Golf Hacks

Our Top 10 Golf Tips of 2021

Published

3 years ago

December 27, 2021

The BLOG MAN

We’ve been looking through the numbers and tallying up which stories drew your attention during the year.

We decided to share the findings with you, our loyal and wonderful readers, so we can reminisce together.

For the final 10 days of 2021, we’re offering up a snapshot of the top 10 stories from each of Golfweek’s most popular sections, including travel, the PGA and LPGA tours, instruction and amateur golf.

Today it’s instruction, which is led by Steve Scott, who has worn many hats, including professional at the Outpost Club, founder of the Silver Club Golfing Society and PGA Tour Live analyst.

It was a big year for Steve, who celebrated the 25th anniversary of one of golf’s historic moments recently passed when Tiger Woods attempted to claim an unprecedented third straight U.S. Amateur Championship conducted at Pumpkin Ridge GC.

His opponent was none other than our Steve, who, in a gracious move that follows golf etiquette, told Woods he had to move his mark back during a key putt. If Scott would have stayed silent, Tiger’s run would have certainly been derailed, but an act of sportsmanship still rings true a quarter-century later.

“Hey, Tiger – you need to move your mark back,” was released earlier this year (Skyhorse Publishing, $19.99), and is available at movethatback.com.

Here are the top 10 instruction posts of the year, as clicked on by you, our readers:

10. How to hit out of a fairway bunker

(Emmanuel Lozano/Golfweek)

If you want to hit it solid out of fairway bunkers, approach it shallow and avoid the chunkers.

In this episode, Steve gives you a great tip on how to properly hit out of a fairway bunker.

Here’s the entire video, which will help you shave strokes off your game.

9. Stay in your lane (alignment stick drill)

(Gabe Gudgel/Golfweek)

Steve explains that a great way to stay on plane is by staying in your lane.

Steve uses an alignment stick drill that helps you easily keep everything aligned, thus giving you a great swing plane.

Here’s a link to the tip.

8. Allow gravity to help set up a shot

(Emmanuel Lozano/Golfweek)

Want a setup fit for a queen or king, you’ve got to let gravity do its thing.

In this episode, our director of instruction gives you a great tip that will allow proper spacing between the hands and the body.

Here’s a look at the video from Steve, all shot at the gorgeous practice facility at Arizona State University.

7. Push and pull for more power

(Gabe Gudgel/Golfweek)

Using the lead hand is such a key component of a good golf swing.

Steve walks you through a simple drill that will help you make sure to handle this properly, ensuring you’ll get the most out of each swing you take.

Here’s a look at the video, which was shot at Sleepy Hollow Golf Club, just outside New York City.

6. Keep your hips and hands together

(Gabe Gudgel/Golfweek)

Most amateur golfers, in an effort to add more distance off the tee, swing primarily with the upper body. Now, what does this cause in the golf swing? Most of the time, this move will result in an over-the-top action, producing huge pulls or a ball flight that closely resembles that delicious yellow fruit.

How do you fix it? Steve explains his “hips and hands together” swing thought, and how the feeling of your hips firing, then your hands, can get your swing back on plane.

Here’s the video.

5. Maximizing distance off the tee

(Emmanuel Lozano/Golfweek)

Distance is such a big part of the game and Steve has a simple rhyme to help you hit it long:

If you really want your drives to jump, you’ve got to hit it on the up.

Watch as Steve walks you through this tip.

4. Don’t chili dip the chip

(Emmanuel Lozano/Golfweek)

If you don’t want to chili dip your chip, pay attention to this tip.

Avoid the clunkers you can’t stand when you’re just off the green by using this simple tip.

Here’s a look at the entire video.

3. Use an arched wrist to putt for the win

(Gabe Gudgel/Golfweek)

Looking to drop putts like Webb Simpson, Bryson DeChambeau, or Steve Stricker?

Steve says to try an arched putting grip, one that’s used by numerous pros to help on the greens.

It’s easy, as you can see in this short video.

2. Wedge shots done nice? Keep your hands ‘on ice.’

(Gabe Gudgel/Golfweek)

Many amateur golfers rely too much on timing, and flipping their hands at impact. This move leads to inconsistent strikes, which in turn, leads to inconsistent shots.

Steve Stricker, famous for his outstanding wedge play, minimizes hand action as much as possible when hitting a wedge shot, and our Steve believes you should do the same.

“Make sure your hands are very, very still, and passive almost like they’re frozen, on ice. That way you get your arms and your body more involved, and you get your hand action really out of it.”

Here’s the entire clip.

1. Tee it low to watch it go, tee it high to let it fly

(Golfweek)

What many amateur players don’t understand is changing the height of your tee can change the shape of your shot. Teeing it low will help you hit a piercing cut. Teeing it high allows you to attack the ball on the way up and hit a towering draw.

“If I have trouble on the left side of the fairway, and I want to avoid that trouble, I’m going to tee it low and that’s going to ensure I hit a very straight, to slight fade with the driver.”

Click here to see our top instructional video of the year.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek.

Blog

5 Sneaky Hacks to Crush Your Spring Golf Game in 2025

Gear up, swing smart, and snag pre-season deals with ClickitGolf to kick off your 2025 golf season like a pro!

Published

1 month ago

March 2, 2025

Ms. Lexi The Golf Guru

Spring’s creeping up, golfers! The fairways are shaking off winter, and it’s time to get your game dialed in for 2025. Whether you’re chasing pars or just happy to keep it on the grass, here’s your chill guide to hitting the ground swinging. Let’s go!

Hack 1: Gear Check—Don’t Let Last Year’s Clubs Hold You Back

Dust off your bag and give it a look. Grips feeling like a slip-n-slide? Swap ‘em out—control’s king. And if your driver’s ancient, maybe peek at something fresh. We’ve got the lowdown on the Mizuno OMOI putters—heavier heads, smoother rolls, pure magic. Read the full review; it might just fix your green woes.

Hack 2: Swing Smarter, Not Harder

No need to rebuild your swing from scratch—just polish it. Try the “One-Club Challenge”: grab a 7-iron, hit the range, and mix it up—high, low, whatever. It’s all about feel over force. You’ll be outfoxing courses before the grass turns green.

Hack 3: Mindset Matters

Golf’s a mental game, and winter’s your prep window. Get inspired with some Pebble Beach greatness—like this hole-by-hole flyover narrated by Jim Nantz from Golf Digest. It’s a quick tour of every iconic shot at Pebble, perfect for daydreaming your spring opener. Visualize your ball sticking the green—you’ll be ready.

Hack 4: Score Early Deals

ClickitGolf’s serving up pre-season heat. The shop has deals flowing—Check out all the cool products. Grab ‘em now before the snowbirds invade. Road trip on the brain? Our HotelPlanner Travel partnership cuts costs on hotels and flights. More golf, less cash—done.

Hack 5: Ryder Cup Hype – Channel the Pros

Keegan Bradley captaining the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage? Unexpected and awesome. Start channeling that Team USA energy—watch Pebble Beach’s greatest moments on our video page for some clutch inspo. September’s gonna be a party; we’ll keep you posted on the news page.

Tee It Up!

Gear up, swing smart, snag deals, and get hyped—2025’s your year to own the course. What’s your spring prep go-to? Drop it in the comments—let’s get this crew fired up!

Blog

10 Golf Podcasts For Hackers To Download

Tips, Stories, and Entertainment

Published

2 months ago

February 10, 2025

The Golf Hacker

For amateur golfers seeking to enhance their game, stay updated on golf news, or simply enjoy engaging discussions, podcasts offer a convenient and informative medium. Based on recommendations from reputable sources and golf communities, here are some top golf podcasts tailored for non-professional enthusiasts:

They-call-it-golf-because-all-the-other-four-letter-words-were-taken

On The Mark

Hosted by CBS commentator Mark Immelman, this podcast features weekly interviews with instructors, coaches, players, and other golf experts. With over 700 episodes, it provides in-depth discussions aimed at helping golfers improve their skills.

No Laying Up

A favorite among golf enthusiasts, No Laying Up offers a mix of tour coverage, player interviews, and discussions on various golf topics. It’s known for its insightful commentary and engaging content.

The Chipping Forecast

Featuring European Tour player Eddie Pepperell, this podcast provides a blend of tour insights and personal experiences, offering listeners a unique perspective on the professional golf scene.

Chasing Scratch

This podcast chronicles the journey of two amateur golfers striving to achieve a scratch handicap. It’s relatable for many non-professional players and offers both entertainment and insights into the challenges of improving one’s game.

The Sweet Spot

Hosted by golf coach Mark Crossfield, this podcast delves into various aspects of the game, from equipment reviews to swing techniques, providing practical advice for amateur golfers.

Rick Shiels Golf Show

Hosted by Rick Shiels, a former golf teaching professional from Bolton, this podcast covers a wide range of topics, including equipment reviews, interviews with golf personalities, and discussions on current events in the golf world.

Beef’s Golf Club

Hosted by popular golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston and comedian John Robins, this podcast offers a light-hearted take on the game, discussing various golf topics and sharing personal anecdotes.

Golf Is Ruining My Life

This podcast explores the highs and lows of being a golf enthusiast, sharing stories and experiences that many amateur golfers can relate to.

Hack It Out Golf

Featuring instructors Mark Crossfield, Greg Chalmers, and Lou Stagner, this podcast discusses various aspects of the game, offering insights and tips to help golfers improve.

The Rough Cut Golf Podcast

Hosted by Peter Finch, this podcast features discussions with various guests, covering a wide range of golf-related topics, from equipment to personal experiences.

These podcasts offer a variety of content tailored to amateur golfers, from instructional advice to entertaining discussions. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy golf-related conversations, there’s likely a podcast on this list that suits your interests.

Golf Hacks

How to Play Better Golf Without Changing Your Swing

Improve your golf game without changing your swing by focusing on smarter strategies, better equipment, and a winning mindset.

Published

4 months ago

November 22, 2024

The Golf Hacker

Improving your golf game often feels like it requires endless swing changes and hours at the range. But the truth is, you can elevate your performance without altering your swing mechanics. With smart strategies and subtle adjustments, you can lower your scores and enjoy the game more. Here’s how to play better golf while keeping your swing as is.

1. Fine-Tune Your Equipment

One of the quickest ways to improve is by ensuring your clubs and accessories are suited to your game.

Custom Club Fitting: Adjusting your clubs to match your swing can improve distance, accuracy, and comfort without any changes to your technique. Seek out a fitting session with a local pro or a retailer like PGA Tour Superstore.
Choose the Right Ball: Matching your golf ball to your swing speed and play style can enhance control and maximize distance.
Replace Your Grips: Fresh grips improve your hold and prevent slippage, helping you hit better shots consistently.

2. Focus on Course Management

Great golfers don’t just play harder—they play smarter.

Play the Safe Shot: Stick to shots you know you can execute well rather than chasing risky plays.
Understand Your Distances: Knowing how far you hit each club can help you make better decisions on the course.
Avoid Trouble Areas: Be mindful of hazards and tough pin placements, opting for strategies that keep you out of trouble.

3. Prioritize the Short Game

A strong short game is essential for lowering scores, and it doesn’t require any swing overhauls.

Master Your Putting: Work on reading greens and improving your speed control to sink more putts.
Refine Your Chipping: A simple, repeatable chipping motion can make all the difference around the greens.
Practice Sand Play: Confidence in bunkers can save strokes and boost your overall game.

4. Work on Fitness and Flexibility

Your physical condition can directly impact your golf performance.

Build Core Strength: A strong core provides stability and power, making your swing more efficient.
Improve Flexibility: Stretching regularly helps maintain a full range of motion, reducing strain and enhancing consistency.
Stay Active on the Course: Walking instead of riding in a cart can help maintain your rhythm and focus during a round.

5. Develop a Winning Mindset

Golf is as much a mental game as a physical one. Sharpening your mental approach can improve your results significantly.

Stick to a Routine: A consistent pre-shot routine builds confidence and reduces anxiety.
Focus on the Positive: Visualize successful shots and stay calm under pressure.
Learn to Let Go: Don’t let a bad shot ruin your round. Accept mistakes and focus on the next opportunity.

6. Use Helpful Tools

The right accessories can make your game easier and more enjoyable.

Rangefinders and GPS Devices: Knowing precise distances lets you make smarter club selections.
Alignment Aids: Tools like alignment sticks can improve your aim and help you stay consistent on the course.
Golf Shoes: A solid pair of shoes provides the stability you need to maintain balance during your swing.

Your Path to Smarter Golf

Improving your game doesn’t have to mean endless swing adjustments. By focusing on smarter strategies, optimizing your equipment, and sharpening your mental approach, you can achieve better results and enjoy golf more. Embrace these tips, and let your natural swing take center stage as you play your best rounds yet!