Instruction

How to Master the Mental Game?

Ted Odorico January 30, 2026

Golfer combining with golf course in double exposure portrait

Instruction

Why Your Mind is the 15th Club in Your Bag

Golf is often described as a sport played on a five-inch course—the distance between your ears. While a smooth swing and precise putting are essential, your ability to handle pressure, maintain focus, and bounce back from a “blow-up” hole ultimately dictates your scorecard. Mastering the mind game is about transforming from a player who reacts to the course into one who remains composed through every peak and valley.

The Power of the Pre-Shot Routine – A consistent pre-shot routine acts as a mental anchor, signaling to your brain that it is time to move from “thinking” to “doing”. This routine should be identical for every shot to create a sense of familiarity and safety, even in high-pressure situations.

The “Think” Box vs. “Play” Box: Divide your approach into two phases. In the Think Box (behind the ball), analyze the wind, distance, and lie. Once you step into the Play Box (at the ball), your only job is to trust your decision and execute the swing.
Physical Triggers: Use a physical action, like adjusting your glove or taking a deep breath, to “switch on” your focus before you address the ball.

Emotional Resilience and Managing Expectations

The greatest golfers aren’t those who never hit bad shots, but those who respond to them with indifference. Resilience is built by managing your expectations before you even tee off. Understand that golf is an inherently imperfect game. By accepting that you will hit poor shots, you prevent one mistake from snowballing into a mental meltdown. Mastering the mental side of golf requires more than simple composure; it demands a structured psychological system that builds resilience and narrows focus when pressure is highest.

Advanced Emotional Regulation: The “Post-Shot Routine”

While much is said about preparing for a shot, how you react after the ball lands determines the success of your next hole.

The 60-Second Recovery Protocol: Professional mental coaches often recommend a timed recovery phase to prevent “Automatic Negative Thoughts” (ANTs) from triggering a “fight or flight” response.
Recognition (10sec): Acknowledge the frustration without judgment (e.g., “That was an imprecise shot”).
Closing Ritual (15sec): Perform a physical action like cleaning the club or fixing your glove to signal the end of that shot.
Positive Refocus (20sec): Find one lesson from the mistake and visualize your next ideal shot.
Future Activation (15sec): Walk with purpose toward the next ball, letting the previous error fade.

Tiger Woods’ “Ten Pace Rule”: Limit your disappointment to exactly ten steps after a bad shot, then force a mental reset.

Sharpening Focus through “External Cues”

Golfers often fall into the trap of “internal focus”—thinking about body mechanics during a swing. Research shows that focusing on external outcomes (the target or ball flight) allows the body to move more naturally and keeps muscles relaxed.

Target Visualization: Instead of thinking about your wrist angle, visualize the ball’s trajectory like a “colored shot tracer” line in a movie.
The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique: To lower your heart rate before a decisive putt, inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. This longer exhale is specifically effective at neutralizing adrenaline spikes.

Resilience Drills and Practice

Building mental toughness must be part of your practice routine, not just something you try during a tournament.

Concentration Grids: Use a grid of scrambled numbers (00–99) and find as many as possible in sequence within one minute. This trains your brain to filter out environmental noise and maintain sustained attention.
Pressure Drills: Introduce consequences to your practice, such as having to start a putting drill over if you miss, to simulate the stakes of a real round.
Process Goals: Rate your success based on how well you followed your routine rather than your final score. This shifts focus from uncontrollable outcomes to controllable processes.

Psychological Frameworks

The “WHY” Factor: Understanding your unique motivation for playing helps maintain long-term focus and reduces burnout.
Growth Mindset: View every “bad” bounce as an opportunity to test your problem-solving skills rather than a personal failure.
Selective Memory: Mentally tough golfers deliberately choose to remember their best shots vividly while treating mistakes as purely educational.

Mastering the mind game is about transforming the player

Ultimately, the difference between a good golfer and a great champion isn’t found in a golf swing manual—it is forged in the mind. The legends of the game, from Jack Nicklaus’s unwavering course management to Tiger Woods’s sheer psychological dominance, prove that the mind is the ultimate competitive advantage.

Jack Nicklaus, the record holder of 18 major championships, famously operated with an impeccable strategic blueprint and emotional discipline. He rarely hit a golf shot without a vivid mental rehearsal, playing every round of golf in his head before he even stepped onto the first tee box. This meticulous planning eliminated uncertainty and allowed him to operate with ice-cold precision under the highest pressure.

Similarly, Tiger Woods elevated mental toughness to an art form. His intense focus and intimidation tactics were as famous as his physical prowess. Woods used specific triggers and routines not just to center himself, but to project an aura of invincibility that often unsettled his competitors before the first putt dropped. His ability to hit a clutch shot exactly when needed was a testament to blocking out all external noise and remaining completely present.

Even modern stars like Rory McIlroy openly discuss the ongoing battle within their own minds. McIlroy has often bounced back from periods of self-doubt by leaning into mindfulness and process-oriented thinking, acknowledging that trusting the routine is the only path to consistency at the elite level.

Your physical skills might get you to the first tee, but your mental fortitude is what gets your score into the clubhouse. By incorporating these psychological strategies into your own game—developing an ironclad routine, managing your emotional responses, and staying relentlessly in the present moment—you are adding the most powerful club to your bag. The journey to mastering your golf game begins not on the driving range, but between your ears.

See you on the Tee!

Golf Tips “Tuesday Tips,” the Definitive Weekly Guide to Lowering Your Handicap

Ted Odorico January 13, 2026

Instruction

“One Minute to a Better Swing, One Week at a Time.”

For the modern golfer, the quest for a more consistent swing often leads down a rabbit hole of confusing mechanics and conflicting advice. Between technical deep-dives and fleeting “miracle” fixes, the average player is often left more paralyzed than prepared.

Enter Ted Odorico, a 32-year Golf Professional who serves as the Editor of Golf Tips Magazine and CEO of the iGolf Sports Network. This season, Odorico is bridging the gap between professional coaching and the everyday player with his new digital series titled “Tuesday Tips.”

Designed for the fast-paced world of vertical video (Reels, TikTok, Shorts), each episode distills complex swing theories into actionable, 60-second breakthroughs. From mastering the “Three Ps of Power” to the psychological art of the “Memory Reset,” Ted’s approach focuses on high-impact adjustments that stick. “Most golfers are one small feel away from a breakthrough,” says Odorico. “‘Tuesday Tips’ is about finding that feel every single week.”

The series officially kicks off on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026.

Where to Watch:

The weekly tips will be available in the coming weeks as short videos and accompanying blog posts across multiple platforms:

Website: golftipsmag.com

YouTube: YouTube.com/@golftipsmagazine or YouTube.com/@igolfsports

Social Media: Follow Golf Tips Magazine on Instagram, Facebook, and iGolf Sports (Ted Odorico) on TikTok.

A Closer look at Jeeno Thitikul’s Swing

John Marshall January 8, 2026

Instruction

Ah, to be 23, the number one ranked female player in the world and number seven on the all-time LPGA career earnings list. That would be the situation with Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand who in 2024 won the largest first place check in LPGA history ($4 million at the CME Group Tour Championship) and then repeated the accomplishment this past November with a winning score of 26-under par. It would be an understatement to say that she showed early potential, capturing the Ladies European Thailand Championship at the ripe old age of 14. Apparently, she possesses a hefty dose of talent. Oh, and by the way, her 2025 scoring average of 68.68 was the lowest in Tour’s 75-year history

Like all great players, she is very fundamentally sound from setup to finish position. She has a minimal amount of knee flex and her arms are soft and hanging with virtually no tension. Her toes, knees, hips and shoulders are all parallel to the ball-target line. This sounds like a no brainer, but many players struggle with it because of eye dominance. It has been my experience that the vast majority of right-handed, right-eye-dominant golfers aim too far to the right which can often lead to an over-the-top downswing as they attempt to yank the ball online. Interestingly enough, arguably the two greatest players in history – Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods- are both left-eye dominant.

Another solid setup aspect is that both elbows are pointed at her hip joints. If you have ever read Ben Hogan’s classic instruction book “Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf,” you will see an illustration of Mr. Hogan’s elbows in the same position. Why is this important and why is it worth copying? When the elbows are in this position, the right elbow folds easily in the backswing and same with the left in the through swing. If the right elbow, for example, is pointed away from the target in the setup it becomes challenging to keep the club on the proper plane going back.

Rotates her left wrist slightly counter-clockwise in backswing

During the takeaway, she makes a very subtle move that I really like. She rotates her left wrist slightly counter-clockwise which serves to keep the clubface perpendicular to the path of her swing. When the shaft is parallel to the ground halfway back the clubhead is parallel to her spine angle. In previous times this was considered to be a closed clubface. Not any more!

This also has a significant impact on her position at the top of the backswing. Her left wrist is slightly bowed (anatomically speaking this is called wrist flexion) which very slightly limits the amount the wrists can hinge. For reference, the opposite of this would be John Daly whose cupped left wrist (extreme wrist extension) allows the club to go way past parallel at the top of the backswing but also results in a far greater amount of dispersion because the clubface is open. Golf swings have certainly evolved over the years and a bowed left wrist, or at least flat, is now in vogue. As it should be.

Like all great players, her right elbow never gets past 90 degrees at the top of the backswing. This ensures maximum width which adds to her substantial swing radius.

During transition, Jeeno moves easily to her left side because she didn’t move much to the right side in the backswing. If you stay very centered at the top like she does, you really don’t need to think about a weight transfer. The momentum of the swinging club will get you to your left side.

When she comes into impact with left arm parallel to the ground her belt buckle goes up approximately four inches and it happens very, very quickly. That causes the club to go down very, very quickly and increases her speed. With far less skilled golfers this upward movement happens way too early in the downswing which decreases rather than increases speed. Just one more reason why she is playing on television and the rest of us are watching her on television.

Textbook finish with weight totally on her left side

Her finish position is right out of a textbook. Weight totally on the left side, up on the right toe, right shoulder closer to the target than her left. The golf ball has no choice other than to go long and straight.

Like nearly all Tour players nowadays, Jeeno puts in plenty of time in the gym, working on both mobility and functional strength. The end result of all of this is a young lady at the pinnacle of the golf world who will remain there for many years to come.

Article by: John Marshall, Golf Instructor, Two-time ALDA long drive champion & Golf Tips Top 25 Instructor

John’s Website: jmlongdrive.com

The 2026 Golf Blueprint to Lower Scores!

Ted Odorico December 27, 2025

Instruction

The 2026 Golf Blueprint replaces aimless practice with a structured, research-based process designed to lower your scores by targeting the most critical areas of improvement.

The overall purpose of the weekly routine is to provide a systematic and personalized path to improvement, taking the guesswork out of your practice sessions. The routine is built on an algorithm that analyzes your game, goals, and statistics, delivering a customized practice plan that evolves monthly to ensure you consistently focus on high-yield areas (e.g., short game, course management, mental toughness, and physical conditioning). If put into practice, this blueprint will benefit you in the following ways:

Maximizes practice time: Each session is structured with specific drills, ensuring you use your time efficiently at the range or on the course and leave each session on the best path to improvement.
Ensures holistic skill development: By cycling through different components like swing mechanics, short game, and mental preparation, the blueprint prevents overtraining in one area while improving all facets of your game.
Provides objective feedback: The system relies on tracking statistics (fairways/greens in regulation, putting percentages, sand saves) to show you exactly where you need to invest your effort, offering clear, measurable targets for improvement.
Builds consistency and mental toughness: The routine emphasizes developing proper muscle memory through repetition and encourages a consistent pre-shot process, which helps you perform better under pressure on the course.
Achieves tangible score reduction: Members using the “Golf Blueprint” plan have reported an average improvement of 2+ strokes in their first three months by working smarter, not necessarily harder.

Ultimately, the blueprint is about moving away from reactionary practice (fixing the mistakes of your last round) and building a long-term, reliable process for lasting improvement.

Detailed Daily Drill Breakdowns:

Day	Practice Drill	Duration	Primary Focus
Monday	The Gate Drill	20 Minutes	Putting Start-Line Accuracy
Tuesday	Hula Hoop Landing Spot	30 Minutes	Chipping & Pitching Precision
Wednesday	The Line Drill	20 Minutes	Bunker Strike & Low Point Control
Thursday	The 20-20-20 Range Rule	60 Minutes	Swing Mechanics & Transfer Training
Friday	Fairway Simulation	30 Minutes	Driving Accuracy under Pressure
Saturday	Up-and-Down Challenge	60 Minutes	Scrambling & Scoring Mastery
Sunday	Rest Day		Muscle Memory Consolidation

Monday: The Gate Drill (Putting)

Game Area: Short Game (Accuracy).
Setup: Find a flat 4-foot putt. Place two tees 6–12 inches in front of your ball, just wider than a golf ball’s width to create a “gate”.
Execution:
1. Align your putter face squarely to the gate.
2. Putt 10 balls through the gate without touching the tees.
3. Goal: Complete 10 consecutive successful passes. If you hit a tee, restart the count to zero.

Tuesday: Hula Hoop Landing Spot (Chipping)

Game Area: Short Game (Touch and Feel).
Setup: Place a hula hoop or mark a 3-foot circle on the green to serve as your target landing zone.
Execution:
1. Place 8 balls at 5-yard intervals (from 5 to 40 yards).
2. Chip one ball from each spot, focusing solely on landing the ball inside the hoop rather than where it rolls.
3. Goal: Land 5 balls in a row in the hoop before moving to a different lie or distance.

Wednesday: The Line Drill (Bunker/Sand Play)

Game Area: Sand Play & Low Point Control.
Setup: Draw a 3-foot line in the sand perpendicular to your target.
Execution:
1. Take your sand stance with the line centered.
2. Make 10 swings without a ball, aiming for the club to enter the sand exactly on the line.
3. Add balls 1.5 inches in front of the line; “splash” the sand at the line to lift the ball out.
4. Goal: Consistently take a divot that starts at the line and removes the ball cleanly.

Thursday: The 20-20-20 Range Rule (Iron Play)

Game Area: Full Swing Mechanics.
Execution (3 segments of 20 shots):
1. Slow Motion (20% Speed): Hit 20 balls at 20% speed to focus on technical positions (e.g., hip rotation, arm extension).
2. Feel vs. Real: Take 5 practice swings focusing on a specific feel, then hit 5 full shots. Repeat for 20 shots.
3. Randomization: Change clubs and targets for every shot to simulate real course conditions for the final 20 balls.
4. Goal: Solidify swing mechanics while improving the ability to transfer range skills to the course.

Friday: Fairway Simulation (Driving)

Game Area: Long Game (Driving Accuracy).
Setup: On the range, pick two flags or markers roughly 30 yards apart to act as your “fairway”.
Execution:
1. Perform your full pre-shot routine for every drive (visualization, alignment, waggle).
2. Hit 15 drives, tracking how many stay between your markers.
3. Goal: Hit 10 out of 15 “fairways.” If you miss, visualize the recovery shot you would have to play next.

Saturday: Up-and-Down Challenge (Scrambling)

Game Area: Scoring & Pressure Management.
Setup: Take one ball to 9 random spots around the practice green (rough, bunkers, fringe).
Execution:
1. Chip or pitch the ball toward the hole, then putt until it is in.
2. Record your score for each “hole” (Par is 2 per hole; 18 total).
3. Goal: Finish the 9-hole circuit in 18 strokes or fewer. If you miss, play another 9.

Sunday: Rest Day – Purpose: Allow for muscle memory consolidation and physical recovery.

Modification for a Busy Schedule:

If daily activities are not feasible due to time constraints, implement the “Weekend Warrior” modification to stay on track:

Focus on Consistency Over Volume: Instead of daily sessions, commit to a minimum of two concentrated, two-hour practice sessions per week, ideally on weekends.
Prioritize Purposeful Practice: Maximize your limited time by using data from your rounds to identify your biggest weaknesses (e.g., approach shots, putting, avoiding penalty areas) and focusing exclusively on those areas during your practice.
Implement a “Shot Routine” Mentality: During social or casual rounds, maintain intensity and focus strictly during your pre-shot routine and the shot itself, then switch off and enjoy the social aspect with your playing partners for the rest of the time. This helps you practice mental focus without needing to commit to full, structured daily routines.
Review Your Data Bi-weekly: Dedicate a short session every two weeks to analyze your scores and identify emerging patterns, allowing you to adapt your focused practice plan as needed.

Embrace this blueprint and get ready to transform your game. The journey to lower scores is a marathon, not a sprint, and every step, no matter how small, is a victory. Let’s make 2026 your best golfing year yet!

Summary: The 2026 Golf Blueprint is your personalized roadmap to unlocking a lower handicap and a more fulfilling golf experience. It provides the specific, data-driven strategies necessary to target your weaknesses, turn them into strengths, and ultimately achieve a better score. This journey requires consistency and commitment, but the payoff is immense: the satisfaction of watching your hard work translate into real results on the course. This plan is designed to help you manifest your potential and find immense pride in your progress, no matter your current skill level.

“Ready to shave strokes off your game? Join an exclusive community of players by becoming a Golf Tips Premium member. Choose from our Silver, Gold, or Platinum plans to unlock expert instruction tailored to your level. Start your journey at golftipsmag.com/register.”

Cindy & Allen Miller Golf Boot Camps

Cindy Miller December 3, 2025

These three-day camps are for anyone looking to take their game to the next level. Each day starts on the range and ends on the course with guided playing experiences. We work on every aspect of your game. Three dates to choose from for 2026 at Stoneybrook West Golf Club in Winter Garden, Fl.

Feb. 27- March 1, 2026

March 13-15, 2026

April 17-19, 2026

Included in your tuition: Cindy’s DISC Golf Assessment Report, The Learning Style Assessment, range balls, carts, golf fees, instruction, tee gift, lunch daily, and prizes. Special discount on hotel fees.

The Millers are the only married couple in the world who have played on all four major golf tours. Allen Miller is a Past Champion/Life Member of the PGA TOUR and is the second purest ball striker on the PGA TOUR short game guru Dave Pelz has ever tested. Lee Trevino was number one. Cindy is a former LPGA Tour player, current member of the Legends Tour of the LPGA, and an LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame member. They have been teaching people to hit the golf ball straight on purpose for 39 years. They can help you.

For details email: info@cindymillergolf.com

HURRY! Limited Spaces. “BOOK NOW!” https://cindymillerinc.as.me/

What is the 80/20 rule in golf?

Ted Odorico August 21, 2025

A businessman controlling a futuristic display with a 80/20 Rule business concept on it.

Instruction

In golf, the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, suggests that roughly 80% of your results come from 20% of your actions or efforts. This principle can be applied to various aspects of the game, from swing mechanics to practice routines, and even course strategy.

To better understand, here is a general description of Pareto’s Principle. The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. In simpler terms, a small portion of inputs or efforts often leads to the majority of results or outcomes. This principle is a general guideline, not a strict mathematical law, and the ratios can vary.

Here’s how it can be applied to golf:

1. Swing Mechanics:

Focus on the vital few elements of the swing that produce the most significant results, rather than trying to master every detail.
A key application is recognizing that a large portion of the swing is a reaction to the initial action. Many golfers over-control the swing, rather than allowing natural reactions to the initial movements.
For example, focus on the pre-shot routine, which helps your body remember its natural swing, rather than trying to force a specific backswing or putting speed.
Allow gravity and the weight of the club to guide your swing, rather than trying to impose excessive force.

2. Practice Routine:

Prioritize practicing the areas of your game that yield the most significant improvements in your score.
Instead of practicing everything, focus on the 20% of your game that will give you the biggest return in terms of scoring.
This often means focusing on the driver, wedges, and short game (putting and chipping).
Don’t neglect the areas you’re already good at, but allocate more time to the areas that need improvement.

3. Course Strategy:

Concentrate on the aspects of the game that have the greatest impact on your score.
For example, a few well-placed drives, solid approaches, and efficient short game can significantly lower your score.
Focus on getting the ball close to the hole when chipping, as proximity to the hole significantly increases the chances of a successful up and down.
Use the 80/20 rule to guide your club selection when chipping, by visualizing the landing spot and the desired roll-out, rather than focusing solely on the flag.

4. Identifying Weaknesses:

Analyze your game to pinpoint the areas that are holding you back.
Instead of spending too much time on areas you’re already proficient in, focus on improving your weakest areas.
By addressing the most impactful areas of your game, you can achieve significant improvement with less effort.

In conclusion: By applying the 80/20 rule to your golf game you’ll begin to see results and steady improvements. You’ll also experience overall confidence and enjoyment of the game. It’s time to start having fun again so, give it a try!

“Play better golf today. Join Golf Tips Premium for exclusive access to pro-level insights. With Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers available, there is a perfect plan for every golfer. Sign up now: golftipsmag.com/register.”

Swing Analysis of LPGA’s Minjee Lee: What can you learn from it?

John Marshall August 20, 2025

Instruction

It probably goes without saying that if you are a regular reader of Golf Tips Magazinemore than likely you are a devoted swing junkie constantly on the lookout for the next great thing. You admire movements that are both aesthetically pleasing and that also produce extraordinary results on a consistent basis.

If you don’t watch the LPGA tour as much as I do, perhaps you are not familiar with the swing of Minjee Lee which is elegant in its simplicity while directing the golf ball where she wants it to go on an amazingly consistent basis. Since joining the LPGA in 2015, she has won 11 times including three major championships, most recently the KPMG LPGA title.

Textbook posture, lower back is flat with no arch

If you are looking for textbook posture, this is it. Her lower back is flat with no arch. Her arms are hanging straight down and are totally relaxed and soft. Her armpits are over her kneecaps and balls of feet. The end of the club is roughly a hand width from her body. All of these elements put her in the proper position to be able to rotate thoroughly through impact which is a key to her impressive power.

Shaft parallel to the ground halfway back. Clubhead is toe up and slightly outside hands

When the shaft is parallel to the ground halfway back the clubhead is toe up and slightly outside her hands. Nowadays most instructors (me included) prefer to see the clubhead tipped forward so that it matches her spine angle. For multiple centuries golfers were told that toe up was square. In reality, it’s open. When the club is tipped forward it is perpendicular to the path. That is the definition of square. Minjee corrects this issue at the top when she bows her left wrist which immediately puts the clubface parallel to her left forearm. It doesn’t really matter when or where you square the face as long as it happens prior to impact. Interestingly, Graeme McDowell does the same late bowing and both he and Minjee are US Open winners.

Neutral grip two knuckles on her left hand showing

Great swings are a product of great set ups and Minjee’s could not be more fundamentally sound. She has a very neutral grip with two knuckles on her left hand showing when she looks down. She positions her right thumb a bit more on top of the handle than most great players. Generally, I’m not a fan of this because when most amateur golfers do this they tend to press down hard with that thumb which is not an ideal thing to do. Her thumb is very soft and relaxed with no downward force directed toward the handle.

Her feet are spaced approximately shoulder width apart, and there is a little bit of flare with both which helps her turn in both directions. With irons, the grip end of the club is pointed at the inside of her left thigh which presets her to have the appropriate amount of shaft lean at impact to compress the golf ball.

At the top: 40° hip turn, maybe 95° shoulder turn. Approximately 55° of separation

Arms fully extended after impact, shoulders have caught up to hips

Minjee has set-up for maximum swing speed and well balanced finish

At the top of her back swing from this facing angle, Minjee has roughly 40°of hip turn and maybe 95° of turn with the shoulders. So that is roughly 55° of separation. When both arms are fully extended just after impact the shoulders have caught up to the hips and they are essentially aligned with each other. To reach that point, obviously the shoulders have to move faster than the hips. And since the arms are attached to the shoulders and the club is attached to the arms, that speeds up the clubhead. At the conclusion of the swing, her shoulders have raced by the hips, and the right shoulder is almost facing the target. That is a thorough release creating tons of speed.

Article by: John Marshall, Golf Instructor, Two-time ALDA long drive champion & Golf Tips Top 25 Instructor

John’s Website: jmlongdrive.com

Chipping Basics for Beginners

Ted Odorico July 16, 2025

Golfers chipping a golf ball onto the green.

Instruction

Chipping in golf for beginners involves a simplified swing focused on controlled contact and a putting-like stroke.Key elements include a narrow stance, slightly forward weight, and a pendulum-like swing with minimal wrist action. Focus on a downward strike, using the club’s loft to get the ball airborne, and choosing the right club based on distance and desired roll.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Setup:

Stance: Narrower than a full swing, with feet close together.
Weight: Favor your front (lead) foot, with a 60/40 or 70/30 weight distribution.
Ball Position: Generally in the middle or slightly back of your stance.
Grip: Choke down on the club for more control.
Clubface: Slightly open for more loft and spin, or square for a more predictable roll.
Hands: Slightly higher than normal, with hands ahead of the ball (shaft lean).

2. Swing:

Minimal Wrist Action: The swing should be more like a putting stroke, with your arms and body working together.

Focus on a downward strike: Make contact with the ball first, then the ground, using the club’s loft to get the ball airborne.
Controlled Backswing: Keep the backswing short and compact, using your body rotation for power.
Smooth Transition: Bring the club down and through the ball, maintaining a consistent angle of attack.
Follow Through: Finish with your weight on your front foot, and your chest facing the target.

3. Club Selection:

Pitching Wedge: A good starting point for beginners due to its forgiveness and versatility.
Other Clubs: Experiment with different clubs (sand wedge, gap wedge, even a 9-iron) to see how they affect ball flight and roll.

Remember, chipping requires that you pay just as much attention as you would to a full shot. The three key elements are: Set-up, Swing & Club Selection. Go to the practice range as much as time allows, and work on this area of your game even more than the long game. If you work on getting these down you’ll be well on your way to becoming a better chipper of the ball, and begin shaving strokes off your game.

The 3 Hardest Bunker Shots in Golf

Ted Odorico July 15, 2025

Instruction

The three hardest bunker shots are: the high lip, the plugged lie, and the downhill bunker shot. These shots require specific techniques to overcome challenging conditions and can be particularly difficult for even experienced golfers. In this article are three challenges you might be faced with, out on the golf course. next time for find yourself in one of the following scenarios, try the techniques described below. You might just find hitting out of the sand is not as difficult as you think. It just takes time, and practice to groove your way to becoming a better bunker player.

The High Lip Bunker Shot:

Challenge:
The high lip bunker shot is difficult because the lip of the bunker obstructs the swing path and makes it hard to get the ball out of the sand.

Technique:

Club Selection: Use a high-lofted wedge (like a sand wedge or lob wedge) to maximize loft.
Setup: Stand slightly open to the target, open the clubface, and position the ball slightly forward in your stance.
Swing: Swing with a steeper angle of attack, hitting down on the sand behind the ball, and focus on getting the bounce of the clubhead to slide under the ball.
Key: Avoid trying to lift the ball, instead focus on getting the club under it and using the sand to propel the ball out of the bunker.

The Plugged Lie Bunker Shot:

Challenge:
A plugged lie occurs when the ball is buried in the sand, making it difficult to get clean contact and lift the ball out.

Technique:

Club Selection: Use a high-lofted wedge with less bounce, or even a club with no bounce.
Setup: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, keep the clubface more square, and take a wider stance with more weight on your lead foot.
Swing: Swing down steeply into the sand behind the ball, aiming to cut through the sand and lift the ball out.
Key: Focus on hitting down and through the sand, trying to get the leading edge of the club under the ball.

The Downhill Bunker Shot:

Challenge:
A downhill lie in a bunker makes it difficult to get the ball up in the air and can lead to fat shots.

Technique:

Club Selection: Use a high-lofted wedge, but be mindful of the slope.
Setup: Position the ball in the center of your stance, but tilt your shoulders to match the slope of the bunker.
Swing: Keep your weight on your front foot and make a steeper swing, focusing on hitting down and through the sand.
Key: Be aggressive with your swing and commit to hitting down, as trying to lift the ball will likely lead to a fat shot

In summary: These bunker shots can be a little trickier than others, but for the most part they can become easier if you take the right approach. Here are few things to consider next time you find yourself in the bunker. Examine the texture of the sand. You’re not allowed to sole the club, but you can get a feel for things by walking in the bunker while assessing your shot. Is the sand soft or does it feel hard or packed? How is the lie? Once you determine the lie, texture of the sand, you can take what you’ve learned above and implement the correct and appropriate course of action. Bunker shots don’t have to be difficult, a lot depends on how much time you prepare and practice these shots.

The more the better!

Learn To Bomb Your Drives 300 Yards

Ted Odorico June 10, 2025

Golfer hit sweeping driver after hitting golf ball down the fairway

Driving

Golfers dream of hitting 300+ yard drives like the pros. Some can, but most don’t even come close.

If you really want to learn to hit your drives further you need to focus on improving the following: Clubhead Speed, Swing Mechanics, Practice and your Mental Game. If you work on those areas of your game you’ll begin to see real improvements, and be well on your way to start bombing your drives.

Increase your clubhead speed but don’t swing too hard. You may end up in another dimension

How to increase clubhead speed:

Swing Mechanics:
- Optimize Hip and Shoulder Rotation: Maximize your turn in the backswing and generate momentum on the downswing.
- Increase Hand Path Length: Extend your swing arc by adjusting your stance (dropping your lead foot back and opening your toes).
- Shallow the Club: Position the clubface strategically during the downswing to maximize velocity leading into impact.
- Rotate Wrists Through Impact: Generate added speed just before impact by efficiently releasing the club.
- Smooth Rhythm and Tempo: Optimize the transition from backswing to downswing.
Physical Fitness:
- Strengthen Core Golf Muscles: Incorporate exercises like planks, Russian twists, and bird dogs to build core strength.
- Improve Flexibility and Mobility: Stretching and dynamic warm-ups increase your range of motion.
- Strength Training: Lift weights (squats, lunges, deadlifts) to build lower body strength.
- Speed Training: Use tools like speed sticks or weighted clubs to train your body to swing faster.
Equipment:
- Lighter Shaft: A lighter shaft can increase swing speed but may affect accuracy. Consider getting a golf fitting.
- Longer Driver Shaft: Can produce more clubhead speed but might require adjustment in your swing mechanics.
- Right Equipment: Ensure your clubs match your swing style and physical capabilities, potentially benefiting from a custom fitting.

Improve your swing mechanics to “Strike” a pose!

Work to improve swing mechanics:

Master the Setup:
- Wide Stance: Provides a stable base.
- Forward Ball Position: Promotes an upward sweep at impact.
- Shoulder Tilt: Tilting your shoulders away from the target can help create an in-to-out swing path.
Proper Posture: Ensure your spine is straight and shoulders are back.
Optimal Ball Position: Place the ball slightly forward in your stance.
Tee it High: Increases your launch angle, reducing spin.
Maintain a Consistent Swing Path: Practice swinging on a smooth arc.
Engage Your Body: Use your entire body, not just your arms, to generate power.

Practice consistently with Purpose:

Regular Driving Range Sessions: Focus on your technique and swing speed.
Swing Drills: Incorporate specific drills like the motorcycle drill to improve wrist flexion and shallowing.
Max Speed Swings: Swing your driver as fast as you can during practice sessions to push your limits.

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist but you do need to improve your mental game

Utilize your mental game:

Visualize Success: Imagine the ball flying through the air as you want it to go.
Develop a Pre-Shot Routine: Helps focus your mind on the task at hand.
Stay Relaxed: Avoid tension in your grip and swing.

Conclusion: By focusing on these areas, you can increase your clubhead speed and improve your swing mechanics, which leads to longer, more powerful drives. Remember to be patient whenever you begin any changes to your game. It takes time! With a little hard work you’ll begin to see results quicker than you realize. Don’t forget to practice with purpose.