How Titleist optimised their fairway woods for flight, feel and forgiveness

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The article below was written by Hannah Holden of National Club Golfer.

Titleist are back with the latest iteration of their Speed Project, The Titleist TSR fairway woods. So what’s new?

When it came to designing their latest fairway woods Titleist had a few things they wanted to zone in on. Flight, Feel, Form and Forgiveness.

 

Titleist TSR fairway woods: the technology

The shaping of the new woods is very player informed. Not only do Titleist have a large pool of tour staff to learn from they also use feedback from all the club golfers they see in fittings throughout the season.

The flight was a hugely important area for Titleist to improve. After all, most club golfers struggle to flight a 3-wood properly and miss out on vital yardage by not getting enough height on their fairway wood shots.

Moving the centre of gravity was vital to making these woods easier to launch; each model has a slightly different CG to give each model different ball flight characteristics. The TSR2 has more weight lower, giving it the lowest CG in the range, making it the easiest to hit high.

On the other hand, the TSR3 is designed to launch slightly lower for players who want a more penetrating ball flight.

Repositioning the CG required Titleist to analyse all areas of the club to see where weight could be saved and moved into more optimal areas. This led to the development of Open Hosel Construction. This allowed excess weight, previously high and in the heel, to be moved lower and nearer the club face for more optimal launch and forgiveness.

 

Titleist TSR fairway woods: the line-up

The Titleist TSR fairway woods range features three unique models, the TSR2, TSR2+ and TSR3. Each fairway wood has distinct performance options which suit different types of golfers.

 

Titleist TSR2

Looks. All these fairways have that classic black gloss styling. This sits in the middle of the range with a mid-size profile.

Main attributes. The lowest ever CG in an all-steel construction to create speed and launch without excessive spin 

Who is it for? Golfers who want maximum forgiveness, speed and also help to launch the ball higher.

 

Titleist TSR2+

Looks. The largest wood in this range also has a taller face to give you more confidence hitting this off the tee.

Main attributes. Designed to be a long, forgiving, tee-biased 3-wood. This is the most forgiving club head in this range.

Who is it for? A new tour requested model. It is for players who want an alternative to driver off the tee while still being playable off the deck.

 

Titleist TSR3

Looks. The smallest model in the range with a compact head designed for precision.

Main attributes. The sole features a five-position adjustable CG track system to fine-tune performance. This is the lowest spinning fairway wood in the range.

Who is it for? The better play who wants more precision and workability and who can have the club dialled into their shot shape preference.

 

Titleist TSR fairway woods: on tour

Titleist has seen one of their most successful tour seeding and validation processes for this launch. Before these clubs even hit the market 60 PGA Tour players have put them in play.

Will Zalatoris had the new TSR2+ model in play for his first career PGA Tour win at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

“This is an absolute rocket,” Zalatoris said. “I love this thing. It’s the best 3-wood I’ve ever had. It’s pretty cool to be able to have something besides driver that I can hit off the tee and basically hit it as far as I want. And then if I need to hit it high and soft into greens, I can do that as well.” 

 

Titleist TSR fairway woods: the details

Available: 23rd September (Custom fittings and pre-order now)

RRP: £289 or £459 with premium shaft

Right-handed lofts:
TSR2 15.0°, 16.5°, 18.0°, 21.0° 
TSR2+ 13.0°
TSR3 13.0°, 15.0°, 16.5°, 18.0°

Left-Handed lofts:
TSR2 15.0°, 16.5°, 18.0°
TSR2+ 13.0°
TSR3 15.0°, 16.5°

Titleist featured shafts: Hzrdus Red CB, Tensei AV Blue with XLink Tech, Hzrdus Black, Tensei 1K Black

Premium shafts: Graphite Design Tour AD UB, Tour AD DI, Tour AD IZ

More information: Titleist website

Why it’s time to ban pre-shot routines (yes, really)

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The article below was written by ‘Angry Club Golfer’, via National Club Golfer.

This putt couldn’t have been more than about a foot. And yet there he was – feet astride the hole – feeling for some imaginary break.

He moved behind, pushed out his putter to draw a line, and stayed there in silent contemplation.

It felt like an eternity before he moved up to the ball, swished once, swished twice, before he finally settled.

And then missed the putt. I bit my tongue, pulled my cap further over my brow, and tried not to scream.

Pre-shot routines have become an absolute blight on pace of play.

I don’t like it in the pros. It’s part of the reason we now endure six-hour TV rounds. But at our clubs? Who are we kidding?

See the shot, hit the shot. Not anymore. Now I must watch any number of elaborate waggles, half swings, truncated take-aways, and ridiculously single-minded focus.

All of which have precisely no effect on the results for the player with club in hand. The ball still slices.

This wasn’t the worst I’ve seen, though. Behold. He’d been told he was too crouched. It didn’t help that his spine was as crooked as Richard III’s. No amount of physics was going to change that biological fact.

But anyroad, in a futile bid to get a better angle he would struggle onto the tee, get into his stance, and then try and stand up bolt straight.

He’d put his arms across his chest and then attempt to bend down into a golf position. Sounds straightforward, if a bit strange on the eye.

Except if he didn’t get it quite right, and that happened A LOT, he’d begin the process again. And again. We used to leave him standing on the tee.

This only narrowly beat the playing partner I once had who would take close on a dozen practice swings before each shot. If it was a tricky chip, it could be more.

We were first out and I’d made the entirely reasonable, but ultimately doomed, decision to schedule an appointment for early afternoon.

After an interminable round, where we had the whole course snailed behind us like it was the M25, I resolved never to be in his company again. I’d remove my name when his appeared next to mine on the booking sheet.

This is all just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to pace of play, of course. It’s unenforceable at our clubs. No one has the will to tackle it.

Our committees don’t want the hassle – who can blame them? – and those players on the slow side have worked out they can take as long as they like and no one will do anything more than gnash their teeth in the clubhouse.

It’s bigger than just pre-shot routines. But if we could save a few extra seconds each hole by trying not to mimic Jordan Spieth, wouldn’t that be worth it?

I won’t hold my breath.

The 13 best golf movies of all time

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What are the best golf movies of all time? Well, it’s not easy choosing a definitive list, but we’ve had a go. There have been some belters over the years…and a few stinkers. 

It’s all subjective, of course, so there’s no need to write a letter of complaint. Rather, discuss it amongst yourselves.  

We’re not brave enough to rank them, so we’ll leave that to you. Please note that there’s no place for Goldfinger versus Bond here, obviously. ‘Best Golf Scenes In Non-Golf Movies’ is a work in progress. 

Anyway, here are the 13 best golf movies of all time… 

 

1. From the Rough  

If you liked Coach Carter, you’d enjoy From the Rough. It’s based on a true story and stars Taraji P. Henson as Catana Starks, the first woman ever to coach an all-men’s team at the collegiate level. She overcomes the odds and deep-rooted prejudice to guide a rag-tag group of golfers to…well, that would spoil things.  

Related: The 13 best golf training aids

 

2. Caddyshack  

It’s hard not to think of Caddyshack every time mad-keen golfer Bill Murray rocks up at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Pro-Am. Of all the comical characters at an exclusive golf club, Murray steals the show as Carl Spackler, the groundsman on the hunt for a destructive gopher. The best golf movie ever? Quite possibly. 

 

3. Tommy’s Honour 

This movie centres on pioneer Old Tom Morris’s relationship with his son. It’s a must-watch for anyone with an interest in the history of the game. Peter Mullan and Jack Lowden star, with Ophelia Lovibond as Tommy’s wife Meg and Sam Neill as R&A captain Alexander Boothby. 

 

4. Happy Gilmore 

The character Happy Gilmore was made for Adam Sandler. He’s an angry ice hockey player who swaps the rink for the fairways to try and save his grandmother’s house. Needless to say, it’s a golf comedy film and, as far as we know, not based on a true story. It matters not. Comedy genius would be stretching it, but it’s certainly amusing. 

Related: The 10 best golf holidays for summer 

 

5. Seve the Movie  

This is the true inspirational story of one of golf’s greats. Of course, we remember his famous wins, but there’s much more to admire about Seve’s career. Take a trip down memory lane and discover how this legend first picked up a club. 

 

6. Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius 

Talking of legends, here’s another. Jones is the only golfer to win all four major golf championships in a single season. That was in 1930. Seventy-four years later, along came the film. It stars Jim Caviezel as Jones, with a cast that also includes Jeremy Northam, Malcolm McDowell, Aidan Quinn, and Paul Freeman.  

 

7. The Greatest Game Ever Played 

A heart-warming true story from Walt Disney pictures, this is the account of the 1913 US Open and a 20-year-old amateur, Francis Ouimet, who tees it up against his father’s wishes. Once there, he finds himself locked in a battle with some of the game’s greats. Here’s another ‘against-all-odds’ movie from the studio that brought us Remember the Titans and The Rookie.

Related: The 5 best sunglasses for golf

 

8. Tin Cup 

Kevin Costner starred in several great movies in the nineties—but where does Tin Cup stand? It’s not all about Roy ‘Tin Cup’ McAvoy’s attempts to qualify for the US Open. He’s a washed-up pro, and this is part of the story. But Costner is in his prime, which means there’s a lady involved, too. A golfing rom-com of the highest calibre and, without doubt, one of the best golf movies ever.  

 

9. The Legend of Bagger Vance  

Based on the best-selling novel by Steven Pressfield, The Legend of Bagger Vance stars the excellent Matt Damon and Will Smith. The former is the struggling player, the latter the type of caddie everyone wishes they had. Smith gets a bit preachy at times, but he was in Aladdin and saved the day there, too.  

 

10. Follow the Sun 

This is the inspirational 1951 film biography of Ben Hogan. It stars Glenn Ford as Hogan and Anne Baxter as his wife. Hogan, regarded as one of the game’s greatest ever players, certainly had more than a few interesting stories to tell. There’s his early work as a caddie, his professional career, and the horrific car accident. The story of what happened next is remarkable… 

Related: 7 driving range tips to improve shot consistency 

 

11. Dead Solid Perfect  

Randy Quaid stars as Kenny Lee, an underachieving pro golfer trying to make the tour circuit. It’s based on a best-selling novel by Dan Jenkins, and although it wouldn’t make our top five—if we were ranking them, of course—its Tangerine Dream soundtrack is a major plus.  

 

12. Seven Days In Utopia  

“Spend seven days in Utopia, and you’ll find your game”. Wise words from Robert Duvall, the eccentric rancher who helps a young golfer back on his feet. Luke may have hit rock bottom, but he’s about to learn some life lessons and plot his way back. 

 

13. The Phantom of the Open 

Back in 1976, a shipyard crane operator from Barrow-in-Furness named Maurice Flitcroft gate crashed the British Open by posing as a professional golfer. This was much to the frustration of the golfing elite, but he gained significant media attention and won support from his local community. 

This adaptation of his story is hilarious and has quickly become one of the most popular golf comedy films. 

Six mistakes golfers make during a club fitting

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The article below was written by Hannah Holden of National Club Golfer.

If you’re going to spend all that money on a new set of clubs, the least you can do is make sure the fitting is carried out properly. Hannah Holden has a few tips.

 

Golf club fitting mistakes: getting fit with a range ball

Range balls are range balls for a reason. They are a cheaper product that don’t fly as far or have the same spin and flight characteristics as a premium golf ball.

If you’re going to get fitted, spin is a big variable that helps with precision and control. Not being able to measure this accurately could be detrimental to your overall performance.

So, if possible, always do your research and go somewhere where you can hit a premium golf ball.

 

Golf club fitting mistakes: only getting fit inside

Swing rooms are great for when you are working on technique and getting coaching, but compared to the golf course they are very artificial. Generally you hit off a square mat in a square room which will completely change your alignment and sometimes even your swing. Because of this you definitely won’t see how that club is performing for you.

That is before we even take into account that you cannot see the ball flight or see how the outside elements are reacting with the ball. Personally I like to try and get a fitting outside or on a driving range where I can hit out and see the ball flight.

 

Golf club fitting mistakes: only trying clubs from one brand

You’ve got fourteen clubs, plus a golf ball in your bag. The chances of each one of those pieces of equipment performing the best for you, from one brand, is very slim. So I would always recommend going somewhere and trying out different options.

There are loads of great driving ranges and fitting centres that have loads of options of different brands available. So go in, test them out and see which is your favourite. Then if there’s one brand you really like go ahead and head to their local fitting centre and get really dialled in.

 

Golf club fitting mistakes: testing putters on short putts

We’ve all picked up a putter in the pro shop that has caught our eye, hit a few short putts with it inside and decided it is the one. Then inevitably you get out on the golf course and it doesn’t perform.

Pace putting is crucial to scoring well so you need to test a putter out on a wide variety of length putts as well as on different slopes to see if it really suits your game. So when you’re out testing a putter, you really need to go to those long distances and check if the putter works for you from there.

 

Golf club fitting mistakes: not testing all the options available

It’s really easy to go into a fitting with a preconceived idea of which club is right for you. Maybe it’s Rory’s blades or maybe it’s the most forgiving offering on the market.

You should be exploring all the options available. After all, different clubs perform completely differently for all golfers. Each year there are also more interesting options to help your game. Take the Wilson Launch Pad irons, for example. They have a hybrid-like performance in an iron shaping to deliver forgiveness and ease of use.

It’s worth going into a fitting very open minded and testing out all the options available so you get the clubs that suit you the most.

 

Golf club fitting mistakes: only testing a club once

Think how much your swing and performance changes from day-to-day. Testing clubs on just one occasion probably isn’t going to give you the best reflection of how they will help your game.

I always try to test things out twice, even if it is just once on your own at a range with demos and then again in a proper fitting environment. If you have a pro shop that has demos it can also be a great idea to play a few holes with a club to see how it performs for you out on the course.

The 5 best golf stand bags on the market

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Carrying a golf stand bag can be a burden if it is poorly designed.

Not only can its weight slow you down, but limited storage space could mean carting an extra bag around the course with you. Or a lack of extra padding on the shoulder straps could leave you in pain the following day.

Your gear could even become damaged or lost if it isn’t secured within a good quality bag. This includes your clubs and valuables such as your keys or smartphone.

Here you’ll find the best golf stand bags on the market, from high-end products to more budget-friendly options, so you and your gear can remain in top shape.

 

1. BIG MAX Dri Lite Hybrid Tour, £219.90

dri lite golf stand bag in light blue

Key features:

  • 14-way divider top 
  • Waterproof design 
  • Available in six different colours

A Golf Monthly’s Editor’s Choice product is kicking off our list, which sets the tone for the standard we look for when making recommendations.

Not only does it offer plenty of storage, but it will also keep your gear dry, thanks to the 100% waterproof material and sealed zippers.

There are five different pockets, one of which is an integrated cooler pocket, meaning you can keep your food and drinks cold when on the go. This is particularly useful during the warmer season.

If you hope to take advantage of its hybrid design, you’ll be pleased to know the trolley-compatible bottom will keep the bag perfectly square during transit. The bag only weighs just over 4lbs, so when you need to carry it by hand, you won’t be overly exerted.

Aesthetics are an important factor to many golfers, and this bag comes in a modern, sleek design. It’s also available in six different colours, so you can customise your purchase to ensure it matches the rest of your gear.

Related: How to play golf on a budget

 

2. Wilson Prostaff Golf Stand Bag, £79.99 (RRP £119.99)

Key features:

  • Four-way divider top
  • Lightweight design 
  • Rain hood 

Despite its low price, this product offers many of the same features seen in high-end models.

If comfort and endurance are your priorities, we’d recommend taking a closer look. Not only is it super lightweight weighing only 4lbs, but it also comes with an ergonomic double strap for a comfortable fit.

Aside from the club storage compartment divided into four sections, there are multiple pockets for storing the rest of your gear. These include:

  • full-length garment pocket
  • valuables pouch
  • insulated drinks pocket
  • four accessory pockets

There’s also an umbrella holder, Velcro glove patch, and a towel ring, demonstrating the attention to detail that has gone into the design of this budget-friendly option.

One of the best cheap golf stand bags on the market, the only downside to this product is that it isn’t fully waterproof. However, it comes with a rain hood, which may suffice if you tend to plan your rounds according to the weather forecast.

If you’re willing to spend a little extra, the Wilson Staff waterproof golf stand bag offers similar features whilst keeping your gear dry.  

Related: How many golf clubs can you carry?

 

3. PING Hoofer Lite Golf Stand Bag, £139.99 (RRP £185)

PING hoofer lite golf stand bag

Key features:

  • Five-way divider top
  • Customisable ball pocket
  • Convertible shoulder straps 

Weighing just 5lbs, the PING Hoofer Lite is 0.5lbs lighter than the original, so you’ll benefit from increased endurance during your games if you opt for this model.

You’d struggle to find a more organised golf stand bag, as it comes with multiple pockets that are spacious and specially designed to cater to every golfer’s storage needs. There’s a full-length apparel pocket for storing a change of clothes, a secure pouch for valuables, and even a customisable golf ball pocket.

Its design is stylish yet innovative for those who want their golf stand bag to prioritise comfort. The double shoulder straps can be converted for single-strap use, and there’s a cart-strap channel included as part of this model’s design—so transporting this bag is easier than ever.

Other useful features include:

  • glove attachment
  • towel clip
  • umbrella loop
  • built-in lift assist

As you can see, this is one of the best golf stand bags in terms of the range of features it offers.

However, the one downside to this product is that it isn’t waterproof—but if this is a deal-breaker, you could opt for the PING Hoofer monsoon for a slightly higher price.

Related: The best golf club sets for intermediate players

 

4. Titleist Players 4 StaDry waterproof golf stand bag, £219

Titleist players golf stand bag

Key features:

  • Four-way divider
  • Waterproof design
  • Available in seven different colours

The clue is in the name, this golf stand bag from Titleist is fully waterproof thanks to the StaDry Waterproof construction and its seam-sealed zippers for added protection against moisture.

Despite its waterproof capabilities, it still weighs only 3.8lbs and is the lightest golf stand bag on our list. So, if you’re planning on carrying it by hand, you needn’t worry about it being too much of a burden.

In terms of design, the bag is sleek and has a premium, classic feel. It comes in seven different colour options, each with the stylish Titleist logo emblazoned on the side, so you can customise your purchase to match the rest of your gear.

The stand is of a brilliant quality thanks so its high-grade aluminium legs and hinged bottom, so you shouldn’t have any issues with stability.

Related: How to organise a golf bag

 

5. MacGregor Hybrid Golf Stand Bag, £108

Macgregor hybrid golf stand bag

Key features:

  • 14-way divider top 
  • 11 pockets in total 
  • Fully hybrid design

This is hands down one of the best cheap golf stand bags available due to its expansive range of features.

The 14-way divider top provides a designated space for each of your clubs, which is a nice addition for those who like to be extra organised.

There are also 11 pockets, including those specially designed for mobile phones, valuables, and even scorecards. This shows the thought that has really gone into its design.

MacGregor has developed this bag to be fully hybrid so that you can easily transport it manually or via a cart or trolley. They also incorporated anti-slip fabric into its design, which helps to protect it and keep it in place during transportation.

While it’s not fully waterproof, it comes with a quick-fixing hood to protect your gear during random bouts of rain.

Related: 7 driving range tips to improve shot consistency

 

What to look for in a golf stand bag 

1. Comfort

You’re going to be carrying this bag for a while. The average 18-hole round of golf takes four and a half hours, so you don’t want to choose a bag that will wear you down.

Look out for bags with padded straps and ensure the harness can be adjusted to the right size for your frame. An ill-fitting golf bag can cause more trouble than one with limited padding.

Some bags even come with padding around the hips and back. So, if you’re currently looking to replace a bag that’s not up to scratch in terms of comfort, this feature should be a priority.

 

2. Weight

Leading on from comfort, weight certainly matters if you’re going to be wearing the bag for an extended period.

While you’ll mainly use the stand during the round, a heavy bag will quickly become a burden when moving between holes, not to mention the walk back to the car park after a heavy round.

Keep a tab on the weight of the golf bags you’re considering, and opt for a lightweight model if you cannot attach it to a trolley or cart.

 

3. Storage capacity

If you’re looking for a bag you can use to store away all your golf gear, it goes without saying that you should choose a product with a decent storage capacity.

Some bags come with more pockets than others and even have those specially designed to hold valuables or different forms of equipment.

 

4. Quality 

Perhaps one of the most important factors to look for in a golf stand bag is the quality of its design.

Since the golf equipment market is saturated with knockoff products, it’s easy to fall into the trap of what you think is a good bargain.

We’d recommend scouring the review section of any product you’re considering and seeing what other customers say about its quality.

It’s also worth steering clear of cheap knockoffs and opting for a well-known brand or one that appears reliable through an abundance of good reviews.

 

5. Waterproof 

Let’s face it, golfing in the UK has a significant risk of getting caught in the rain.

If you’re concerned that this could damage your gear or, at the very least, inconvenience you, it may be best to opt for a waterproof golf stand bag.

We’ve included a few high-quality options in our list, and we’d recommend spending the extra money if you want to keep your equipment safe and dry.

How to use golf alignment sticks

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Head to the practice range during a tournament, and you’ll see a lot of alignment sticks. You may have a couple you keep slotted away in your bag, in which case you probably have a good idea of how to use them. Alignment sticks, or drill sticks as they’re also referred to, are an essential piece of golf kit. In fact, anyone taking up the game would do well to buy a couple straight away—it would certainly help ingrain the basics from the very beginning.

The clue is in the name—alignment sticks are designed to help your alignment. However, there are several ways you can use them and a whole variety of drills that require alignment sticks to help you improve. In short, they do a lot more than the name suggests.

Here’s how to use golf alignment sticks.

 

1. Shot shaping

Set two sticks down parallel, one for your feet and one for your club (see video below). To work on a fade, aim the stick nearest you to the left (for right-handed golfers). Align your feet with the stick and simply take your swing—hopefully, you’ll hit a nice, soft fade (left to right shape).

If you want to hit a draw, aim the stick nearest you to the right. Align your feet with the stick and take your swing. Of course, there are various other aspects to the golf swing, such as the grip, but if everything else is in order, you’ll hopefully hit a draw (right to left shape).

 

2. Ball position

You can never spend too much time working on the basics—ball position being one of them. This drill can help to identify any flaws you might have in your set-up. Set two alignment sticks up like crosshairs. With a 7-iron, you want the ball in the middle of your stance. Take your set-up and hit some balls, keeping the alignment sticks in position.

You can also use the crosshairs to help shift the ball back in your stance, which will encourage you to punch down on the ball—a useful shot to have if you’re looking to keep one under the wind.

Perhaps someone has told you that you have the ball too far back in your stance when you’re driving. Again, you can use the alignment stick to line the ball up just inside your lead heel, which is where it should be.

 

3. Swing plane

Set an alignment stick in the ground behind you at approximately 45 degrees. On your backswing, get that feeling as though you’re taking the club over the stick and then under it on the way through. Many club golfers tend to go ‘under and over’, which creates that cutting-across-the-ball action. This alignment stick drill simply encourages you to get back to neutral.

 

4. Holing out

Here’s a simple drill that can work wonders for multiple parts of your putting technique and one that Jordan Spieth frequently uses. To start, find a flat spot on your putting green and set your alignment stick up parallel to your target line and just on the right edge of the hole (just switch around if you’re a left-hander). You can use varying distances, but 5-6 feet is a good place to start.

Set the ball up just inside the alignment stick so that the edge of your putter is almost touching it. The drill provides a fantastic visual aid. If you move the clubhead out and away from its natural arc, it will cross over the alignment stick, and you’ll be able to see that instantly. If you can see the clubhead moving slightly on the inside away from the alignment stick on the way through, it will move on the correct arc.

As well as helping you to groove the right path, the alignment stick will also show you whether your clubface is square at impact. It’s so simple to set-up, and it can help eradicate your pushes or pulls very quickly.

 

5. Bunker basics

Lay two alignment sticks down in a bunker, a ball’s width apart. Pop down two balls and set up so you have a club head’s width between the lead stick (ideally, this will be a different colour). Flare your feet, hold your sand wedge in the air, open the face slightly, and put your hands on the club.

At this point, the clubface is aiming really far to the right. However, as you settle down into position (see video below) with the weight forward, the loft goes from pointing to the right to pointing towards the target.

Make an impression in the sand where the alignment sticks are, and then take them out. The aim now is to work along the two lines left by the alignment sticks. Take your set up away from the golf ball. You want to develop a feel as though this is an upper body-driven movement with the lower half staying relatively quiet. You should be looking to impact the back line, taking out the sand through the forward line.

As you work along the lines, you’ll get instant feedback on whether you’re striking too far behind or too far in front. This visual aid will help you to groove a consistent strike where you’re taking the right amount of sand each time.

 

6. Hip rotation

how to use golf alignment sticks

If you’re struggling to strike your irons cleanly, you might want to try this one. This drill will help you to understand how exactly the lower body should work in the backswing.

Put two balls down and build your stance around the one closest to you (see video below). The ball should be in the middle of your heels. Put the alignment stick on the ground just outside the other ball and place it into the belt buckle on your trousers. As you stand, you should be able to place your arms across your shoulders, and the alignment stick should be in the middle of your stance.

From here, make what you feel would be a normal rotational move into the backswing—so allow your hips and shoulders to move. Keep your eye on how the alignment stick moves in relation to the golf ball between your heels.

The most common fault among club golfers is swaying, where the hips move laterally off to the right away from the target. If you’re guilty of this, you’ll see the alignment stick move behind the ball.

You should try to make a rotation but keep the alignment stick centred, pretty much over the ball. The idea isn’t to try and keep the alignment stick still by hardly moving. You want the hips to be allowed to rotate.

Rehearse this over and over again, and it will highlight any excessive movements. You’ll learn how to get yourself a lot more centred over the ball at the top of your backswing, and you’ll find it a lot easier to shift your pressure onto your lead side, which will deliver the golf club with a more descending blow. In short, you’ll start to hit the ball more cleanly and with greater accuracy.

 

7. Pitch drill

This drill might look a little awkward, but it’s one that could transform your short game. This drill aims to reduce wrist action to promote shaft lean. Someone may have called your action a little ‘flippy’, which is where the right-hand takes over (see video below). However, using an alignment stick can tidy all this up.

If you can put the stick down the shaft through the grip, that’s ideal. However, you can just put it alongside. Rehearse some pitch shots and get used to the stick being out of the way—it shouldn’t be hitting you in the side. It’ll help you groove the correct action and promote a cleaner strike, and you should see more of your pitch shots finishing closer to the hole.