Developing Mental Toughness: A Golfer's Guide to a Strong Mind

Golf is a game that demands not only physical skill but also a strong mental game. In fact, many golfers believe that the mental aspect of the sport is just as, if not more, important than the physical one. Developing a strong mind for golf can help you perform consistently at your best, overcome challenges, and enjoy the game more. In this blog post, we'll explore strategies and techniques to help you build mental toughness and improve your golf game.

1. Set Clear Goals

Start by setting clear and realistic goals for your golf game. Whether you're aiming to lower your handicap, improve your short game, or enhance your overall performance, having well-defined goals will give you a sense of purpose and motivation. Break these goals down into short-term and long-term objectives, and monitor your progress regularly.

2. Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful technique used by many successful athletes. Spend time each day visualizing yourself on the golf course, making perfect shots, and achieving your goals. By mentally rehearsing your success, you can build confidence and reduce anxiety on the course.

3. Develop a Pre-Shot Routine

A consistent pre-shot routine can help you focus and maintain a calm, composed state of mind during your rounds. Develop a routine that includes aspects like visualizing the shot, taking deep breaths, and ensuring a consistent setup. This routine should become second nature, helping you stay in the zone and eliminate distractions.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of your thoughts and emotions. Incorporating mindfulness into your golf game can help you stay calm under pressure and reduce negative self-talk. Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply being aware of your surroundings during your rounds to enhance your mental clarity.

5. Stay Positive

Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial for a strong mental game. Golf is a challenging sport, and you will encounter setbacks and frustrations. Instead of dwelling on your mistakes, focus on the positive aspects of your game and use your errors as opportunities to learn and improve.

6. Manage Stress and Anxiety

Golf can be a nerve-wracking sport, and managing stress and anxiety is essential for success. Develop strategies to cope with pressure, such as progressive muscle relaxation, breathing techniques, or a simple phrase or mantra to calm your nerves. Remember that even professional golfers experience anxiety, and it's how you manage it that makes the difference.

7. Embrace Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain focus on your goals. Understand that every golfer faces challenges, including the pros. Instead of dwelling on a bad round or a poor shot, focus on what you can do differently next time. Learn from your experiences and build mental strength through adversity.

8. Build Mental Endurance

Golf rounds can be long and mentally taxing, especially in tournaments. To build mental endurance, practice extended concentration, and patience. Take one shot at a time, stay in the moment, and maintain your focus throughout your round.

9. Seek Professional Help

If you're struggling with your mental game, don't hesitate to seek help from a sports psychologist or mental coach. They can provide you with personalized strategies and techniques to strengthen your mental toughness and overcome specific challenges.

Conclusion

A strong mind is a golfer's most valuable asset. By setting clear goals, practicing visualization, maintaining a positive attitude, and using mindfulness techniques, you can enhance your mental game and ultimately improve your golf performance. Remember that building mental toughness is a journey, and with dedication and practice, you can become a mentally strong and successful golfer. So, hit the links, embrace the mental game, and enjoy your journey to becoming a better golfer.

Review of the SUNICE Allendale Pullover Jacket

As a professional golf instructor, I spend a lot of my time either outdoors on the golf course, at the driving range or on the practice green.  Crisp mornings and cool evenings often require more warmth, yet I always want to maintain my freedom of movement.  I recently received the Sunice Allendale Pullover jacket and I think I've found the perfect piece of clothing to fit my needs.

You've probably read in previous blog posts that I prefer to layer my clothing rather than wearing something big and bulky to protect me from the elements.  The Allendale pullover is thermal and constructed of super-lightweight stretch fabric to add additional comfort and performance.  When it gets chilly, I just throw on the pullover and it keeps me nice and warm while not confining me when I swing the golf club.

Not only does the Allendale pullover perform well, but it also looks sharp!  Sunice really knows how to put together a quality piece of clothing that you want to be seen wearing.  If you spend a lot of time outdoors and are looking for something lightweight and non-restrictive to keep you warm, I highly recommend the Allendale pullover by Sunice...you can't go wrong!

Review of the SUNICE Carleton Zephal Jacket

The Sunice Carleton Zephal jacket is part of the Sunice Typhoon Collection.  It's a waterproof jacket that's perfect for those that like to play golf in different weather conditions.  The jacket is well-designed, lightweight and comes with a three-year waterproof guarantee.

I had the privilege of testing out the black with collegiate blue version of the Zephal jacket and I was immediately impressed by the modern look and comfort of the jacket.  The soft and stretchy feel of the fabric allows me to swing the golf club and not feel restricted at all.  I don't like to wear bulky jackets and heavy clothing when I golf in the fall and winter even though it can be very cold and wet at times.  I like the fact that I can wear a couple of thin layers underneath the Zephal jacket (t-shirt and golf shirt) while still being able to stay warm and dry and not sacrificing performance.  

Not only have I taken the jacket out for test drives on the golf course, but I also wear it when I go to watch my daughter play indoor soccer where the temperature is freezing cold due to the fact that it's next to an ice arena.  Most parents are bundled up in their heavy winter coats while I'm just fine with a t-shirt, long sleeve top and my Zephal jacket.  It's quite amazing how Sunice has managed to develop such a thin jacket that can stand up to such cold temperatures.  Well done!

I highly recommend the Zephal jacket to anyone out there who golfs in the elements and wants a jacket that doesn't hinder performance while keeping you safe from the elements.  It's no surprise that Sunice continues to improve on quality and styling as well as providing different colour options to suit both bold and conservative tastes.

Technical Specs:

• Waterproof breathable material, Stretch across the shoulders
• Internal cuff, Pro cinching system from front pockets
• Ball cleaner shammy in right side pocket
• Patented V collar to give good protection
• WXTech 10,000 MM / 10,000 MVT - 3 Year Waterproof Warranty

Review of the Coolcore Hat by Imperial Headwear

When I sat down to write this post, my first thought was “how do I write an entire blog post about a hat?”.  Well, this hat is like no other.  Imperial Headwear has teamed up with Coolcore to provide a revolutionizing new product for golfers (and anyone else who likes to keep their head cool in the hot sun).

I first tried out the Coolcore hat on a summer day when the temperature was 33 degrees Celsius.  After 18 holes, my hat is usually soaked with sweat or there’s a sweat line along the brim of the hat.  I was pleasantly surprised that on this day, my hat wasn’t wet at all and there was no sign of any sweat lines at all.  Most performance fabrics focus on moving the moisture from point A (away from the body) to point B (to the top of the fabric) however it only focuses on where moisture is, so part of the fabric might be wicking moisture but the other parts of the material are not because underneath that specific spot is dry.   Coolcore fabrics allow for the entire hat to pull moisture no matter where underneath the hat the moisture is located, giving you a faster and more exact removal of the moisture.

Below is some information regarding Imperial Headwear and Coolcore along with the technology behind this revolutionary product.

Imperial Headwear

Founded in 1916, Imperial Headwear is the leading manufacturer and marketer of premium quality headwear for the golf market.  Imperial is committed to style, functionality and perfection in fit and comfort.  It is this commitment that has allowed the creation of a wide variety of headwear with quality that is second to none.  Renowned for its superior customer service and art customization capabilities, Imperial offers its products using the most innovative digital design, logo and embroidery technologies.  For further information please visit imperialsports.com or call 800-950-1916.

About Coolcore   

Coolcore, the global leader in chemical-free cooling fabrics, has partnerships to develop fabrics for consumer brands throughout the world.  The patented, chemical-free Coolcore materials deliver three distinct functions – wicking, moisture circulation and regulated evaporation – going far beyond traditional moisture-management textiles by reducing surface fabric temperature up to 30 percent.  Coolcore fabric formulations have earned the prestigious “Innovative Technology” recognition from the Hohenstein Institute, a first for a U.S. company, and the only company globally to be awarded this recognition for “Cooling Power”.

I would highly recommend that you pick up one of these hats and add it to your collection.  The Coolcore hat can be ordered online or you can probably find them at your local pro shop or golf retailer.  Grab one, try it and you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

8 Reasons to Take Up the Game of Golf

Golf is often perceived as an exclusive sport with its own culture and language, which can make it feel elitist or unwelcoming.  Yet, while the sport is deeply rooted in history and traditions, today's golf scene is getting with the times like never before.  In fact, golf will present you with such unbelievable and personal shared experiences that the only fear you'll have is the fear of missing out.

Here's 8 reasons why you should take up the game of golf:

It's All About Connections

• Golf is a relationship game.  Every angle of the sport is rooted in relationships, both personal and business.  Your time spent in and around the game allows you to make connections and foster relationships through shared experiences that you wouldn't otherwise make.

 No More "Grass Ceiling"

•  Tired of being excluded from the informal networks your colleagues are building on the course and then leveraging for career advancement?  Get in the game!  You'll break down those barriers and build a network for a lifetime.

Fitness

• If you watch modern golf, you'll notice that many of today's stars on tour are physically fit and in shape.  Golf is a great way to burn off extra calories and who wouldn't love to do that?  You'll burn approximately 2,000 calories during an 18 hole round of golf (while walking and carrying your clubs) or even 1,300 calories when riding in a golf cart while playing.

The Great Outdoors

• In this hi-tech generation of being chained to our mobile devices while doing more with less at the office, who couldn't use a little more time outside in the fresh air?  Spending more time outdoors can do wonders for your mind, body and spirit.

Fashion

• Forget about the starchy, boxy and tacky golf shirts of days gone by.  Cute, fashion-forward, sexy, professional, sporty; whatever look you're going for on the golf course, the fashion world is your oyster in golf.

Quality Time with Your Significant Other and Family

• Golf is such a special sport to share with a spouse, partner or family.  You'll leave the world behind and be together, uninterrupted in a beautiful setting where nothing else matters.  Fun and closeness are sure to result.  Don't fret if you currently don't have a significant other, many happy couples are known to have met on the golf course. ;)

Travel

• See the world!  Golf travel can take you to stunning locations all around our planet.

That 'One Shot'

• There's no way to do justice to describing the feeling of pure exhilaration you'll experience the first time you make flush contact with that little white ball.  There's really nothing like it.  You can do it...and you'll never forget it!  Believe me, it will keep you coming back to the game you love.

Are you ready to start?

www.rahimgulam.com

The Golf Etiquette Quick Reference Guide - Something Every Golfer Should Own

Have you ever played a round of golf with a "golf virgin" (someone who's never been out on a golf course before)?  Were you frustrated the entire day when he/she stepped in your line on the green, took forever to get set up for a shot, never stayed quiet when others were hitting, had no idea whatsoever about the rules of golf...and so on?  I'm sure it's happened to all of us at one time or another and it truly puts added stress on your own game (not that you don't have enough to worry about on the golf course already).

Wouldn't it be nice if there was some sort of a book or simple guide that people could read before heading out on the golf course for the first time?  Well, now there is!  It's called Golf Etiquette Quick Reference - A Golfer's Guide to Correct Conduct.

This book only costs $12.95 USD, but I consider it priceless!  The following excerpt is from the Introduction and explains exactly what this book is about:

Some people may be asking, "Why would I need a book about correct conduct?  I know how to behave myself."  Although integrity and fairness are an excellent basis, good manners alone are not enough in golf.  A certain amount of specific knowledge is essential, especially in the light of the dangers involved in this sport.  Furthermore, golf also involves social conventions that are not based directly on accepted behaviour patterns.  The etiquette is just as important as the rules of play and it ensures that all players can enjoy their game as much as possible.
This book does not claim to cover every single issue but it does contain everything you need to know in order to be welcomed at virtually every course in the world. 

The author of this book, Yves C. Ton-That, has really made this a user-friendly guide encompassing everything from how to prepare at home before the round in terms of clothing and equipment, when to show up to the golf course, how to warm up and how to greet fellow players.  Each section is tabbed so it's easy to flip to.  The guide takes you through every aspect of your golf round and even lets you know what to do after your round at the infamous 19th hole.  How perfect is that?!

Not only is this guide great for newbies, but I think anyone who plays golf at all (even seasoned veterans) should take the time to read through the book.  The guide is small enough that you can tuck it into your golf bag and have access to it anytime (so you can show it to a newbie out on the course).  It contains invaluable information in terms of safety and first aid procedures as well as how to formulate an acceptance speech after winning a golf tournament.  Wouldn't we all like to be as eloquent as Jordan Spieth when thanking everyone after winning the Masters?

If you know of someone who's thinking about taking up golf, purchase a copy of this book as a gift and I'm sure they'll appreciate it (and so will everyone they end up playing with).

Review of the SUNICE Halifax Pullover Jacket

A little while back I received a package from SUNICE containing their Halifax Flexvent^TM Full Stretch 1/2 Zip Waterproof Pullover.  The jacket comes in three colour schemes and I was sent the midnight blue / charcoal / pure white version of the product to test out.  This pullover is part of the SUNICE Tornado Collection and, at first glance, it's a great looking jacket which I couldn't wait to put to use.


I've owned several pullovers from other manufacturers, but when I put the Halifax on for the first time, it definitely felt different.  What I mean is that I didn't feel restricted in my movement yet the jacket didn't feel like it was moving around much when I raised my arms or attempted a golf swing.  Living in Vancouver, BC, Canada allows me to play golf pretty much all year round (if time permits), but it also means that it can be cold and wet at times.  I've never been a big fan of wearing a jacket when I golf as they always seem somewhat restrictive or the sleeves move up and down whenever I make a swing.  Instead, I layer my clothes and wear an outer shell (like a pullover) to keep me dry.  This can be a bit of a hassle sometimes when it gets warm during a round and I have to peel off layers in order to stay cool.  Also, depending on how cold it is, the increased number of layers can be a bit restrictive on the golf swing.  To date, I haven't been able to find a jacket with the perfect balance between comfort, warmth and 'playability'.

So it's 6 degrees Celsius outside on a cloudy day and I'm at home getting ready for my round of golf that morning.  I decide to put the SUNICE Halifax pullover to the test and I put on a long sleeve t-shirt, a golf shirt and my new midnight blue pullover, courtesy of the folks at SUNICE.  I'm hoping that this will keep me warm enough through my round as it's only supposed to get up to a high of 8 degrees throughout the day.  I head to the driving range at the Riverway Golf Course in order to warm up for my round.  Immediately, I notice some of the great features of this pullover such as the Pro Trim™ Waist Cinching System (which allows the jacket to hug your waist) and the adjustable velcro self fabric cuff tabs (which prevent the sleeves from moving up and down your arm when you swing).  I can tell the designers of this product over at SUNICE have done their best to pay extra attention to detail with the golfer in mind.  After my warm-up session at the driving range and practice green, I head over to the first tee, eager to get my round started.  When I put my hand in the right pocket of my pullover to put some tees in, I notice something in the pocket.  It's a ball cleaner shammy...what a great idea!  Now I don't have to use my pant leg to wipe any dirt off my ball when putting.

For the next 4 1/2 hours, I plugged my way through 18 holes and never once did I feel uncomfortable, restricted, too hot or too cold.  The temperature that day got to a whopping 8 degrees Celsius, but I never had to peel off any layers even though it can get warm (even on a cold day) since I always walk the course and carry my golf bag.  Another big plus...my pants didn't have any dirt or grass stains from cleaning my golf ball since I had that handy little shammy tucked away in my jacket pocket!

The Halifax passed the test on a cold day, but how would it perform on  a warmer day when it's windy outside, but not quite warm enough to just wear a golf shirt with no jacket?  Well, I had to find out so I waited until a nice spring day when it was sunny and the temperature was 12 degrees Celsius.  I was simply wearing a short-sleeve golf shirt and my SUNICE Halifax pullover that day as it was a bit windy and I would've been too cold just wearing a golf shirt.  As usual, I walked the course and carried my bag, but never had to peel off the jacket even though the temperature got up to 15 degrees Celsius during my round.  The wind blew pretty hard at times, but I wasn't affected by flapping sleeves or the bottom of the jacket feeling like it's blowing back and forth while I'm standing over the ball getting ready to take a shot.  You know how annoying that can be as you get in your stance as it adds another thing to throw off your concentration when making a swing.  This jacket really hugs your body well and is quite breathable so you don't get overheated.

The only drawback I found with the Halifax pullover was with the main zipper.  For some reason, I can't get the zipper to sit properly as the handle has a tendency to not stay down all the time.  I find this a bit frustrating as I have to keep pushing the handle down and it can be a bit annoying at times.  Not a big deal, as I'm guessing this isn't always the case and not a dealbreaker for me.  All in all, I think that this is a great product and I would highly recommend this jacket to anyone who wants a high quality product which keeps you protected from the elements and still allows you to perform at your best.

The suggested retail price for the SUNICE Halifax pullover is $209.95 USD and can be found on Amazon.com. 
           
Here's the details of the SUNICE Halifax pullover from the manufacturer's website:

HALIFAX

Tornado collection

SKU: S21000 - Color Code: 318504

• HIGH PERFORMANCE

• ULTRA-BREATHABLE LAMINATE ULTRA QUIET AND SOFT HAND FEEL

• FULL STRETCH PULLOVER

• STRETCH TRICOT LINING

• PRO TRIM™ WAIST CINCHING SYSTEM

• BALL CLEANER SHAMMY IN RIGHT SIDE POCKET

• CLOSE-TO-THE-BODY FIT

• EXPOSED WATERPROOF YKK VISLON ZIPPER WITH LOCK DOWN PULLER

• SIDE ENTRY ZIPPER

• LYCRA ACTION CUFF TABS

• ADJUSTABLE VELCRO SELF FABRIC CUFF TABS

• ADJUSTABLE BUNGEE AT HEM

• CONTOURED TOP COLLAR FOR ULTIMATE COMFORT AND PROTECTION

• SUNICE DOUBLE BAR PATENTED V COLLAR WITH NEOPRENE FINISH

• SUPER WXTECHTM COATING

• 20,000MM / 20,000MVT

• 4  YEAR WATERPROOF WARRANTY

Review of the Powerbilt Air Force One DFX Tour Black Driver

Welcome to my first product review.  Going forward, I plan to test out several different products including clubs, equipment, training aids and apparel.  After testing them out, I'll be providing my readers with honest reviews of each in order to help you come to a decision when making a purchase.  I hope that you find the information useful and insightful and please feel free to post comments about your experiences with the product or any questions you may have.

Today I'm going to be reviewing the Powerbilt Air Force One DFX Tour black driver.  A few weeks ago, I spoke with a rep at Powerbilt and he had me fitted for a driver with 10.5 degrees of loft and a Fujikura Pro 63 stiff flex shaft.

Overview

When most people think of a driver, they immediately look to the well-known brands such as Ping, Taylormade, Callaway, Cobra and Titleist (just to name a few).  It's a competitive market and consumers are ultimately looking for a driver that provides them with the best combination of maximum distance and maximum forgiveness.  Powerbilt is not necessarily a household name in the driver market, but the company is hoping to make a name for itself with the AFO DFX Tour black driver.

This driver is available in lofts of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 12.5 degrees.  The 8.5 and 9.5 degree drivers are only available in right hand models.  Standard length for this driver is 45.5 inches.  You're offered a choice of several stock shafts:  Aldila NVS, Aldila RIP Beta, Fujikura Fuel, Fujikura Pro 63 and Graphite Design G Series.  Custom shafts are also available for an additional charge (Diamana, Fubuki, Fujikura and Oban).

What makes this driver different from the rest is Powerbilt's patented Nitrogen Charging technology.  This method is designed to reinforce the face of the club without adding any weight.  Compressed nitrogen provides tremendous support to the club face so every golfer can benefit from maximum C.O.R., maximum C.T., maximum trampoline effect and maximum smash factor, thus resulting in maximum distance.  After I read about having compressed nitrogen behind the face of the club, I was very eager to test this out for myself to see if it really made a difference.

Aesthetics

This driver is very simple and clean looking with a matte black head and a deep black face.  It has an aerodynamic look to the club head and has a very pleasing look at address.  There's nothing about this club that looks cheap and Powerbilt has done a great job giving it the look of a premium driver.  I don't like to see a lot going on with a club when I'm at address and getting ready to swing.  My focus is on making a good swing and not a flashy club head.

One thing I've noticed with many of the new drivers these days is the unappealing sound that they make when striking the ball.  Since this club is injected with Nitrogen, it definitely has a different sound to it and I like it much better.  It has a 'smack' to it, but one that sounds more solid than many of its competitors.

How the Club Performed

 Well, I must say, I was very impressed with the overall performance of this driver.  Powerbilt definitely has a winner here and I'm not sure if it's due to the Nitrogen Charging technology, but I was hitting the ball longer and more consistently.  On average, I was gaining an extra 16 yards in carry distance, 6 mph in club head speed and 11 mph in ball speed.  My normal ball flight with a driver is a baby fade and that was also the case with this one.  In addition, my misses were less exaggerated and I felt like I had more control over the ball when hitting my fade.  One thing I did find difficult was turning the ball over and hitting a draw.  My current driver is set for a draw and I can usually turn it over when needed, but it wasn't so automatic with the Air Force One driver.

One thing to note about this driver is that it's not adjustable and I'm totally fine with that,  Once I was fitted for my current adjustable driver, I never touched it.  So, as long as you're fitted for the correct AFO driver (loft, shaft, flex), there shouldn't be a need to have it adjusted at all.

Conclusion

Overall, I'd say that this is a great driver and can easily compete with the name brands.  MSRP for the driver I tested is $299 US.  That's much lower than its rivals and I can honestly say that it performs as stated by Powerbilt.  Their patented technology is something for you to consider when making your next purchase for a driver.  For more information on the Air Force One and entire line of Powerbilt products please visit the Powerbilt website.

A Simple Drill to Prevent 3-putts and Lower Your Scores

Do you know how many times you 3-putt during a round of golf?  The average golfer does this as many as three to four times a round, if not more.  A great way to shave some strokes off your scores quickly is to eliminate those dreaded 3-putts.  40% of the shots you take during a round of golf is with your putter.  Many golfers face an average of their first putt being outside of 30 feet.  The big problem is that the average golfer leaves it well short or knocks it five feet past the hole.  That puts a lot of added pressure on you when you're trying to make par and usually results in a 3-putt.  You need to make pars if you want to lower your scores, so the goal to better putting is to knock those 30 footers within two feet of the cup.  If you can do that, your chances to make par (or at worst, bogey) will rise by 80%.

With that being said, here's a great drill to help you gain control of your distance on long putts.  When you're on the practice green, take the flag stick or a golf club and place it two feet behind the hole (as in the picture below).

Walk off a point on the practice green that's about 30 feet away from the hole.  Next, place three balls in a row about six inches apart.  Now, while looking at the hole, take some practice swings and 'feel' the distance you need to swing the putter in order to get the ball past the hole and not touch the stick (or club) behind the hole.  This allows you to get a feeling for the distance.  Address the first ball, look at the hole and the stick behind the hole and strike the ball while looking at the hole.  Don't worry, you'll definitely hit the ball and I bet you won't leave it short.  Hit all three balls like this and see how many you can get in between the hole and the stick without touching the stick.  To make things more interesting, make a little game out of it and associate points with where the ball ends up.  If you leave it short, count it as zero points.  If you go past the hold and hit the stick, that's also zero points.  If you get between the hole and the stick, count that as one point.  If you hole the putt, count that as three points.  When you get to ten points, move ten feet further away from the hole and start over.

Do this drill from 20 - 30 - 40 - 50 feet before your next round and I guarantee that when you get out on the course and face long putts, you'll knock it closer than ever before and you'll be well on your way to shaving some strokes off your score.

Some Simple Tips to Help Improve Your Chipping Around the Green

Are you looking for ways to shave a few strokes off your scores?  Do you have trouble getting the ball up and down when you miss greens in regulation?  When you're standing over a chip, are you thinking "just get the ball on the green so I can putt...it doesn't matter how far I end up from the hole"?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, let's go over some basic fundamentals so that we can get your chipping back on track.  By following these tips, hopefully you'll be able to 'knock it tight' and leave yourself with a 'gimme' from anywhere around the green.

Choke Down on the Grip
This seems like an obvious mechanic, but choking down on the grip actually does a lot more than simply get your body closer to the ball to make a delicate stroke. Choking down also counterbalances the club, meaning added weight above the hands work to make it easier to make less than full shots without flipping the hands over too soon. As for your body, remember as you choke down: Don’t hunch your upper body. Instead, choke down with your hands, and get your body lower by adding more flex in the knees, as opposed to hunching over.

Keep Your Stance Open and Narrow
Many of my students assume the best way to chip is to align their body either at or parallel to the target. I advise against this, since it’s important for the body to rotate (unlike a putt where it doesn’t rotate) just as with a full shot. Also, when it comes to chipping, because the hands have a delayed or lesser release than they do with a full swing, it’s even more important that the body be poised to turn. Think of it this way: If you’re too square, the body will resist rotating, and the hands will take over and get too active. That is, they’ll start to flip! Instead, make a narrow and open stance (don’t just flare out one foot) and let your body turn through the shot.

Weight Forward and Ball Back in Your Stance
Why? Simple. Keeping your weight predominantly on your forward side with the ball back in your stance (toward the target) helps to ensure a steeper downward blow into the ball. This prevents fat and thin shots and helps you make consistent contact with the ball. Also, by keeping your weight leaning toward the target, this helps maintain a consistent impact position, which will help you better control your shots and gauge different distances. As for the ball position, I like to play my shots just off the inside of my back toe. But you may prefer it slightly farther back or slightly farther forward. It’s okay to be flexible, but try to keep it consistent. And stay away from placing the ball too far forward in your stance. If you move it forward, you’d better be ready to hit a flop or lob shot—which is a different lesson for a different day.

Keep Your Head Up
Let’s get this straight: Keeping your head down is never a good idea, especially with your chips. If you stuff your head into your chest, your upper body loses its ability to rotate and, once again, the hands will try to take over. When that happens, the hands get flippy, and even if you manage to make decent contact, you’ll have a hard time trying to control your distance and direction. Instead, keep your head upright and your neck in line with your spine. This will free your upper body to rotate. And, by the way, keeping your head up doesn’t mean taking your eyes off the ball. 

Always Be Sure to Choose the Right Club
When chipping, I like to mix up my club options, depending on the amount of height and roll I want. This allows me to maintain the same chipping stance and ball position, and lets the club do the work for changing the way the ball flies and rolls. More often than not, try to carry the ball just onto the green and then let it roll out to the hole.  This will allow you to have better control over your distance.  I like to use an 8-iron when I'm just off the green so I can carry the ball over the light rough and fringe and have it roll to the hole.  My pitching wedge does the same, except that I use it in deeper grass.  When I need to carry the ball in the air a further distance to get it onto the green, I suggest using a 56-degree sand wedge (rather than a lob wedge).  Reason being, a lob wedge is for lob shots, not chip shots. A 56-degree sand wedge gives me the optimal height/spin combination, and, because of the bounce, making solid contact is a lot easier than with a low-bounce lob wedge.

Make a Single-Lever Swing
Steve Stricker does it best. Next time he’s on TV, check out his single-lever chipping style. What that means is he hinges his wrist at the setup, then maintains that hinge all the way through the chip. The body rotates the clubhead through, and because of this, Stricker is able to consistently reproduce a stacked impact position. What’s that mean? It means Stricker, like many good players, can better gauge different distances by adjusting his swing length. So, longer chips require a longer swing; shorter chips need a shorter swing. He doesn’t have to make big changes to his ball position, how he releases the hands, etc. Instead, by using a single-lever method and rotating the body through the shot, Steve Stricker is able to get up and down a whopping 75 percent of the time.  Copy this method and you’ll become a better chipper in no time. 

Of course, as with all other aspects of the game, it takes time and practice in order to make improvements and have them feel natural.  The more you can practice and work on these fundamentals, the more improvement you'll see in your game and the lower your scores will be.  So, next time you're at the driving range or at your local golf course, head over to the chipping green and work on these fundamentals.  Be sure to post your comments and let me know if these tips helped you improve your chipping.

Tips on How to Read Greens Effectively

The goal of every golfer is to shoot the lowest score.  One of the best ways to lower your scores is to become a better putter.  Did you know that putting constitutes approximately 40-45% of your score on average?  Yet, I bet that most golfers probably don't spend 40-45% of their time practicing putting as they'd rather be out smacking balls on the driving range.  The following are some tips on how to read greens effectively so that you can become a better putter while managing your practice time so that you practice with purpose.

The ability to read the correct line and speed of a putt is an important skill to develop.  To help develop such a skill, consider the following points:

Speed
Controlling the speed of your putt is vitally important.  The quicker the ball is rolling, the less the ball will break.  The optimum pace to hit a putt is one that would take the ball 15 inches to 17 inches past the hole. This speed ensures that the ball holds its line.

True Downslope Direction (TDSD)
The momentum of the stroke makes the ball roll along a straight line initially.  However, as the ball gets closer to the hole the ball begins to lose its speed.  As it loses its speed the ball will start to look for and go down the true downslope of the green as gravity starts to take over.

Target Point
Every putt is therefore effectively a straight putt, it all depends on how hard you hit it as to whether it takes any break.  With your pace of putt in mind, pick the break you envisage the putt will take.  Then pick your target out as a straight line and hit the ball at the right speed so that it takes the break.  When you approach the green it is important, therefore, to look at the contours and assess the slopes and lie of the land.  Firstly, assess whether the putt is uphill, downhill or across any slope.

Downhill Putts
With less momentum from the strike on a downhill putt, gravity will act upon the ball sooner on its run towards the hole and force the ball down the direction of the true downslope.  On downhill putts, therefore, we need to allow for more break.
Remember: less speed equals more break.

Uphill Putts
Uphill putts are much easier than downhill putts because they have less break due to the momentum of the strike required to hit the ball up the hill.
Remember: more speed equals less break.
The ball will take any break when it starts to "die" (loses speed) as this is when gravity starts to takes over and the ball will follow the true downslope.

Side Slope Putts
It is important to note that putts hit across any side slope are uphill on the first part of the putt and then downhill on the second part of the putt.  Once you have assessed whether the putt is uphill or downhill (to help you determine the pace of the putt and initial starting line) then focus on the area around the hole where the ball will die and gain an understanding of the direction of the true downslope, as this is where the slope will have the greatest influence on your putt.  By building up a picture of the contours you will build up a picture of the line and pace you will need to hit the ball on for it to go in the hole.

Practice reading putts in the same way you practice your mechanics.  This will help you learn to assess the effects different slopes and speeds have on your putts.  Building up such experience will help you make more decisive and accurate reads out on the course.  You'll inevitably build up your confidence on the putting green, eliminate those nasty 3-putts and lower your scores.