Golf IQ

Will Irwin, Golf Digest Social Media Editor and scratch golfer, opens up about the mental challenges all golfers face. He shares compelling insights on how past mistakes can create 'scar tissue' that influences future shots. Irwin provides three actionable strategies to combat negative thoughts: stepping away to reset, acknowledging fears, and focusing on specific targets instead of broad outcomes. By adjusting expectations and easing into games, players can improve their mental game and enjoy golf more.

In this engaging discussion, guest Will Irwin, Golf Digest's social media editor and scratch golfer, shares his top five anti-steep drills to enhance your swing. He explains the Thumbs-Up Drill for preserving lag and the Figure-of-Eight Drill to help prevent over-the-top slices. Will reveals the Wall-Drag Drill to teach proper hand positioning on the downswing and offers insights on the Choke-Down Drill to avoid early extension. Plus, discover the Right-Hand-Softness Drill to achieve a shallower release, all emphasizing the importance of consistent practice and commitment.

Baden Schaff, co-founder of Skillest and expert in digital golf coaching, shares his insights on leveraging remote lessons for golfers. He discusses how Skillest connects students with coaches while emphasizing the benefits of small, frequent lessons for lasting improvement. Baden explains the value of experimenting independently and staying connected with coaches through ongoing messaging. He also offers tips on finding the right coach and highlights the emergence of proactive coaches who provide free content to engage students early in their journey.

Drew Powell, a seasoned golf coach and writer, shares his insights into the mindset of scratch golfers. He discusses how small changes in thinking make a big difference, like adjusting strategies instead of hating on difficult holes. Powell emphasizes the importance of measuring distances precisely and estimating wind effects in yards for better decision-making. The duo also highlights the ongoing nature of improvement and the need to adopt specific practices, focusing on intent during long putts, which ultimately sets successful golfers apart from amateurs.

Drew Powell, a golf coach and analyst, shares expert insights on how amateurs can effectively learn from professional golfers. He emphasizes the importance of body type and mobility in picking a swing model, advising to start with players who resemble your physical attributes. Powell critiques extreme swings, like Dustin Johnson's, advocating for neutral, consistent techniques instead. He highlights the value of examining clubface position and praises swing icons such as Annika Sorenstam for their simplicity, making them ideal models for average golfers.

Sam Weinman, golf journalist and mental-game expert, dives into the intriguing 'paradox of choice' and its detrimental effects on golfers' decision-making. He explains how having too many options can lead to paralysis and second-guessing on the course. Sam emphasizes the importance of commitment to a chosen shot, even if it's not perfect, to enhance execution. By using data-driven frameworks and focusing on practicing core shots, golfers can simplify their choices. The conversation encourages a more straightforward approach to the game, advocating for 'boring golf' to boost confidence.

LKD and Drew Powell are back for Part 2 of this miniseries detailing their offseason practice plan. This time Drew details what he wants to improve upon. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the first of a two-part mini series, LKD details how he's trying to feel comfortable hitting a fade for next golf season. As someone who typically draws the ball, and whose miss is a hook, a fade makes him uncomfortable for all sorts of reasons. Together with Drew Powell, LKD has come up with a plan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You read that right. Using a swing robot, we tested different swing paths and ball flights to see how much distance a slicer could gain by straightening their ball flight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LKD and Drew Powell have another tip from Golf Digest No. 1 Teacher Mark Blackburn, this time regarding how you should set up to hit shots out of the rough. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.