In case you missed it, we just had a fantastic week of golfing weather in the PNW that was simply too good to pass up. The kind of weather that lures even the busiest golfer onto the green with its promise of fresh air and perfect temperatures.

But if, for some reason, you didn't manage to hit the course this week, no worries! This week's newsletter is here to provide you with inspiration, insights, and a gentle nudge to fine-tune your game and set your sights on shooting those lower scores. Enjoy the read and get ready to elevate your golfing journey!

What You’ll Learn Today

✅ How I learned putting speed control and how you can replicate it

✅ The environment you need to become a world class shot making wizard

✅ My 3 rules when hitting driver

✅ How to establish a golf handicap

Putting in Darkness… Who Knew?

During my high school years, my brother and I were the self-proclaimed kings of nocturnal escapades in our snug hometown on Colorado's Western Slope. When the usual options of hanging out with friends, attending local gatherings, or playfully raising a bit of harmless havoc were momentarily off the table, we had a tried-and-true plan: make a beeline for the local golf course.

As the town wound down for the night, the golf course metamorphosed into an enigmatic realm. We'd venture towards the putting green, its contours faintly outlined by the delicate glow of the small parking lot lights. A scene set in shadows, the perfect backdrop for the theater of our imaginations.

The shroud of darkness wasn't a deterrent; it was an invitation. Armed with nothing more than our trusty putters and a pocketful of golf balls, we embarked on a mission: to send long putts gliding across the dimly illuminated green. Our ears became invaluable allies, attuned to catch the faint symphony of ball meeting metal as it encountered the short flagstick. Every so often, a triumphant clink would resound through the night air, an audible proclamation of our success. Occasionally, the ball would find its destiny in the cup; other times, it would wander astray.

Our ultimate pastime was the fabled two-putt challenge. We'd navigate from hole to hole, locked in fierce competition, vying for the ultimate prize – the grandeur of bragging rights. Those nights were a cocktail of playful rivalry, jovial repartee, and the exhilaration of venturing into the unknown darkness.

As the curtain fell on each night's adventure, we'd return home, ready to face whatever fate awaited us. Some mornings, humility would take center stage as I confessed my defeat to parents and older brother around the breakfast table. Other times, I'd bask in the warmth of the morning sun, head held high as the undisputed champion.

This cherished memory resurfaced this week when I pondered the question: "How do you instill a player with the delicate touch needed on the putting green? How do you help them adjust to varying green speeds?" And then it hit me – those nights on the putting green held the key. They had been a training ground for developing our touch. The darkness had heightened our sensitivity, forcing us to rely solely on the feel of the putting stroke since we couldn't track the ball's journey to the hole.

In a way, those dimly lit putting green expeditions were a classroom of their own, teaching us a lesson about finesse and touch that drills couldn’t replicate. The memory remains etched in my mind, a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable lessons are learned under the cover of darkness, one putt at a time.

Here’s a quick tip….

So, here's a little experiment for you to try out on the putting green this week. Close your eyes as you putt towards a hole, and before you unveil your vision, challenge yourself to predict whether your putt ended up short, long, or with perfect speed. The goal here isn't about sinking putts; it's about honing your feel for the greens.

Just a quick side note: I don't recommend sneaking onto your local golf course's putting green in the middle of the night – unless, of course, they're cool with it. Wishing you the best of luck as you fine-tune your putting touch!

Driver Rules

I have a few rules when it comes to hitting tee shots. Maybe you’ll find them useful, maybe you won’t. Either way, I’m going to share them with you.

Rule #1: NEVER aim at trouble

When I’m planning out my tee shot, I will rate different areas of the hole by how penalizing I see them. If I see out of bound on the left and water on the right, I’m going to choose to aim away from out of bounds and move my target close to the water. Why? Because out of bounds is the bigger penalty if I hit it there.

Rule #2: Know the numbers

Old school golf is “hit the fairway” thinking. Now, with strokes gained data and some people who are WAY smarter than I am, we have some unbelievable statistics that prove getting the ball closer to the hole is all that matters. If you nerd out on golf and you love numbers, check out the book Every Shot Counts by Mark Broadie. I won’t even try to go into the details, you just need to read it.

Rule #3: 65 yards

For me to hit driver, I’ve determined that I need a minimum landing area that is 65 yards wide. 65 yards wide is measured from penalty area to penalty area. This allows for plenty of room to “miss” a shot and still keep the ball in play. However, there are a couple of exceptions. If you don’t know how wide your average dispersion is with driver, I would highly recommend taking a winter lesson on my FlightScope Mevo+ (sorry for the plug) and figuring it out.

Weekly Challenge: Master the Art of Shot Making with the Three Club Challenge

Ever yearned to master the art of altering ball trajectories and crafting elegant curves? If you've found yourself intrigued but unsure of where to start, it's possible you just haven't placed yourself in the right environment. This week's game, one of the most exhilarating shot-making challenges I've encountered, offers an opportunity to hone your skills in a way that's both fun and rewarding. Give it a shot (pun intended), and who knows, you might just uncover a hidden talent.

How to Play

1. Select three clubs from your golf bag. Yes, your trusty putter counts as one of the chosen trio.

2. Now, head out for a round. What's your final score?

When you're teeing off with only three clubs, you're compelled to conjure creative shots that you might not have tried otherwise. Sometimes, you'll need to impart a bit more power, other times a gentler touch. You might aim higher, go lower, add spin, or even rely on the bounce. This delightful challenge isn't just a playful game – it's a pathway to mastering a spectrum of shots. And, imagine the camaraderie when your entire foursome joins in, vying to claim the title of the day's lowest score. Give it a go and enjoy the journey of becoming a shot-making virtuoso..

Questions from my wife who doesn’t golf

👩 Wife: How do you get a golf handicap?

🏌️‍♂️ Me: Most of the time, you can ask your local pro shop if you can sign up for one through their club. If they don’t have one, then visit your state golf associations website. There will be a small fee. Once you’ve signed up, you will be able to post your scores through the GHIN mobile app or on your computer. It takes a minimum of three rounds of golf to get a handicap, but it will be a lot more accurate when you get to 20 rounds.

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