is to provide fitness tracking in a minuscule, barely noticeable package. This is a great value prop for me because even the WHOOP 4.0 can feel a little bulky at times.

The idea of having something the size of a ring that can monitor your overall health, track sleep, stress and more is very novel. If it works, it’s great. But if it doesn’t, it’s nothing more than a piece of jewelry.





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All Kids Golf – It’s like Amazon for Junior Golfers

I have two junior golfers. One is 10, the other seven, and they can’t get enough of the sport. I used to get a kick out of how excited they got about a new driver, an orange golf ball or a headcover with a dog on it. When I took a step back, I realized that, fundamentally, this is what we all love about golf. All Kids Golf Clubs feel the same way. They took the idea that golf should be fun, exciting and accessible and created a one-stop shop. If you know a junior golfer, All Kids Golf is a resource to take advantage of.

What is All Kids Golf Clubs?

All Kids Golf Clubs was founded in 1999 by golf parents who wanted high-quality and affordable equipment for their children. They were frustrated with the options available to them.

What sets All Kids Golf Clubs apart is their commitment to customer service, extensive product selection and ensuring a proper fit for young golfers of all skill levels.

Spend some time on the All Kids website. Not only will you find plenty of options for your kids but you may end up measuring your putter to see if the Shark Putter Cover would work for your game. 

Top–selling All Kids Golf products

If you have kids interested in getting started or taking golf more seriously, here are some products you may want to consider.

All Kids Golf Clubs


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We Played The Olympic Course – On Rapsodo

As a child, I always dreamed of playing in the Olympics. Though my aspirations were for a different sport and the Winter Olympics, the dream was still there. My family and I always made time to watch the Olympics together, cheering on our country’s athletes. Yet Olympic golf never really grabbed my attention the same way. 

Olympic golf

When golf returned to the Olympics, I wasn’t particularly excited—I am sure I was not alone with this feeling. However, with all the changes in professional golf over the last few years, this feeling has shifted. My interest in watching golf outside of the majors has dwindled, leaving a bit of a void. This is where Olympic golf grabbed my attention, especially with the Paris Olympics. I found myself eagerly following who would be playing and, more intriguingly, what the course would be like and the challenges it would present.

Le Golf National, the venue for the Ryder Cup in 2018, hosted the Olympic golf events. While my memories of that Ryder Cup are vague, I do recall the final results. With a desire to learn more about the course and its challenges, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my Rapsodo MLM2Pro had this course available to play virtually.

Experiencing Le Golf National virtually

Paris is just a four-hour train ride from me and while it was tempting to watch the events in person, the chaos of the Olympics led me to opt for watching from the comfort of home. Playing the course virtually on my Rapsodo MLM2PRO seemed like the perfect way to get a feel for the course without being there.

What I quickly learned is that Le Golf National is tough. Period. Seeing Scottie Scheffler shoot a final round of 62 seemed impossible but, then again, that’s why he’s the best in the world.






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How to Use Alignment Sticks in Your Golf Practice

Do you have an alignment stick or two in your golf bag? If you don’t, you should. And if you do, do you know how to use them? Here’s how to use alignment sticks in your golf practice so that you actually benefit from them.

Alignment line

The most obvious use for the alignment stick is to lay it on the ground parallel to your target line. You can use this as a guide to help align your body (hips, shoulders, feet) and clubface.

Ensuring that everything is square to the target line will lead to more accurate shots. When you lay the alignment stick down, look down the line to ensure it’s correctly aimed at the target.  

Some golfers like two sticks on the ground: one behind the ball and one just outside the ball.

Swing path

With a very small adjustment, you can turn the alignment setup into a guide for working on the swing path. You’ll need two sticks: One on the outside of the ball and another just on the inside. Make sure there is enough room between the sticks for the club to swing through.


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Light the Fuse on This Deal!

Any time I see a deal on a product that made the “best of” for features in our yearly reviews, I get excited. Today’s deal features a golf bag that is high on comfort for those of you that prefer to walk and carry vs. using a push cart. Get ready to feel some sweet, sweet relief on those rounds.

Save 35% on select OGIO Stand Bags, including the OGIO Fuse.

Light on Weight, Long on Comfort.

The OGIO Fuse stand bag had the most comfortable straps in our 2024 cart bag testing, making it an ideal option for you if you prefer to carry your bag on the course. It features a 4 way full length divider, 6 front facing pockets and closed-cell foam molded double shoulder straps with Fit Disc self balancing strap system.

Grab this deal today and save yourself some shoulder fatigue on the last few holes of that next round!

The post Light the Fuse on This Deal! appeared first on MyGolfSpy.


The Old Course Could Use A Haircut

After a terrific run of events, an upcoming break from majors offers the chance to tidy up evolutionary and distance-related changes at the world's most important course.

Save on the Swoosh With This Deal

Look good, feel good, play good (or so we hope!). It may just be me, but I feel more confident on the course when my outfit is on point. When I can save some money on that gear, it sweetens the deal. I found a sale to save you some extra cash on your next golf polo.

Save nearly 50% off retail on the Nike Dri-FIT Victory Colorblock polo at Golf Galaxy.

Stay Cool Even on the Hottest Days.

Nike Dri-FIT technology wicks moisture away from your skin for quicker evaporation, keeping you cool and dry throughout your round on even the hottest days. The collar features a ribbed structure to help prevent curling to keep you looking sharp. With a standard fit that delivers a relaxed feel, you’ll be ready to run it back after finishing 18 holes.

Take advantage of today’s deal to save on this polo, and be ready to tackle your next round.

The post Save on the Swoosh With This Deal appeared first on MyGolfSpy.


How to watch 2024 PGA Tour Championship: ESPN+ schedule

It's time for the PGA Tour Championship! Here's how to watch on ESPN+.

How does ball position affect your swing? Let's take a look

In this edition of Play Smart we take a look at how different ball positioning affects certain numbers in your swing.

The post How does ball position affect your swing? Let’s take a look appeared first on Golf.

Tour Championship betting guide: 6 picks our gambling expert loves this week

The Tour Championship begins on Thursday in Atlanta. Here are 6 players our expert loves — and why he thinks you should too.

The post Tour Championship betting guide: 6 picks our gambling expert loves this week appeared first on Golf.

Conquer your lob wedge disasters by following this simple lesson

GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jason Birnbaum gives a quick and easy lob wedge lesson, so you can finally master the tricky club.

The post Conquer your lob wedge disasters by following this simple lesson appeared first on Golf.


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