Instruction

10 Resolutions to Help Your Game in 2015

Published

11 years ago

Jan 5, 2015

If you’re into New Year’s resolutions, you’ve probably already made them — but did you make your 2015 golf resolutions yet?

As an instructor, here’s 10 few things I think you should consider. These drills, assessments and practice plans will have to on your way to playing the best golf of your life in 2015.

No. 1: Create More Speed

Everyone needs more speed in this game — even the longest players in your group could stand to swing a little faster. After all, golfers can always scale back when things are going wrong, but trying to hit your three wood 20 yards farther than you’ve ever hit it? That’s probably not going to happen. And if you’re trying to raise your game to the next level, it’s hard to have success if you don’t hit the ball at least the average distance.

For every 1 mph you add to your club head speed (assuming centered impact), you can gain up to 3 yards more distance. Very few of us will be able to create 10 more mph and still find the center of the face, but if you could find 3, 4 or 5 mph it would be nice, don’t you think?

Use my swish drill to produce more speed. Take an alignment stick and set up as you would normally. Then make a swing trying to make the swish out in front of the ball and as loud as possible. You will hear “more speed.”

Next, take this feeling to the range and try hitting 10 drives as hard as you can. Then hit five drives as you normally would. Using these two drills will help you get faster over time. Try it and you’ll see.

No. 2: Improve Your Wedge Game from 30-to-80 Yards

This is usually the worst part of most amateurs’ game. Regardless of your level of play, you should seek to make your wedge game an asset, not a liability. No one likes to turn a chance to make a birdie into a bogey or worse, and a fat or thin shot from 30-to-80 yards is often the culprit.

Remember that the first key to wedges is to get the ball on the green. Once you can do that consistently, you can then hone in on the hole. If you want to become a better wedge player, you will need to practice and chart your distances and dispersion. You can do this on Trackman or at home on your own. You want to understand how far you carry each shot and what your “miss pattern” tends to be from each yardage so you can plan accordingly.

No. 3: Increase Your Flexibility

I am NOT advocating that golfers spend two hours in the gym each day doing cardio, weights and stretching. If you can, that’s great, but it’s not realistic for most people. There are many things you can do at home to aid your flexibility, however, and one of my favorite things to do is to take a heavy club and use it to STRETCH myself into different positions. What I did not tell you to do is swing the heavy club back and forth.

The stretching I advocate is a way to move your body into positions that it’s not used to so you can find your “normal” swinging position easier. If you’d like more exercises regarding flexibility, strength, injury provention, etc., visit www.mytpi.com, the leader in golf-specific training.

Example: I did not swing into this position at my normal speed. I swung at one-eighth speed and took the club back as far as I could. Then I pushed it a little farther and held it for a few seconds. Then I repeated it a few times SLOWLY so I could feel the stretch.

No. 4: Take More Lessons

If you want to get better at golf and improve your own personal well being on the golf course, you are going to need some help. If possible, I advocate taking a lesson a week. If you cannot, then shoot for one lesson each month. It will help you to make sure you stay on the right track.

You can find a listing of Golf Digest’s Top Teachers by state at this link: http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-instruction/2013-11/best-teachers-state-ranking

It’s always best to find a teacher uses video and some type of launch monitor within their lessons, since most of us need all the help we can get. This listing will help you to find the most active teachers in your area.

No. 5: Audit Your Set Make Up and Get Fit

If I had a dollar for every person who comes into my facility with slick grips, a missing club, and/or a poor set makeup that leaves distance gaps in their game I’d be a member at Bighorn!

There are tools now that help us see if the clubs you have in your bag actually work for your game and answer questions such as:

Are your lofts and lies correct for you?
Do you have the right shafts?
Do you have enough fairway woods, hybrids or wedges in your bag?
Do you have the right kind of irons for your game?
Are you playing the right ball?

I would suggest seeking out one of Golf Digest Top 100 Club-Fitters shown at this link and make sure you are on the right track: http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/2013-05/100-best-clubfitters.

Secondly, take the time to get on a launch monitor and get a “gap” fitting that will show you if you have yardage gaps within your current set.

No. 6: Get a Short Game Lesson

When I ask golfers how their short game is, I almost always hear the same answer. “It’s fine,” they say. But when I watch them play it’s usually a total disaster. Why? Most golfers ONLY care about hitting the ball and they forget that the key to scoring is to have a short game that is not a total hindrance. I have seen plenty of players get around the green in two shots on a par 4 and then take four more shots to get the ball into the hole. Nice double!

Please take a short game lesson so you can better learn to hit a stock chips, pitches and flops around the green and I promise that you will thank me in the end. This is where I see a ton of shots wasted on the course and it tends to get worse over time if not corrected.

No. 7: Work on your Lag Putting

How many times have you REALLY worked on your lag putting? No, I’m not talking about hitting a few 30 footers and calling it a day, but actually hitting super long putts, working on huge breaking putts and putting from different shelves. These are the things that will help you stop three-putting! Everyone can hit the normal putts we have from 30 feet or so on the flattest portion of the green, but it’s not those that give people the problems.

You should spend at least 50 percent of your putting practice on super-fast putts, huge breaking putts, etc., so that you have a feel of how to control your ball on different lines and with different speeds. A great drill to work on is to find a huge breaking putt and work on lag putting it to the hole using as many different “lines” as possible. This will help your visualization, as well as your feel on the greens.

To be a great lag putter, it’s absolutely necessary to understand how different lines necessitate different speeds. Take the time to understand how to do this and you will not three whip it too often in 2015!

No. 8: Learn to Hit the Horizontal and Vertical Center of the Club

Everyone knows that you need to find the center of the club as often as you can, but few know that there are two different places you should be mindful of when hitting shots. You need to control your vertical impact point and your horizontal impact point on the club.

The vertical portion of impact controls your launch and your spin rate. Hitting it low on the face creates a lower launch and gives your ball more spin. Hitting the ball on the high part of the face gives you a higher launch and less spin.

The horizontal portion of impact controls the “Gear Effect” on the ball. If you hit the ball on the toe, you will tend to see the ball curve more left (for righties). Hitting the ball on the heel will cause the ball to curve more to the right. Gear effect can also negate curvature or exaggerate a shot that is curving right-to-left or left-to-right.

Spray your club face with Dr. Scholl’s Foot Spray and you will see what I mean.

Once you establish your usual pattern, take small swings and try to move the impact location back into the center of the face. Doing this will add ball speed and help you to hit the ball straighter and more consistently.

No. 9: Leave Your Ego in the Car

Know your limitations and don’t be a bonehead on the course. If you really were that good, you’d have a lower handicap, so relax and accept your limitations!

Note: This includes myself!

No. 10: Find a “Go-To” Shot Under Pressure

On the range, it’s so easy. We are relaxed and things tend to work, but what happens when it goes bad on the course? Do you have an exit strategy?

A go-to shot is one that gets you back into the clubhouse with the lowest score possible. If you don’t have one, go to the practice facility and find yours. It could be a low cut, a punch shot, or even a big slice. When the chips are down and you are hitting it sideways, trust your go-to shot so you can salvage your round.

Instruction

How to play your best golf when the temperature drops

Published

3 months ago

Feb 3, 2026

Brendon Elliott

The LPGA Tour is kicking off its 2026 season this week at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, and the pros are dealing with something most Florida golfers rarely face: freezing temperatures.

“It’s colder here than in the UK at the minute, which is a first,” said England’s Charley Hull during Wednesday’s media day at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

Even Lydia Ko, who lives at Lake Nona, seemed surprised by the cold snap. “We’re pretty much getting to below zero in celsius here, which maybe in other parts of the country they would be thankful, but when you’re in Florida it is a little bit of a surprise,” she said.

If the world’s best players are adjusting their games for cold weather, recreational golfers should, too. Here’s how to play smart when the mercury drops.

Understand What Cold Does to Your Game

Before you change anything, you need to know what you’re fighting against. Cold air is denser than warm air, which means your ball won’t fly as far. Period.

Hull noticed this immediately during practice rounds at Lake Nona. She mentioned hitting a gap wedge into the 18th hole during a previous win but needing a 4-iron during Tuesday’s practice round. That’s a difference of four or five clubs for the same shot.

Action item: Expect to lose 5-10 yards on every club in your bag when temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Plan accordingly and don’t be stubborn about club selection.

Layer Up Without Restricting Your Swing

Hull admitted she wore three pairs of pants during practice. While that might be extreme for most of us, staying warm is critical to playing well in cold conditions.

Your muscles need warmth to function properly. When you’re cold, your body tightens up and your swing gets shorter and faster. Neither of those things help you hit good golf shots.

Action item: Wear multiple thin layers instead of one bulky jacket. Look for golf-specific cold weather gear that stretches with your swing. Keep hand warmers in your pockets between shots. And don’t forget a good hat because you lose significant body heat through your head.

Take More Club Than You Think You Need

This is where ego gets in the way of good scores. When it’s cold, the ball doesn’t compress as well off the clubface. Combined with denser air, you’re looking at serious distance loss.

The pros at Lake Nona are dealing with a course that measures 6,642 yards but plays much longer this week. If they’re adjusting, you should too.

Action item: Take at least one extra club on every approach shot. In temperatures below 40 degrees, consider taking two extra clubs. It’s better to fly the ball to the back of the green than to come up short in a bunker.

Adjust Your Expectations on the Greens

Cold weather affects putting in ways most golfers don’t consider. The ball is harder and doesn’t roll as smoothly. Your hands are cold, making it harder to feel the putter. And if there’s any moisture on the greens, they’ll be slower than normal.

Ko mentioned that she still sometimes reads the greens wrong at Lake Nona despite being a member for years. Cold weather makes that challenge even tougher.

Action item: Hit putts more firmly than usual. The ball needs extra speed to hold its line on cold greens. Take a few extra practice strokes to get a feel for the speed before you putt.

Embrace the Mental Challenge

Hull said something interesting about cold weather golf: “I like the mental toughness of it.”

That’s the right attitude. Everyone on the course is dealing with the same conditions. The player who stays patient and doesn’t get frustrated by the extra difficulty will come out ahead.

Action item: Lower your expectations by a few strokes. If you normally shoot 85, accept that 90 might be a good score in 40-degree weather. Focus on solid contact and smart decisions rather than perfect shots.

Warm Up Longer and Smarter

This might be the most important tip of all. Cold muscles are tight muscles, and tight muscles get injured easily.

World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul revealed she’s been protecting a wrist injury that bothered her late last season. Cold weather makes those kinds of injuries more likely if you don’t prepare properly.

Action item: Spend at least 20 minutes warming up before your round. Start with stretching, then hit easy wedge shots before working up to your driver. Keep moving between shots on the course to maintain body heat and flexibility.

The pros at Lake Nona this week will adapt and compete at the highest level despite the cold. You can do the same at your local course by following these tips and keeping a positive attitude.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.

Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!

Instruction

3 lessons from Brooks Koepka that’ll actually lower your score

Published

3 months ago

Feb 2, 2026

Brendon Elliott

Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour, and whether you love him or hate him, the guy knows how to win when it matters. After his LIV Golf stint, the five-time major champion returns this week at the Farmers Insurance Open.

What makes Koepka fascinating? He doesn’t fit the mold. His swing isn’t textbook. He doesn’t obsess over mechanics. Yet he’s won three PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens, regularly making it look easier than guys with prettier swings.

So, what can average golfers learn from someone who treats the game so differently? Quite a bit.

Stop Overthinking Every Shot

Koepka describes his approach as “reactionary” rather than mechanical. While most tour pros grind over swing thoughts, Brooks sees the target and hits it. No mental checklist.

This might be the most valuable lesson for weekend golfers who’ve watched too many YouTube swing videos.

How to actually do this:

On the range, hit five balls where you stare at the target for three seconds prior to addressing the ball. Don’t think about grip or stance. Just burn that target into your brain. You’ll be shocked at how pure you hit it when your brain focuses on where the ball is going instead of how you’re swinging.

Next time you play, give yourself a rule: Once you pull the club, you’ve got 15 seconds to hit. Koepka is one of the fastest players on tour because he doesn’t give his brain time to sabotage him.

If you feel tension in your hands at address, you’re trying to control too much. Koepka’s grip pressure is famously light. Loosen up until the club almost feels like it might slip, then add just enough pressure to hold on. That’s your swing thought: soft hands, see the target.

This approach works better under pressure. When you’re standing over that shot with water left and OB right, the last thing you need is a mental checklist. See it, feel it, hit it.

Play to Your Strengths (Even If They’re Not Pretty)

Koepka uses a strong grip that wouldn’t pass muster in some teaching circles. But he’s built his game around what works for him, elite driving distance and recovery skills. He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not.

Here’s how to build your game like Brooks:

Look at your last five rounds and figure out where you’re actually gaining strokes. Bombing it off the tee, but can’t hit greens? Lean into it. Play courses where distance matters more than precision. On tight holes, grip down on your 3-wood instead of trying to thread a driver through a keyhole you’ll miss seven times out of ten.

Koepka knows he can scramble, so he’s not afraid to miss greens. If you’re deadly from 50 to 75 yards, start leaving yourself those distances on the par 5’s instead of going for them in two every time.

Know when to take your medicine. Koepka in the trees at the PGA? He’s punching out to 100 yards, not trying to bend a 6-iron around three oaks. You’re in the rough with a flyer lie and water short? Hit your 8-iron to the middle and move on. That’s not playing scared, that’s playing smart.

Save Your Best for When It Counts

Here’s a wild stat: Koepka’s putting average in majors is often more than a full stroke better per round than in regular events. He elevates when pressure is highest.

How does an amateur tap into that gear? It’s not about trying harder, it’s about caring differently.

Here’s what actually works:

Decide which rounds matter to you. Club championship? Member-guest? That annual trip with college buddies? Circle those dates and treat them differently. Koepka doesn’t care much about regular tour events, but majors? That’s when he locks in.

Two weeks before your big round, change your practice. Stop beating balls mindlessly. Play nine holes in which every shot has consequences. Miss the fairway? Hit from the rough on the next hole too. Three-putt? Twenty push-ups. Koepka’s practice intensity ramps up before majors because he’s rehearsing pressure, not just swings.

Develop a between-shot routine that resets your brain. Koepka is famous for his blank expression after bad shots. Try this: After any shot, take three deep breaths while walking, then find something specific to notice, a tree, a cloud, someone’s shirt. That’s your reset button. By the time you reach your ball, the last shot is gone.

The Bottom Line

Brooks Koepka’s return reminds us there’s no single path to success in golf. His “substance over style” approach proves that results matter more than looking good.

You don’t need a perfect swing; you need a reliable one that holds up under pressure. You don’t need to hit every shot in the book; you need the shots you can count on. And you don’t need to play great every time; you need to play great when it matters.

Welcome back, Brooks. Thanks for the reminder that golf is ultimately about getting the ball in the hole, not winning style points.

Instruction

What we can learn from Blades Brown’s impressive American Express performance

Published

3 months ago

Jan 29, 2026

Brendon Elliott

Blades Brown made a big impression last week in the California desert, and not just because he’s only 18. He put up numbers that would catch any weekend golfer’s attention. Most of us won’t hit 317-yard drives or find 86% of our greens in regulation, but there’s a lot to learn from how Brown managed his game at The American Express.

Here are three practical lessons from his performance that you can use on your own course this weekend.

Step 1: Give Priority to Accuracy Over Distance Off The Tee

Brown’s driving stats are impressive. He averaged almost 318 yards off the tee, ranking 12th in the field. More importantly, he hit 76.79% of his fairways, tying for fourth place in the tournament.

Think about that ratio for a second. Brown could have swung harder, chased more distance and tried to overpower the course. Instead, he played smart golf and kept his ball in play.

Your Action Item: Next time you’re on the tee box, ask yourself a simple question before pulling the driver. Do you need maximum distance here, or do you need to be in the fairway? If there’s trouble lurking or the hole doesn’t demand every yard you can muster, take something off your swing. Grip down an inch. Make a three-quarter swing. Do whatever it takes to find the short grass. Brown’s approach illustrates that fairways lead to greens, and greens lead to birdies. He made 22 of them last week, along with an eagle.

The math is simple. When you’re hitting three out of every four fairways like Brown did, you’re giving yourself legitimate looks at the green with your approach shots. That’s when scoring happens.

Step 2: Commit To Hitting More Greens

This is where Brown really separated himself. He hit 62 of 72 greens in regulation, an 86.11% clip that tied for first in the entire field. Read that again. An 18-year-old kid tied for the lead in one of the most important ball-striking statistics in professional golf.

How did he do it? By keeping his ball in the fairway (see Step 1) and giving himself clean looks with mid-irons and wedges.

Your Action Item: Start tracking your greens in regulation. You don’t need a fancy app or a statistics degree. Just mark down whether you hit the green in the regulation number of strokes. Par 3s in one shot. Par 4s in two shots. Par 5s in three shots.

Once you know your baseline, set a goal to improve it by 10%. If you’re currently hitting five greens per round, aim for six. The beauty of this approach is that it forces you to think strategically about club selection and shot shape. Brown’s strokes gained approach number was positive (0.179), meaning he was better than the field average. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be on the dance floor more often.

When you hit more greens, you eliminate the need for heroic short game shots. Brown only had to scramble 10 times all week, and he got up and down 70% of the time. That’s solid, but the real story is that he rarely put himself in scrambling situations to begin with.

Step 3: Minimize Mistakes And Stay Patient

Here’s the stat that jumps off the page: Brown made only three bogeys all week. Three. In four rounds of professional golf against the best players in the world.

He also made just one double bogey. That kind of clean card doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you play within yourself, avoid the big miss and trust that pars are never bad scores.

Your Action Item: Before your next round, decide that you’re going to play boring golf. No hero shots over water. No driver on tight holes just because you can. No aggressive pins when there’s a safe side of the green.

Brown’s performance shows us that consistency beats flash every single time. He didn’t lead the field in any single strokes gained category, but he was solid across the board. That’s how you post numbers and cash checks.

Give these three steps a try. Your scorecard will thank you.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “The Starter” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.