Connect with us

Blog

Koepeka,DeChambeau Will Go Head-to-Head

Avatar photo

Published

on

KOEPEKA,DECHAMBEAU WILL GO HEAD-TO-HEAD

It’s finally about to go down! After two years of drama, we are finally going to be able to see Brooks and Bryson go head-to-head. The two golfers will compete in the fifth edition of The Match. The event will take place on November 26th at the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas.

Golf fans have been waiting for a showdown between these two ever since their feud began. We were able to catch a glimpse of their most recent interaction at the Ryder Cup and it appears they may be ready to move on from this rivalry. Whether you think their back-and-forth banter is real or for the publicity, this showdown will be one you won’t want to miss.

Typically, pros are matched with celebrity golfers for the event. This time around, Koepka and DeChambeau will play a one-on-one match up to settle the score once and for all.

Both players will be mic’d up and Turner broadcasters Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson are expected to be on the call. The Match V will be the first that won’t include Mickelson as a competitor, though he is expected to still be involved in some capacity.

An official announcement including further details on format and stakes is expected later this week.

Brooks vs. Bryson: The Rivalry

The showdown will attempt to settle a lengthy feud between DeChambeau and Koepka that dates back to January 2019, when Koepka took a shot at DeChambeau’s pace of play. “I just don’t understand how it takes a minute and 20 seconds, or a minute and 15 to hit a golf ball — it’s not that hard,” he said. Things escalated with a confrontation at the Northern Trust, the first event of 2019 FedEx Cup Playoffs, when the two spoke on the putting green, but they ultimately agreed to bury the hatchet.

ADVERTISEMENT

But the peace agreement didn’t last forever; DeChambeau took a shot at Koepka’s physique in the ESPN Body Issue, Koepka fired back with a photo of his trophies, and so on.

Things came to a head again this spring when a video leaked from the PGA Championship showing an outtake from a Koepka interview with Todd Lewis. In the video, DeChambeau and his caddie walk by chatting mid-interview and Koepka does little to hide his annoyance, rolling his eyes, unleashing a few choice words and ultimately unleashing the rivalry’s next chapter.

When DeChambeau’s partnership with Aaron Rodgers was announced for the last Match — facing off against Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson — Koepka chimed in on Twitter, leading to a brief back-and-forth.

From there, the feud got even weirder. Koepka’s fans started calling DeChambeau “Brooksy” at events, which escalated to fans getting kicked out of tournaments for heckling, Koepka offering those fans free beer, and ’round and ’round the circle went. There were plenty more micro-developments but the two promised to play nice at the Ryder Cup, where they finished the week with a hug in front of assembled media.

Now it’s time to see if they ramp up the trash-talk once again.

The Wynn

The course they’ll be competing on is the newly remade Wynn Golf Club, which reopened in 2019 after plans to turn it into a water park were abandoned. Tom Fazio originally designed the course and was also in charge of the redesign, which he worked on with his son Logan. It boasts among the highest greens fees in the country, charging $550 per round upon reopening.

Before the property was the Wynn it was home to the Desert Inn, a resort and casino with a golf course which at one point played host to annual events on the PGA Tour (The Las Vegas Invitational), LPGA Tour (The Las Vegas International) and Champions Tour (The Las Vegas Senior Classic). It was also a favorite haunt of Frank Sinatra, among other high-profile Vegas performers.

The course promises both an escape from the Strip and a scenic view of the same; its pro shop sits adjacent to gaming tables but once you’re into the backyard, it’s hard to believe that tree-lined fairways could be such a quick trip away. The final few holes offer a prime look at the Vegas skyline and the finisher — the beefy par-3 18th, measuring close to 250 yards from the tips — is backed by a massive waterfall. Make an ace, though, and you’ll receive a proper payout: between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on your tee box.

The Match

The first edition of The Match pitted Tiger Woods against Phil Mickelson at Shadow Creek, also in Las Vegas; Mickelson won on the fourth playoff hole.

For the second Match, both legends returned but with partners: Woods played with Peyton Manning, while Mickelson brought in Tom Brady. They played at Medalist, Woods’ home course, and Woods and Manning held off a late charge to win 1 up.

The Match III featured Mickelson and Charles Barkley at Stone Canyon in Arizona; the two took down Manning and Steph Curry 4 and 3.

The latest Match took place this summer and featured DeChambeau and Rodgers, who defeated Team Brady/Mickelson 3 and 2.

This article originally appeared on GOLF.com

Blog

Stop Wasting Strokes: 5 Simple Drills to Kill the Dreaded 3-Putt

Tired of ruining a great hole with the dreaded 3-putt? These 5 simple drills fix your speed, conquer pressure, and turn three putts into two.

Avatar photo

Published

on

There is no feeling in golf quite as demoralizing as the 3-putt.

You smash a perfect drive. You hit a pure iron shot that lands safely on the green. You’re feeling like a pro, walking up to your ball with a birdie on your mind.

Then, disaster strikes. You blaze the first putt eight feet past the hole. Your comebacker for par is a nervous, jabby stroke that lips out. You tap in for a bogey, walking off the green with that all-too-familiar feeling of frustration, your good shots completely wasted.

The 3-putt is the great scorecard killer. It’s the difference between breaking 90 and shooting 95. The good news? It’s almost always the easiest problem to fix. It’s not about buying a $500 putter; it’s about controlling your speed and handling pressure.

Here are 5 simple, time-tested drills to kill the 3-putt and make you a confident force on the greens.

ADVERTISEMENT

Why You 3-Putt (It’s Not What You Think)

Most amateurs 3-putt for two simple reasons, and neither has to do with a “bad stroke”:

  1. Poor Lag Putting: You leave your first putt so far from the hole that the second putt is still a challenge.
  2. Missed “Knee-Knockers”: You can’t consistently sink putts inside 3-5 feet.

These five drills are designed to fix both of those problems, starting today.

5 Drills to Become a 2-Putt Machine

Find a practice green and spend 20 minutes on these. You’ll see results in your very next round.

1. The Ladder Drill (For Lag Control)

This is the ultimate drill for dialing in your speed control.

  • How to do it: Place three balls at 20, 30, and 40 feet from a hole (or use tees if you’re just practicing speed).
  • The Goal: Hit the 20-foot putt, then the 30-foot, then the 40-foot. Your only goal is to get all three putts to stop within a 3-foot radius of the hole (imagine a hula-hoop around the cup).
  • Why it works: It trains your brain to instinctively understand how hard to hit a putt based on distance. You’ll stop blazing putts 10 feet by or leaving them 10 feet short.

2. The Clock Drill (For Short Putt Pressure)

You must be automatic from three feet. This drill adds the pressure you feel on the course.

  • How to do it: Place 12 balls in a 3-foot circle around the hole (like the numbers on a clock).
  • The Goal: Go around the clock and make all 12 putts in a row. If you miss one, you must start over from the beginning.
  • Why it works: It’s not just about mechanics; it’s about focus. When you get to ball #10, you will feel the pressure. This simulates the feeling of having to make a putt for par.

3. The Gate Drill (For a Pure Roll)

Missed short putts are often caused by a poor starting line. This drill gives you instant feedback.

  • How to do it: Find a straight, 5-foot putt. Place two tees on the ground just wide enough for your putter head to pass through. About a foot in front of your ball, place two more tees just slightly wider than the ball itself.
  • The Goal: Stroke the putter through the first “gate” and roll the ball through the second “gate.”
  • Why it works: If you hit the ball off-center or have a wobbly stroke, the ball will hit the second gate. It forces you to hit the sweet spot and start the ball exactly where you’re aiming.

4. The 100-Footer (The “No 3-Putt” Zone)

This drill is simple: go to one end of the practice green and putt to a hole on the opposite end. Your goal is not to make it, but to get it inside that imaginary 3-foot circle. Do this 10 times. This makes 30 and 40-footers on the course feel like tap-ins by comparison.

5. The “Read, Roll, and React” Drill

Stop agonizing over every putt. This drill teaches you to trust your first instinct.

  • How to do it: Take three balls to a 25-foot breaking putt.
  • The Goal: You have 20 seconds total. In that time, you must read the green, take one practice stroke, and hit all three putts.
  • Why it works: It stops “paralysis by analysis.” It trains you to pick a line, trust your speed, and accept the result. You’ll be amazed at how much better your instincts are than your over-analytical brain.

It’s About Process, Not Perfection

You’re still going to 3-putt occasionally. Even the pros do. But by practicing these drills, you’ll be building confidence and skill. You’ll stop fearing long putts and start knowing you can get them close. That confidence is the real secret to finally killing the 3-putt for good.

Continue Reading

Blog

Stop Trying So Hard: A Zen Guide to Golf That’ll Have You Saying ‘Gunga Galunga’

Tired of your scorecard looking like a phone number? Maybe the problem isn’t your swing, it’s that little voice in your head. It’s time to empty the bucket, stop overthinking, and learn how to ‘be the ball.’ It’s a lot simpler than you think, and the results are… well, they’re nice.

Avatar photo

Published

on

By

I see a lot of you out there. Knuckles white, teeth grinding, a vein popping in your forehead because you left a ten-foot putt an inch short. You look like you’re trying to solve a complex math problem, not hit a little white ball into a slightly larger hole. You’re trying so hard, you can’t even see what you’re doing.

A long time ago, the Dalai Lama himself, a big hitter, told me something that’s stuck with me. “Total consciousness.” So I got that goin’ for me, which is nice. But what does that mean for you, standing over a 4-iron with water on the right and nothing but trouble on the left?

It means you have to stop thinking.

That little voice in your head? The one reminding you about your slice, or that you duffed the last chip, or that Judge Smails is watching from the clubhouse patio? You need to tell that voice to take a little vacation. Send it to the 19th hole for a Fresca. Your brain is a powerful tool, but on the golf course, it’s usually on the other team’s payroll.

ADVERTISEMENT

The secret is simple. You have to be the ball.

Now, don’t take it literally. You don’t need to become a dimpled sphere of Surlyn. That’s a whole other level of Zen, and honestly, the lawnmowers are a real hazard. To “be the ball” is to see the shot before it happens. It’s a feeling. You look at the target, you see the flight of the ball in your mind-a nice, gentle draw landing softly on the green-and then you just… let it happen.

Think of it like this: you are the ball, the club is just an extension of your arm, and your arm is just a noodle doing what the universe tells it to do. See it, feel it, and then let your body take over. Nanananana…

The more you force it, the worse it gets. It’s like trying to hold water in your fist. You squeeze with all your might, and it just slips through your fingers. But if you relax, cup your hands gently, you can hold it. Your golf swing is the same. Loosen that death grip, relax your shoulders, and just let the club flow.

Golf isn’t a game of perfect. It’s a game of managing the imperfect. It’s about finding that one pure shot in a round that makes you feel connected to everything. That’s the feeling that brings you back. So next time you’re out there, take a deep breath. Look at the trees, listen to the birds, and remember that you’re just a blip in the cosmos hitting a ball with a stick.

Empty the bucket. Stop trying. And just be the ball. You’ll be surprised at what happens when you get out of your own way.

If this little nugget of wisdom helps you find your flow, do me a favor and share it with a friend who’s stuck in their head. The world needs less thinking and more ‘nanananana’. And for more insights from the links, follow us on social media. It’s the Zen thing to do.

Continue Reading

Blog

Legendary Golf Coaches and Their Signature Teaching Techniques

A Deep Dive into the Art of Golf Coaching. There are few sports as mentally challenging and technically nuanced as golf.

Avatar photo

Published

on

There are few sports as mentally challenging and technically nuanced as golf. The game demands a unique blend of physical precision, mental resilience, and strategic insight. As such, the role of a golf coach extends far beyond mere swing mechanics and course management. They also play a crucial part in shaping the mindset and overall approach of the player. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the profound impact that legendary golf coaches have had on the sport, highlighting their signature teaching styles that have produced world-class golfers and changed the face of golf across generations.

Butch Harmon: The Guru of Simplification

Butch Harmon is a name that resonates with any serious golf enthusiast. Known for his work with Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Greg Norman, Harmon’s coaching style is characterized by its simplicity. He focuses on making the swing as effortless as possible, keeping technical jargon to a minimum and emphasizing feel and natural movement. His approach has proven successful, with his students winning numerous major championships.

David Leadbetter: The Technician

ADVERTISEMENT

David Leadbetter, renowned for his work with Nick Faldo, is often considered a technician in golf coaching. He pays great attention to minute details of the swing, believing that consistency and efficiency come from mastering the fundamentals. Leadbetter introduced the “A Swing,” a technique designed to simplify the golf swing while increasing efficiency and reducing strain on the body.

Hank Haney: The Strategist

Best known for his six-year coaching tenure with Tiger Woods, Hank Haney is a strategist at heart. Haney emphasizes the importance of course management and strategic decision-making, helping players choose the best shot for any given situation. His teaching style aims to help players understand their strengths and weaknesses, thereby maximizing scoring opportunities on the course.

Sean Foley: The Modernist

Sean Foley represents a new wave of golf coaching, blending traditional golf instruction with modern technology. Notably, he uses advanced tools like 3D motion analysis and Trackman to provide detailed feedback on swing mechanics. Foley, who has worked with players like Justin Rose and Tiger Woods, believes in a holistic approach, incorporating physical fitness and mental preparation into his coaching regimen.

Pete Cowen: The Philosopher

Pete Cowen, known for his work with major winners like Brooks Koepka and Graeme McDowell, approaches golf coaching from a philosophical perspective. Cowen’s teaching style emphasizes the importance of mental strength, discipline, and a strong work ethic. He believes in building a solid foundation, focusing on short game and wedge play, and then working up to full swings.

Legendary golf coaches like Butch Harmon, David Leadbetter, Hank Haney, Sean Foley, and Pete Cowen have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their unique teaching styles, whether it be simplification, technical precision, strategic insight, technological innovation, or philosophical approach, have helped shape the careers of many world-class golfers. Aspiring golfers and coaches can learn a great deal from their methodologies, applying these lessons to improve their own game or coaching style. After all, golf is not just about the swing; it’s about the approach, both on and off the course.

Want to improve your own game?

Continue Reading

Trending

Click here to get all the latest golf news

Close