Instruction
3 keys to improve your ball striking
There are many different viewpoints in the golf instruction world on how to swing the golf club most efficiently. I’m personally under the belief that there are many different ways to swing efficiently based on the player.
With that being said, however, I’ve taught more than 10,000 lessons and continue to see three keys that help 99 percent of club golfers. If a golfer can master these three keys, they can almost always improve their ball striking and ball flight — and of course, shoot lower scores.
FPST (Forward Pressure with Spine Tilt)
This key begins at the address position. The player should begin by feeling 60-65 percent of pressure in their front foot with their spine/upper body tilting slightly away from the target. This address position will promote limited lateral motion in the backswing while providing an efficient turn in the backswing, improving the player’s transition into the downswing.
With FPST, golfers often gain better balance and can move more efficiently through the swing, leading to an improved energy transfer for more speed and distance.
Pinnage
OK, I know “pinnage” isn’t a word! It does, however, convey the next key that I believe is crucial in the golf swing and how the golf club moves in space.
How the hands and arms work with the body in the golf swing is very important, because it has a huge affect on the plane of the golf club in both the backswing and downswing. I’ve found that golfers improve their chances of delivering the golf club on plane into the impact position if they:
- Get the lead arm pinned across their chest at the top of the backswing.
- Have a right elbow (for a right-handed player) that matches their spine angle.
Golfers who get their lead arm on the same plane as their shoulder plane and 90 degrees to the spine almost always like the results.
Stretch
The final key that I see in all good ball strikers is the fashion in which the body and arms move from just after the moment of impact until the shaft is past parallel in the through swing. In this key, the arms appear to be stretched out and extended. This movement is set up well before the impact position, but it’s a telling tale of all of the good things the player did throughout their golf swing leading up to impact.
I’ve found that if one can master my first two keys, the “stretch” position can become obtainable for anyone. It’s set up by proper body movements and swing direction, which will have a massive effect on the player’s ball striking and ball flight.
If you’d like to learn more about this subject and what the players on the PGA and LPGA Tours are doing, I welcome you to read my book The 5 Tour Fundamentals of Golf. I’ve spent time working with many of the top men and women professional in the game, and I’ve been able to come up with the true fundamentals of golf displayed I by the best players in the world!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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SLS
Jun 5, 2015 at 9:16 pm
I found this one “gentleman’s” comments to be quite amusing although useless so……………….
My 1st question to STEVE would be, how old are you as you are coming across as a 2 year old….
My 2nd question to STEVE would be how many drinks did you consume while “commenting?”….
My 3rd Question to STEVE would be when do you start your therapy as it’s quite obvious it should be SOON !
Bill Schmedes III
Jun 4, 2015 at 10:09 pm
Billy, Good to hear. Hit ’em straight!
Jafar
Jun 1, 2015 at 11:26 am
Hey I just read your book on Amazon Kindle and I really enjoyed using the techniques to help find a consistent swing. Look forward to more articles from you on this site.
Bill Schmedes III
Jun 1, 2015 at 7:16 pm
Jafar,
Thanks for the kind words and happy you enjoyed the book!
Bill Schmedes III
Jun 8, 2015 at 8:18 pm
Jafar, thanks again for the comments. If you enjoyed the book I’d welcome you to leave me feedback on Amazon. Thanks so much!
tom
May 31, 2015 at 5:07 pm
hi Bill,
the stretch term is a helpful term for me to not collapse and finish the swing. in my 50s now i have some trouble turning and finishing swing. this is one swing thought that is an easy key for me.
thanks
Bill Schmedes III
Jun 2, 2015 at 2:08 pm
Happy to hear Tom. Thanks for the feedback!
MattSihv
May 31, 2015 at 1:45 am
Wow! This Steve kid is a piece of work. Grow up, little guy. Just relax and enjoy your summer vacation.
I like this article, Bill. I hope you ignore the childish know-it-alls on this site and keep writing. They annoy me as well.
I have been struggling with my ball striking the past two years and have noticed a significant loss of distance. My biggest problem is sway and not catching the ball first. What would you suggest as a visual or aim point?
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 8:15 am
Really, start bowling. This sport isnt for you. Worrying about visual? Have to be able to hit the shot you paint, i dont think chunks and sculls.
MattSihv
May 31, 2015 at 12:53 pm
Honestly kid. Give up. I was a division I college athlete. I don’t take lessons, can break 80, and have only been playing for three years. This game is for anyone who wants to put in the work. I may not know the proper thought processes or have flawless technique honed by years of lessons, but I will keep asking questions to try to continue getting better.
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Fantastic
Cliff
Jun 1, 2015 at 8:51 am
Sounds like someone watched ‘Seven Days in Utopia’!
Bill Schmedes III
May 30, 2015 at 12:35 pm
Steve, If you ask any of my students they would tell you I’m far from “cookie cutter”. This is an article that is meant to help many of the amateur golfers that struggle with the common theme’s of body sway, posture issues during swing, path issues, and low point issues. You may want to get to know someone a bit better or at least ask more questions before you blast them.
There will always be a .1 percent of players that do it differently and that still do it well. Unfortunately that doesn’t help the masses. I’ve worked with 14+ tour players and have had great success helping a large amount of golfers get better and improve. I’ve seen a lot and have studied both the body and the golf swing. I feel confident that this article can help the majority of players out there. Enjoy your weekend!
Steve
May 30, 2015 at 1:31 pm
You sure sound like you are. Of the top golfers how many swing like you describe? Your theory has been beaten to death Hogan, rotary, Haney and 100’s more have all walked this beaten road before you. Maybe you “worked” with 14 tour players. That is the past, how come 14 tour players no longer work with you is the question? I agree that what you describe is good for some. You say that .1 percent of players do it differently well. So you must be cookie cutter if only .1 percent can play well differently, 99.9 percent get the cookie cutter. Enjoy your weekend
TR1PTIK
Jun 1, 2015 at 12:47 pm
You are the reason I hate golfers… And, I say that as a fellow golfer. Have a nice day.
Steve
Jun 1, 2015 at 7:57 pm
Must be hard hating yourself then.
Steve
May 30, 2015 at 10:51 am
Another one size fits all golf instructor. Jack had a right elbow that was parallel to the ground, he did pretty good. Dustin, Bubba to name a few dont subscribe to your theory. 95% of golf instruction is destructive using this guy as a example. He will take every student and use a cookie cutter instruction mentality, which is more destruction mentality. 5% of instructors will analyze your swing and work from there. Using what is more natural and easier to repeat. Find the 5% or forever try to find a swing
devilsadvocate
May 30, 2015 at 12:02 pm
Wow really? I know 95% of the instructors working today? Get real buddy
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 1:23 pm
When they have a election poll do they ask every voter? Have to think sometimes, before you churp in.
JHM
May 30, 2015 at 6:35 pm
so I gues you would say Five Lessons and Golf My Way we’re both cookie cutter approaches as well??
Steve
May 30, 2015 at 7:11 pm
I will explain the difference to you. Jack’s book was about the way he approaches golf. Hogans was a bit more instructional, but still his way of playing. They are top 5 golfers, maybe top 3 golfers of all time. So interest is natural. Hogan’s book was ground breaking at the time, to break a swing down like that. What is printed here is just a rehash of Hogan, been there done that a million times. Is what is written here new to you? Also Jack and Ben were two different ends of the spectrum. Proving there is not one way to play. But this teaching pro thinks 99.9% should be taught the same swing
Bill Schmedes III
May 30, 2015 at 7:27 pm
Steve, it’s extremely immature of you to keep saying that I believe that everyone should be taught the same swing. You don’t know me or how I coach and it’s obvious you don’t care to get to know me or my thoughts on golf instruction.
I was just about to comment on your previous message but at this point it’s not worth my time as it’s obvious you have an agenda. We get asked to write for these forums, sites, or magazines to help the majority of golfers out there and thats what we try to do. Many great coaches/instructors stop writing for forums like this because of people like you. You have no interest in having a constructive conversation you’re only here to attempt to damage one’s character
Steve
May 30, 2015 at 7:42 pm
You were going to comment, but it’s not worth your time. But you comment anyway?
Your words not mine that only .1 percent can play well doing different then your article.
Craig
May 30, 2015 at 6:49 pm
Way to show some class Steve. Angry little fella you are
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 1:42 pm
It’s the weekend, no class
WOW
May 31, 2015 at 1:40 am
Well…I can say, without a doubt, that Steve doesn’t read well.
The first paragraph says
“I’m personally under the belief that there are many different ways to swing efficiently based on the player.”
And he also goes on to say CLUB GOLFERS. Not pros…and isn’t saying it’s all cookie cutter. 3 tips he sees constantly help the normal person who he gives lessons to.
Maybe learn to read before you start dishing it out there, Steve-o.
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 8:20 am
I can say without a doubt that you didnt read everything. In his comments he states that only .1 percent can play well without this advice in the article. So you do the math. Tell mom to pour another bowl of captain crunch and think about it
Dave N.
May 29, 2015 at 10:58 pm
Hi Bill- I’m having trouble understanding your point # 2 in the pinnage section: right elbow matches spine angle. Is that illustrated in either of the pictures you posted in that section? Could you elaborate or maybe explain this concept another way? Thanks!
Bill Schmedes III
May 30, 2015 at 7:42 pm
Dave, thanks for your comment. The angle that’s created when looking at the inside of my right arm (wrist down to elbow) should come close to matching the position of the spine (angle of the upper body at top of backswing when in sidebend). The reason for this would be to allow for the golf club to move somewhere close to the shoulder plane in the beginning of the downswing, keeping the golf club “light”, and working infront of the body as it rotates. This helps avoid the hands getting deep (under shoulder plane and flat or “laid off”) or the opposite (above shoulder plane and steep). This helps a player have fewer manipulations which can improve consistency. Hope that answered your question. Thanks!
Dave N.
May 31, 2015 at 9:19 pm
Perfect, thanks!
Billy
Jun 4, 2015 at 10:47 am
Good article, I had this problem and got a bit laid off, but sorted it out by using the elbow matching the spine angle theory/thought. Steve might not agree….