Golfing News & Blog Articles

Two-time major winner Brittany Lincicome announced that this will be her final season playing a full schedule on the LPGA Tour.

Developing a pre-shot routine is essential for golfers looking to improve their focus, consistency, and performance on the course. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an effective pre-shot routine:

1. Establish a Calm Mindset

• Before approaching the ball, take a moment to relax and clear your mind. A calm mental state allows for better focus and reduces anxiety.
• Consider incorporating deep breathing exercises to help you center yourself. Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly.

2. Visualize the Shot

• Stand behind the ball and visualize the entire shot. Picture the trajectory, landing spot, and desired outcome. This mental imagery helps reinforce your plan and boosts confidence.
• Imagine the ball flying towards your target, including any specific curves or bounces you expect.

3. Assess the Environment

• Analyze the conditions, including wind direction, slope, and any hazards. Take note of how these factors might affect your shot.
• Look at the lie of the ball and any obstacles in your path, adjusting your plan as needed based on these observations.

4. Choose the Right Club

• Select the appropriate club for the shot based on your distance to the target and the conditions you’ve assessed. Make sure you’re comfortable with your choice.
• Consider practicing with different clubs in your practice sessions to build familiarity with their distances and trajectories.

5. Align Your Body and Club

• Position yourself behind the ball, aligning your body with the target. Use your feet, hips, and shoulders to establish a parallel line toward your target.
• Hold the club behind the ball, ensuring that your grip and stance are consistent with what feels comfortable for you.

6. Take Practice Swings

• Before stepping up to the ball, take one or two practice swings to feel the motion you want. Focus on rhythm and tempo rather than trying to hit the ball hard.
• Ensure your practice swings mimic the desired swing path and finish.

7. Step Up to the Ball

• Approach the ball confidently, keeping your head up and maintaining a relaxed demeanor. Avoid rushing this step; take your time to settle into your stance.
• Take a moment to ground yourself, ensuring your feet are firmly planted and your weight is balanced.

8. Make Your Final Checks

• Before initiating your swing, make any final adjustments to your grip, stance, and alignment. Confirm that everything feels comfortable and correct.
• Give yourself a mental cue or positive affirmation to boost your confidence before the shot (e.g., "I’ve got this!" or "Trust your swing.").

9. Execute the Shot

• Take a deep breath, focus on the ball, and commit to your shot. Avoid overthinking; trust in your preparation and execute your swing with confidence.
• Keep your head still and your eyes on the ball until you make contact.

10. Reflect After the Shot

• After hitting the ball, take a moment to assess the outcome. Reflect on what went well and what you can improve for the next shot.
• Use this time to reset mentally for your next shot, maintaining a positive attitude regardless of the result.

Tips for Success

• Consistency is Key: Try to follow the same routine before every shot, regardless of the situation. This builds muscle memory and helps you stay focused.
• Adapt as Needed: Your routine may need slight adjustments depending on the shot type (e.g., tee shots, approach shots, putts), but the core elements should remain the same.
• Practice Your Routine: Incorporate your pre-shot routine into your practice sessions so it becomes second nature by the time you’re on the course.

By developing a consistent pre-shot routine, you’ll enhance your focus and confidence, leading to improved performance and a more enjoyable round of golf.

If you're tired of wasting your driving-range session before a round, maybe it's time to change your approach. Here's one option to consider.

The post How a clever mindset change can improve your range sessions appeared first on Golf.

Generating spin with your wedges requires crisp contact. Alex Noren's drill will help teach you how to do it.

The post This easy drill ensures crisp contact (and lot of spin!) with your wedges appeared first on Golf.

More than a decade after the Ryder Cup at Medinah, Nicolas Colsaerts shared one of his favorite memories with a story about Lee Westwood.

The post 12 years later, a hilarious Ryder Cup story comes out  appeared first on Golf.

Hana Wakimoto shot a 4-under 68 to maintain her lead after the second round of the LPGA's Toto Japan Classic.

Former PGA of America president Roger Warren has emerged as the leading candidate for the PGA of America’s CEO post, sources said.

The post In PGA of America’s CEO search, leading candidate emerges appeared first on Golf.

Here are three moves “to help you never, ever slice again,” according to GOLF Top 100 coach Andrew Rice. He shared them recently in a video.

The post 3 moves ‘to help you never, ever slice again,’ according to Top 100 coach appeared first on Golf.

Here are nine things to know about the latest edition of the Match, announced Thursday, including items on LIV Golf and Bill Murray.

The post LIV Golf, Bill Murray and $1 million: 9 things to know about newest Match  appeared first on Golf.

Hana Wakimoto shot a bogey-free 9-under 63 to lead by two shots after the first round of the LPGA's Toto Classic.

Australian Jeffrey Guan says he will continue to pursue his dream of playing on golf's biggest tours despite permanently losing sight in his left eye after being hit in the face by a ball during a tournament.

Chipping from the rough around the greens can be tough, but this technique will make getting up and down much easier.

The post Escape the greenside rough with ease using this technique appeared first on Golf.

In this edition of Play Smart, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jonathan Yarwood shows us how to shape pitch shots to reach tucked hole locations.

The post Attack tucked hole locations by shaping your pitch shots. Here’s how appeared first on Golf.

GOLF Teacher to Watch Adam Smith shows how rethinking your 9-iron can lead to more successful scrambling in your short game.

The post Use this nifty 9-iron shot to get up and down around greens appeared first on Golf.

Learning from the pros can significantly elevate your golf game. Here are some effective ways to gain insights and skills from professional golfers and instructors:

1. Watch Professional Golf Tournaments

• Observe Technique: Pay attention to how pros address the ball, their stance, swing mechanics, and course management during tournaments. This can provide valuable visual cues for your own game.
• Study Shot Selection: Notice how professionals choose their clubs and strategies based on the course layout and conditions. Understanding their decision-making process can help improve your own.

2. Follow Instructional Videos

• Online Tutorials: There are numerous golf instructors on platforms like YouTube who provide free instructional videos. Search for specific skills or techniques you want to improve.
• Analyze Their Tips: Look for videos from renowned instructors or players like Rickie Fowler, Phil Mickelson, or Butch Harmon, who share tips on various aspects of the game.

3. Read Books and Articles

• Instructional Books: Many professional golfers have authored books detailing their approaches to the game, including swing mechanics, mental strategies, and course management.
• Golf Magazines and Websites: Regularly read articles in golf publications that feature tips from professionals, covering everything from the mental game to the latest training methods.

4. Attend Clinics and Workshops

• Professional Clinics: Look for golf clinics led by professional golfers. These events often include hands-on instruction, allowing you to learn directly from the pros.
• Golf Schools: Consider enrolling in a golf school or academy where experienced instructors provide personalized feedback and comprehensive training.

5. Take Private Lessons

• One-on-One Instruction: Hire a professional golf instructor for personalized lessons. They can tailor their teaching to your skill level, helping you improve specific areas of your game.
• Feedback and Analysis: An instructor can analyze your swing and provide immediate feedback, allowing you to make adjustments and accelerate your improvement.

6. Utilize Golf Simulators and Technology

• Swing Analysis Tools: Many golf professionals use technology to analyze their swings. Consider using simulators or swing analysis software to receive data on your performance and areas for improvement.
• Track Your Progress: Use apps or devices that track your performance metrics, such as swing speed, distance, and accuracy. This information can help you refine your technique over time.

7. Join a Golf Club or League

• Play with Better Golfers: Join a club or league where you can play alongside more experienced golfers. Observing their play style and asking for tips can accelerate your learning.
• Networking: Engage with fellow golfers who may have insights or experiences from their time playing with professionals.

8. Follow Professional Players on Social Media

• Insights and Tips: Many professional golfers share tips, practice routines, and behind-the-scenes content on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
• Engage with Their Content: Don’t hesitate to ask questions or comment on their posts to engage with the community and gain further insights.

9. Attend Major Tournaments

• Watch Live: If possible, attend major golf tournaments to witness professional play up close. This experience can provide inspiration and a better understanding of how professionals handle pressure.
• Learn from the Crowd: Observe how professionals interact with their caddies and handle various course conditions.

10. Stay Open to Learning

• Embrace New Techniques: Be willing to adapt and try new approaches that you observe from professionals. Golf is an evolving sport, and being open-minded can lead to breakthroughs in your game.
• Reflect on Your Progress: Regularly evaluate your game and compare your techniques to those of professionals. This self-assessment can help you identify areas to focus on.

By actively seeking to learn from professionals, you can gain valuable insights, refine your skills, and enhance your overall golf experience. Remember, the journey of improvement is ongoing, and every lesson learned can contribute to your growth as a golfer!

Ben An won on the DP World Tour last week eschewing a 3-wood for one of the rarest clubs in golf: a 1-iron. Here's how it landed in his bag.

The post It’s the rarest club in golf, and this pro just won with it appeared first on Golf.

If you want to hit more fairways and lower your scores, you have to increase your consistency off the tee — and Erika Larkin can help.

The post 5 driving keys to hit longer, straighter tee shots appeared first on Golf.

Bryson DeChambeau is in talks to become the first men's major winner to play a tournament in India, according to a Hindustan Times report.

The post Report: Bryson DeChambeau could make history at new India event appeared first on Golf.

The final 12 of 16 mixed PGA Tour and LPGA Tour teams were announced for December's 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational. Here they are.

The post Star-studded field of PGA, LPGA stars unveiled for Grant Thornton mixed-team event appeared first on Golf.