Blue Ribbon Gear – Putting Aids

With the start of the new year and many golfers stuck inside, we thought it was a perfect time to hand out some Blue Ribbon Gear awards to the best putting trainers.  We went back through our entire catalog of putting training aid reviews to find the five best, so no matter what your issue, there’s a trainer here that will help you sink more putts.

Note: This list covers a diverse array of trainers, and the order they are listed in should not be taken to indicate a ranking.

PUR Truth Trainer

I know I just said this list isn’t in order, but if I had to give every golfer one putting trainer, it would be the PUR Truth Trainer.  The reason is simple: this trainer does it all.  It has the best gate trainer I’ve ever used, and the variable length allows you to ramp up the difficulty to nearly impossible levels.

On top of that, it has the ability to train any stroke shape, eye positioning, stroke height, and stroke length.  The Ghost Holes also let you work on speed control and reads.  Finally, most of these pieces work independently, so you can pick and choose exactly what you want to work on in each session, or you can go nuts and put them all together to form putting trainer Voltron.

Full PUR Truth Trainer review HERE

Use code PLUG to save 20% on all PUR trainers HERE

If the PUR Truth Trainer is a little overwhelming to you, check out the PUR Truth Prepare.  This is “just” the gate trainer, which is still an amazing tool for dialing in your putting.

Full PUR Truth Prepare review HERE

Use code PLUG to save 20% on all PUR trainers HERE

PuttOUT Pressure Putt Trainer

The PuttOUT Pressure Putt Trainer is the most addictive putting trainer I’ve ever tested.  Its genius is in its simplicity – get the ball to stop in the small depression on the ramp.  Not only is it easy to understand and use, the ramp returns every missed attempt, prompting you to give it another go.  Also, the circle at the bottom of the ramp is the same size as a regulation hole, so even your misses should build your confidence.

At just $30, this trainer is a great value and the best way to motivate yourself to spend more time on your putting mat.

Full PuttOUT Pressure Trainer review HERE

WhyGolf Putting Thing

The WhyGolf Putting Thing earns a spot on this list for its ease of use and smart added features.  This is a dual gate trainer – one gate for the ball, one gate for the putter head.  You can use both gates at once or focus only on one element.  Any adjustment takes only a couple seconds leaving more time for practice.

WhyGolf leveled up the Putting Thing by adding an alignment rail (not pictured above) which allows the Putting Thing to help you with your reads and distance control.  Finally, the alignment rail serves as a Stimpmeter, so you can get a scientific measurement of the green speed rather than guessing.

Full WhyGolf Putting Thing review HERE

A Great Putting Mat

One of the best ways to improve your putting is to have a great putting mat at home.  A mat that lies flat, has consistent speed, and rolls true will give you the opportunity to get honest feedback on your putting 365 days a year.

Three putting mats that deserve to be considered as the best in the field are those from PuttOUT and PrimePutt.  PuttOUT offers mats in a variety of sizes, they roll up easily, and they’re affordable.  If you want a larger, more premium option – and you have the space to leave it set up – you should consider PrimePutt.  Finally, if you have the requisite space and need more variety in your life, the PuttOUT AirBreak is impossible to beat.

Full review of PuttOUT Putting Mats HERE

Full review of the PuttOUT AirBreak HERE

Full review of the PrimePutt Putting Mat HERE

SlingShot Lights Out Trainer

The SlingShot Lights Out Trainer is a bit of a sleeper pick, but it’s a training aid that’s stayed in my rotation for over two years.  This simple putting target is surprisingly tricky to master.  Actually, I’ll be more honest – it can be maddening when your aren’t in full command of your speed.  But like the PuttOUT Pressure Putt Trainer, even your “misses” are makes, so you’re training yourself to a tougher-than-necessary standard.  Additionally, the Lights Out Trainer gives you the ability to putt anywhere.  You can throw it down on an indoor mat or create an extra hole on a crowded practice green.

The only hangup is that – as of this writing – SlingShot only sells the Lights Out as part of a package.  Perhaps a bunch of emails from Plugged In Golf readers could convince them to change that.

Full Lights Out review HERE

The post Top 5 Putting Training Aids – Blue Ribbon Gear appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

Are You Good for Golf?

“Grow the game” is a phrase that’s been thrown around golf for as long as I can remember.  Every year at the PGA Show, there is at least one seminar about growing the game.  It’s become so cliche that it’s now mocked in some corners of the golf internet with the hashtag #ShrinkTheGame.

I’m going to argue that “growing” golf – however you measure it – isn’t the right goal.  More accurately, it’s not the right goal for you and me.  We don’t own golf courses or golf club companies, so we don’t care if golf “grows” or not.  What regular golfers should be thinking about is bettering the game, which leads us to our question: “Are you good for golf?”

Golf Is Us

Golf is not a nebulous thing.  Golf is us – everyone reading this.  We are golf.  

I believe that’s important to think about.  It’s easy to feel small and irrelevant – there are loads of things we don’t control and many of them don’t go the direction we’d like – but we are the game.  As such, we decide how good golf is.

A Better Prompt Leads to Better Action

“Grow the game” feels like (and is) someone else’s problem.  There are countless factors involved in golf’s growth that are well beyond our control.  “Better the game”, however, is something everyone can do.

Bettering the game can start very small.  If you fix your ball marks or repair your divots, you’re bettering the game because you’re helping to maintain the course.  You might say that these things are expected, the basics, the bare minimum.  I wouldn’t disagree, but I would point out that they’re not technically required and not everyone does them, so if you do them, good on you.  We can celebrate the little wins.

Would You Want to Play with You?

Another step would be considering the environment you create when you’re at a golf course.  Preston Toulon [listen to our podcast with Preston HERE] summed this up beautifully:

You don’t have to play great, you just have to be great to play with.

Being great to play with doesn’t mean going miles out of your way.  It could just be the elimination of negative behaviors – slow play, explosions of anger, rudeness to the people who work at the course.  On the range, you can be mindful of your noise.  On the putting green, you can be aware of sharing the space when it’s crowded.

Of course, you’re welcome to go above and beyond.  If you and a friend are playing with a single, you can try to make them feel included.  You could offer encouragement (but not coaching, please) to a new player.  If you’ve ever played with someone and left saying to yourself, “Wow, that person was great to play with,” think about what they did and emulate it.

Understanding #ShrinkTheGame

To those who want to “shrink” golf, I get it.  If you scroll through my history, I’ve probably tweeted it before.  I’ve certainly said it to friends.  Golf, like life, is full of frustrations, and most of them are connected to other people.

Guy in front of you filming every swing he makes?  #ShrinkTheGame

Group playing as a six-some and acting like they own the course?  #ShrinkTheGame

Green full of unrepaired ball marks?  #ShrinkTheGame

The problem is, you can’t shrink the game.  Nothing you do will make those people stop playing golf.  And I’m not sure you want to actually shrink the game; you want to get rid of ignorant behavior on the course.  To do that, you need to…

Be the Solution

Set the example for other players.  It’s a rare person who will see someone else doing the right thing and continue doing wrong.  They exist, but we have to believe they’re the tiny minority (if they’re not, we’re sunk).

When you encounter a slow player, an aspiring YouTuber, or a ball mark denier, try giving them the benefit of the doubt.  Offer a solution rather than a criticism.  “Excuse me, do you need to borrow a ball mark repair tool?  You hit a good approach, and it left a nice mark over there.”  That may be uncomfortable and my suggestion a bit Pollyanna-ish, but I suspect it will work better than “Hey, ****head, fix that mark.”  Or just fix the mark for them while complimenting the approach shot.

Positive behaviors create a virtuous cycle just as certainly as negative ones create a downward spiral.  If we respond to a pockmarked green by fixing extra marks, things will improve.  If we respond to slow play by screaming at the group in front of us, the course becomes slow and hostile.

Let’s forget about growing golf and make it better instead.  If golf gets a lot better, I think the growth will take care of itself.

The post Don’t Grow Golf, Better Golf appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

The Best Gifts for Golfers

We went big this year with over a dozen amazing gift ideas and four exclusive deals.  We have you covered head to toe, throughout the bag, and beyond with gift ideas for the golfer on your gift list.  Don’t delay, get a jump on your holiday shopping with the Plugged In Golf 2025 Holiday Gift Guide.

PrimePutt Putting Mats

If you want to help your favorite golfer sharpen their skills in all weather, there’s no better gift than a great putting mat, and it’s hard to beat one that’s endorsed by a busload of professional golfers.  Sean O’Hair, a 4X PGA Tour winner, says it “feels just like PGA turf” and Taylor Montgomery, the #1 ranked putter on the PGA Tour says its “the perfect putting aid.”  And with four different sizes, you can find a PrimePutt mat to fit any home.

Full review HERE

Shop PrimePutt HERE

Swing Caddie SC4 Pro Launch Monitor

Plugged In Golf’s favorite personal launch monitor gets upgraded with new metrics and a new app.  The SC4 Pro has unparalleled ease of use – no smart device required – and fantastic accuracy.  If you want to help your favorite golfer upgrade their practice, this is a great, affordable option.

Full review HERE

Save $100 on the SC4 Pro HERE

Motocaddy M7 GPS Remote Electric Caddy

For the golfer who tops the ‘nice’ list, check out the Motocaddy M7 GPS Remote electric caddy.  Whether using the handle controls or remote control unit, navigating the golf course is a breeze.  But the real magic is with the fully integrated GPS that provides course data on a beautiful 3.5″ LCD touchscreen.  The M7 GPS is the gift that will leave them speechless.

Full review HERE

Shop Motocaddy HERE

Don’t miss the $400 Black Friday discount

Newton Golf Gravity Putters

Newton’s Gravity putters feel like nothing else in the game thanks to their Ultra-Low Balance Point technology.  With super light shafts and grips, these putters help you to produce a buttery smooth stroke with enhanced distance control.  Newton offers five classic head shapes and several hosel configurations so you can find exactly the performance you need.

Full review HERE

Shop Newton Golf HERE

Duca del Cosma Bernardo

No golf gift guide would be complete without golf shoes, and the Bernardo black from Duca del Cosma are a great choice this season.  Made from premium quality Nappa leather, the shoes also feature high-tech materials from the insoles to the spikes.  Comfort, stability, and style – a winning combo.

Shop Duca del Cosma HERE

Katalyst

Katalyst doesn’t look like normal home workout equipment – it’s a powerful tool for golfers.  Using Electro Muscle Stimulation, this system allows you to get a full body strength workout in just twenty minutes with virtually zero injury risk and very little fatigue.  Katalyst can increase core stability and rotational power, boosting club head speed and control.

Full review HERE

Shop Katalyst HERE

Save 10% & get one year free ($588 value) w/code PLUGGEDIN

GenTeal Apparel

One glance at the GenTeal website and you’ll know that the brand is about everyday comfort and style – where ever that day is.  With moisture-wicking sleeves and back, plus quilted front, the Downey Half-Zip is a great choice for the golf course when temperatures drop.  The Casper Untucked Performance Sport Shirt is aptly named and pairs perfectly with the Billings Five-Pocket Pant.  And it wouldn’t be a proper gift guide without a sporty polo – GenTeal offers a nice variety.

Shop GenTeal HERE

Scheyden CIA Grabber Sunglasses

In the last 24 months, more PGA Tour Pros have switched to Scheyden than any other sunglasses, and it’s easy to understand why.  The CIA Grabber is light and comfortable for all day wear, and the lenses provide industry-leading clarity.  Available with three different frame colors and two lenses, you can customize them to your style and the brightness of your surroundings.

Shop Scheyden Sunglasses HERE

Save 20% with code PluggedIn20

TravisMathew Shoes

Most golfers are familiar with TravisMathew apparel, but did you know they offer outstanding casual shoes?  The Modern One (above left) has a stylish knit upper highlighted with leather accents.  The Daily Lite is constructed with a one piece upper for a slip-on look and feel.  Both shoes feature SweetSpot Cushioning, which Meeker calls heavenly.

Shop TravisMathew HERE

Garage Golf Package from Carl’s Place

Whether they’ve been dreaming of transforming the garage into a golfer’s paradise, or you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy, the Garage Golf Package simulator kit from Carl’s Place is the answer.  This complete bundle is packed with top picks from the golf simulator online community and it’s designed to fit most garages, with the option to customize per space. It includes the DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure Kit with a Premium Impact Screen, the BenQ AH700ST projector for crystal-clear imagery, and Carl’s HotShot 4×9 Hitting Mat for that real-fairway feel. With the choice of the Uneekor EYE MINI or EYE MINI LITE, this bundle gives them all the tools they need for top-notch golf no matter the season.

Shop Carl’s Place HERE

Shot Scope V5 GPS + Shot Tracker

If you want to help your favorite golfer lower their handicap, there may not be a better gift than the Shot Scope V5.  The watch’s GPS functions will give them detailed information on every hole, and the shot tracker will provide limitless insights into their game so they can practice smarter and shoot lower scores.

Full review HERE

Shop Shot Scope HERE

Voice Caddie Laser Fit

The Laser Fit from Voice Caddie is tiny and has a price tag to match, but don’t let that fool you – this pocket-sized rangefinder has industry-leading tech.  It has blazing speed and outstanding accuracy, plus the unique Ball to Pin measurement which takes some of the misery out of cart path only days.

Full review HERE

Get Exclusive Voice Caddie Pricing HERE

Eagle Links Golf

If you know a golfer who is fan of Premier League soccer, you’re shopping just got easier.  The Eagle Links Golf headcovers and scorecard holders capture the colors and locations of the great teams that play on our TV screens every week.  Great quality and budget friendly too.

Shop Eagle Links HERE

Revo Sunglasses

The post 2024 Plugged In Golf Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

Aptly Named

Located within the 3.4 million acre Death Valley National Park, the palm trees and greenery of The Oasis is a welcoming respite from the seemingly endless, sparse desert surrounds.  About a 2 hour drive from Las Vegas and literally appearing out of nowhere – I can’t think of a more appropriate name than The Oasis at Death Valley.

The Oasis is actually comprised of two properties – The Inn (above) and The Ranch (below).  Separated by less than a mile, the two properties are distinctly different.  Built in 1927, The Inn underwent a massive $100M+ renovation in 2017 that included adding one bedroom casitas to the property.  With its AAA four-diamond rating, The Inn offers unexpected luxury with breathtaking views.

The Ranch is also aptly named and includes a saloon, general store, ice cream parlor, stables and, most importantly for PIG readers, a golf course.  You simply don’t expect to find acres of green grass in such a harsh environment.  And literally a decent tee shot away is the Death Valley NP Furnace Creek visitor center.  I’ll delve more into both properties, but first a look back.

History

So how did this privately owned oasis come about?  Back in 1872 borates (inorganic salts that contain boron and oxygen) were discovered in Nevada and then, in 1881, in Death Valley in California.  Pacific Coast Borax established camps to mine the mineral and used 20-mule teams to haul borate 164 miles across the Mojave Desert.  If you’ve never heard of 20 Mule Team Borax, ask your parents or grandparents – it was a hugely popular brand.  In 1894 a railway was built and the mules were retired, but mining went on.  To make the railway more profitable, the Furnace Creek Inn was built in 1927 in hopes of attracting tourists to the rugged yet impressive landscape.  In 1933 Death Valley National Monument was established to protect the area and, as you probably have concluded, The Inn and some adjacent lands were carved out to remain privately owned.  It wasn’t until 1994 that Death Valley became a national park.

The Inn Today

If you’re a fan of grand old hotels, The Inn at Death Valley will knock your socks off.  The distinctive Spanish Mission style exudes opulence without boasting of it.

Rooms are large with all the modern conveniences you expect in today’s world, but maybe not in the middle of the desert.  My room had a balcony that overlooked towering palm trees and the desert valley below.  The restaurant was outstanding – think fine dining with a more casual atmosphere.

For relaxing, The Inn has a beautiful spring-fed pool that’s always a naturally comfortable 87°.

Pro tips:  enjoy the mine shaft tunnel from the parking lot, sit at one of Mike’s tables for dinner, and seek out Gary, the delightful historian.

The Ranch

The former working ranch has been welcoming guests since 1933 and also recently received a $25M+ refresh.  The more family – and budget – friendly Ranch offers hotel accommodations and 80 new cottages (below), plus a campground.

What I enjoyed about the cottages was the separate cozy living room, large porch, and central location.  Just steps away was the main town square where I could find a morning coffee, basic groceries, and abundant souvenir choices.

The Ranch at the Oasis has several options for meals, including the new Ice Cream Parlor.  Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the all-you-can-eat 1849 Restaurant is your quintessential buffet.  The Wild Rose Tavern is a great sports bar with plenty of big screen TVs, plus wonderful views of tamarisk trees and distant mountains.  My favorite for dinner was at The Last Kind Words Saloon.  It may have been the 100° heat of the day talking, but that cold IPA was outstanding – as was the NY strip steak.  Adorned with western relics and taxidermied animals, The Saloon was an unexpected treat, and a must in my book.

The Ranch has plenty to do beyond sleeping and eating.  Unsurprisingly, my favorite activity was playing golf at the Furnace Creek Golf Course.  You can read Matt Saternus’s full take HERE, but let me just say, this was my lowest round ever.   Also on site you’ll find a large spring-fed pool, sports courts, playground, stables, and even 4×4 Jeep rentals.  Oh, and let’s not forget the largest national park in the lower 48 states.

Death Valley National Park

Having the visitor center right next door was wonderful.  The knowledgeable staff directed me to some key destinations, taking into account a weather front that was heading our way.  Ever present was the reminder that temperatures in Death Valley can be unforgiving.

With winds expected to kick up later in the day, I began my exploration at the Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes.  The Sand Dunes are just as you imagine – but way bigger.  The dunes were impressively tall and went on seemingly forever.  I chuckled to myself pondering how many wedge shots it would take to get back to my car after a short hike.

Next up was Badwater Basin – the massive salt flats and lowest point in North America.  I expected the salt flats to be an amazing sight, but the surreal landscape left me in awe.  Along my travels I also drove through the visually stunning Artists Palette, and took a stroll at the Harmony Borax Works.  Although I only covered a small area of the park, using The Oasis as a home base is ideal for hitting the highlights.

Pro tip:  stop at Zabriskie Point on the way to or from The Oasis at Death Valley.  It’s right along the main road, and the views are amazing.

Conclusion

As Matt Saternus and I started our drive from Las Vegas, we both commented that we weren’t sure what to expect on this trip.  Coming over the final ridge into Furnace Creek we realized The Oasis at Death Valley was aptly named.  The architecture, statuesque palm trees, and flowering bougainvillea made a dramatic statement amongst the natural, yet rugged beautiful surroundings.  I began to wonder if this was a getaway or a hideaway.  Driving back to the airport I recalled the tagline I had read on The Oasis at Death Valley website:  “In The Middle of Nowhere You’d Rather Be.”  So true I thought, so true.

Exclusive offer: Book your stay at the cottages at The Ranch or at The Inn by December 31, 2024 and travel by March 31, 2025 to receive a free round of golf and Oasis golf towel simply by showing them this article at check in.

Visit The Oasis at Death Valley HERE

The post The Oasis at Death Valley – Expect the Unexpected appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

Inside the Master’s Shop

Nick Sherburne is the Executive Vice President of Operations at Club Champion.  That title might lead you to believe he sits in an office all day rearranging spreadsheets.  However, Nick is one of the most skilled and passionate club builders you’ll find, frequently found in the build shop tinkering.  He sat down with me recently to share some secrets for elevating your club building.

The Right Tools

While you don’t need every one of these tools right away, this is Nick’s list of tools for a complete shop:

• Heat gun
• Shaft puller
• Belt sander
• Swingweight scale
• Cut off saw
• Utility knife with straight and hook blades
• Vise

You’ll also need supplies like epoxy, two-sided tape, and ferrules.

When asked about his philosophy on buying tools, Nick stressed buying quality.  Poor tools create headaches down the road.  Club Champion uses primarily Mitchell tools and Golfsmith digital swingweight scales.

Installing Grips

Replacing golf grips is one of the best ways to get into club building and save some money.  It’s not a complicated process, but Nick noted that there are several mistakes that amateur builders frequently make.

• Scratching the shaft when cutting off the old grip
• Not cleaning the old tape off the shaft
• Not using the right length of tape, leaving the grip uneven at the bottom
• Not getting the grip on all the way on or stretching it out too much

Nick also provided us with several pro tips for making the job go faster

• Having a tape dispenser makes the job easier
• Using a heat gun to heat old tape makes peeling it off much quicker
• Use plenty of solvent for faster and easier installation and alignment

Finally, on the longstanding question of gripping with pressurized air vs. solvent, Nick says that either method works, but he prefers solvent.  He finds solvent to be easier when trying to line up a grip precisely.

If you’re interested in changing your own grips, get the step by step instructions HERE.

Pulling Shafts

Removing a shaft from a club is often step two in a new club builder’s journey.  Nick repeatedly stressed the importance of a good shaft puller for this operation.  Having a quality shaft puller allows you to use less heat.  Using less heat gives you the ability to reuse the shaft and keep the head from having issues with paint or integrity.

Nick also stressed the importance of having a good pipe cleaner to clean out the hosel after a shaft pull.  If you don’t get all the debris out of the hosel, your next installation could be compromised.

I asked Nick how many times a shaft can be used before you lose performance or risk breakage.  He told me that “it’s really hard to screw up steel” but even a graphite shaft can be used many times if it’s pulled well.

On the question of separating pros from amateurs, Nick referenced the ability to pull a shaft without compromising the head or shaft.  “It’s very easy to burn the paint on the head, or discolor the chrome on steel, or in todays multi-material heads ruin the actual materials the head is made from.  Also a professional can pull and reuse a shaft 100 times due to having great pullers that allow for less heat use, keeping all materials like new.”

Weights & Measures

Weighing and measuring golf clubs seems straightforward, but Nick warned that there are several common mistakes that amateur builders make.

• Not using a club measuring jig
• Neglecting how much length the grip cap will add to a club
• Not calibrating your swing weight scale correctly
• Not calibrating your loft and lie machine

If you avoid these common errors, you should be well on your way to measuring like a pro.  Get step by step instruction on how to Measure & Adjust Swing Weight HERE

Prepping Shafts

To prep steel and graphite shafts, Club Champion uses a belt sander with 80 grit sandpaper.  Nick stressed that you do need to be careful with this method as it can remove material quickly.  Prepping the shaft by hand can be safer for novice builders.

The keys to prepping a shaft well are:

• Not over prepping
• Not prepping too high up the shaft
• Making sure you clean the shaft

The trick, of course, is knowing the difference between under and over prepped.  Nick told us that “As long as the surface is rough, you are prepped well enough.”

Get the step by step on shaft prepping HERE

Cutting Shafts

For both steel and graphite shafts, Nick uses a chop saw with a 0.035″ cut off wheel.  Nick states that this creates a thinner, more accurate cut than alternatives like hacksaws or pipe cutters.  It also helps to avoid frayed ends when cutting a graphite shaft.

Find our full Shaft Cutting 101 HERE

Golf Club Assembly

Before you actually put a club together, you need to choose the right epoxy.  Nick told us that any epoxy you buy from a reputable golf distributor – Golfworks, Mitchell – should be fine, and he pointed out the more expensive 810 and 420 from 3M as excellent, also.

Within a given brand, you’ll have the choice between quick setting epoxy – often ready to play in 30 minutes – and long setting which requires 24 hours to cure.  Nick recommended long set epoxy for novice builders as it gives them more time and often creates a better bond.

When you’re ready to glue up a club, here are the key mistakes you want to avoid:

• Not mixing epoxy thoroughly
• Not using enough epoxy
• Not abrading the shaft and hosel enough
• Not cleaning the hosel well enough
• Not having a tight fit

The solutions to these problems are all intuitive.  Take the time to mix your epoxy.  Nick says you can’t over mix, you can only under mix.  Similarly, there’s no such thing as over gluing.  Excess glue can create extra clean up work, but that’s far superior to a club coming apart.  Finally, make sure the shaft and hosel have a tight fit, using shafting beads if necessary.

Find our Club Building 101 lesson on assembly HERE

Ferrules

Ferrules don’t serve a performance function, but they’re the clearest indicator of a professionally built club.  Turning a ferrule properly requires time and the right equipment.

At Club Champion, turning a ferrules starts with a belt sander that has an Egyptian cloth belt.  Nick recommends a ferrule turning arm to make the process easier.  The next step is using steel wool to smooth the ferrule further.  Finally, they wipe down the ferrule with acetone on a paper towel to give it a shiny finish.

Nick also noted that Club Champion always glues the ferrules to the hosel.  This is a small step that ensures the ferrule won’t ride up the shaft over time.

Get the full step-by-step on turning ferrules HERE

Getting a Professional Look

Nick noted three aesthetic checkpoints that can keep a club from looking professional:

• Epoxy left on the head or shaft
• Uneven, unpolished ferrules
• Marks on the hosel from bending

Beyond the looks, Nick says that consistent, accurate swing weight is the #1 thing that separates amateur builders from the pros.

To make that leap to A Tier, Nick emphasized the importance of proper machinery, repetition, and finding a mentor who can teach you the proper technique.

The post Secrets of a Master Club Builder appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

Fad, Hype, or the Real Deal?

The Breakthrough Golf Technology RedZNE wedge shaft has become a sensation among the golf equipment obsessed.  I saw great results in my testing [full review HERE], and I know several prominent fitters who swear by it.

But as someone who always wants to see the data, I thought we should test the RedZNE more rigorously.  BGT’s strong claims of “10% tighter dispersion,” “92% better distance control,” and “lower launch” are like a ready made Golf Myths Unplugged, so we took the RedZNE into the lab.

The Myths

Myth #1 – BGT’s RedZNE improves distance control for most golfers

Myth #2 – BGT’s RedZNE improves dispersion for most golfers

Myth #3 – BGT’s RedZNE lowers launch for most golfers

Myth #4 – BGT’s RedZNE increases spin for most golfers

How We Tested

For this Golf Myths Unplugged, we built three wedges.  Each one used an identical Edison 2.0 head at 55 degrees [full Edison 2.0 review HERE].  One was shafted with the BGT RedZNE shaft at 115 grams; the other two with leading steel wedge shafts, also 115 grams.  Each wedge used the same grip and was built to the same length and swing weight.

Our test panel consisted of five players, all with handicaps below ten.  Each player made five full swings with each of the three wedges.  They repeated that process with a partial swing.  Each player tested the wedges in a different order.  All shots were captured by Trackman.

All testing was done at and with the help of Club Champion.

The Results

Before getting into this, it’s important to acknowledge that the way the myths are worded always has an impact on their final grade – confirmed, busted, etc.  It’s our hope that golfers will read our full findings rather than just looking at the graphic, because 99% of the time, there’s nuance that can’t be captured in a simple graphic.

Get ready for something you’re going to read a lot: the results here were a mixed bag.  

Looking at full swings, the RedZNE was the clear winner.  Three of five testers posted their best distance control numbers with it, and it had the lowest total distance dispersion when we averaged the whole group.

However, when we moved to partial shots, the picture got murky.  RedZNE was best – by a wide margin – for one tester.  It performed well with the other four, but was not the best for them.  Looking at the group average, it was tied for first.

Overall, the BGT RedZNE did show strong overall distance control, but we did not see anything to support their claim of “92% better distance control.” 

Dispersion is the area where the RedZNE lived up to BGT’s claims and most plausibly fulfilled the myth.

On full swings, the RedZNE had the tightest left-right dispersion for four of our five testers.  The one shaft that bested the RedZNE only did so by two yards – the RedZNE won some of its tests by as much as seven.  RedZNE was also the winner for the group average.

RedZNE claimed the crown for best dispersion on partial swings, too.  Three of our five testers produced their best dispersion with the RedZNE, and it claimed the best group average again.  In the most extreme example, the RedZNE’s dispersion was over 50% tighter than one of the competitor’s.  This far exceeds BGT’s claim of “10% tighter dispersion.”

While this myth scored a “Busted,” it should be noted that we saw very minor differences in launch angle among these three shafts.  On partial swings, the gap from highest to lowest launching was less than a degree for each tester.  On full swings it was as much as 1.7 degrees but averaged less than a degree.

On full and partial swings, the RedZNE was the lowest launching shaft for just one player.  Interestingly, it was not the same player.

Similar to the dispersion and distance control myths, the results on spin were mixed but generally positive for the BGT RedZNE.  Also, as we saw with launch angle, the differences in spin from shaft to shaft were small for the most part.

On full swings, the BGT RedZNE produced the most spin for three of our five testers.  For partial swings, RedZNE won for two of those three players.  The RedZNE was never the lowest spinning shaft, and it was close to winning for every player – it lost two trials by just 100 RPM.  On the other hand, the RedZNE’s wins weren’t huge either, averaging around 200 RPM.

Tester Feedback & Opportunities for Further Testing

Our testers universally loved the BGT RedZNE shaft.  “This thing throws darts” and “It looks so cool” were among the comments I recorded.  While not every player was looking to make the switch immediately, all of them liked the feel of the RedZNE, noting the combination of consistency and action or kick.

As for our testing, it’s always worth noting that larger sample sizes would yield more robust conclusions.  It might also be interesting to see how the RedZNE interacts with other wedges.  It’s possible that the unique properties of the Edison 2.0 enhanced or diminished the benefits of the RedZNE.  We would also like to test the other weights of the RedZNE against each other and other wedge shafts.

The Takeaway

Will the Breakthrough Golf Technology RedZNE wedge shaft turn your wedges into laser-guided missile launchers?  Not necessarily.  They’re very impressive, particularly with regard to left-right dispersion, but, like any piece of golf equipment, they need to be properly fit.  Whether it’s with the RedZNE or another shaft, working with a fitter like Club Champion is the best way to put more consistency into your short game.

The post Can the RedZNE Improve Your Wedge Game? – Golf Myths Unplugged appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

Introduction

Most golf destinations are closely tied to a particular style of golf.  Head to Arizona, and you’re going to play desert golf.  Scotland is famous for its links.  But if you’re looking for a golf destination that can deliver unparalleled variety, head to central Oregon.  It has every flavor of golf you could ask for and much more.

Bold & Daunting

My trip started with one of the most polarizing courses in the area – and maybe the country – Tetherow Golf Club.  Players that love it – like me – would describe it with words like big, bold, audacious, wild, and unapologetic.  The haters might use the word sadistic.  Objectively, the course is wide off the tee, firm and fast, with massive, undulating greens.  Whether you love it or not, it’s a clear one-of-one and a must play.

Full review of Tetherow Golf Club HERE

Tranquil & Meditative

Our next round, played at Black Butte Ranch’s Glaze Meadow course, showed Central Oregon’s range.  This course is a perfect match for its serene surroundings, offering a mix of challenge and scoring opportunities at a gentle pace.  This is resort golf in the best way – beautiful, straightforward, and welcoming.

Full review of Black Butte Ranch Glaze Meadow HERE

Strategic & Testing

The Jack Nicklaus Course at Pronghorn looks like nothing I’ve ever seen before.  The mix of high desert and juniper forest seems like something out of a sci-fi novel.  But you can’t be distracted by the unique beauty because this course requires precision off the tee and into the green.

Full review of Pronghorn’s Jack Nicklaus Course HERE

A Beautiful Beast

Our trip ended at Crosswater Golf Club, one of the most inarguably beautiful courses I’ve ever visited.  The combination of the Deschutes River and Cascade Mountains form postcard views on nearly every hole.  The course has a litany of college and pro championships under its belt, and its not hard to see why.  From tee to green, the level of variety will keep all types of players on their toes.

Full review of Crosswater Golf Club HERE

Drink It Off

There is a lot of great craft beer across America, but the scene in Bend is hard to top.  With 30 different independent breweries, you can drink something – and someplace – different every night of the month.  Many beer aficionados are familiar with Deschutes Brewery and their excellent IPAs.  If you want some eye candy to go with your beer, check out Crux Fermentation Project which is famous for its sunset views.

Central Oregon has plenty to offer if you prefer other spirits, too.  Wine lovers know that Oregon is loaded with wineries, so you can find plenty to taste.  There are also local distilleries for people that lean toward the harder stuff.  If you want that liquor crafted into a world-class cocktail, the new Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge is where you need to go.

Eat

Speaking of the Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge, this new restaurant by chef Brian Malarkey was the site of the best meal I’ve had in recent memory.  The term “farm-to-table” is fairly common these days, but Hawkeye & Huckleberry is ranch-to-plate, raising their own beef and chickens on Malarkey’s ranch.  They also grow much of their own produce and source the rest locally.  These incredibly fresh ingredients are put into creative dishes and served in a warm, comfortable setting that also has the capacity to host live music.

To get your day started, the breakfast sandwich at The Row at Tetherow is hard to top.  If you wake at a more leisurely pace, you can find plenty of brunch options in Bend.

Beyond Golf

While the amount and quality of golf is mind boggling, Central Oregon has so much to offer beyond the course.  If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you will love it here.  Hiking, camping, mountain biking, and skiing are all major parts of the culture in this area.  The Deschutes River adds another layer of options: canoeing, surfing, kayaking, and tubing are all available.

While my itinerary was golf-centric, I did get the opportunity to walk the Deschutes River Trail through Bend.  It was a fantastic way to start the day, observing the wildlife and the mix of solitude and community with the other people enjoying the trail.

Conclusion

Many golfers think of Bandon Dunes when they hear the word, “Oregon.”  There’s no shame in it: I was in that group for a long time, and no Oregonian that I met had a bad word to say about Bandon.  But there’s much, much more for the passionate golfer to find in Oregon, and, regardless of your taste in courses, you can find it near Bend.

The post Central Oregon Golf – Unparalleled Variety appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

Golf Course Rankings Are Stupid

People love lists, but they rarely make us smarter or happier.  This is certainly true in the world of golf.  The best known list of golf equipment is nothing but a glorified participation trophy for every OEM that buys ad space, but my ire today is fixed on a different set of lists – those that purport to rank golf courses.  My hope is that after you read this, you’ll join me in ignoring them.

Listen to the podcast version of this article HERE

What Are We Ranking?

The stupidity of golf course rankings starts to become obvious with the question above.  Most publications share their ranking criteria, but that only illustrates the inanity of the lists.

There are numerous ways that we can rank golf courses.  We can choose the most historically significant or rank them by the tournaments they’ve hosted.  We might pick the most beautiful, the most difficult, the most perfectly conditioned, or the ones with the greatest variety of holes, and this is only a small sampling of the possible criteria.  But to smash all of these things into one number, to say flatly, “Course X is better than all others,” is to miss the forest for the trees.

Would anyone make a list of “Best Spouses”?  Of course not.  Being a good life partner is a mixture of dozens of different things.  Could I conjure a list of qualities, assign them all a numerical weight, and then make the list anyway?  I could, but it would not make my list any less stupid.

Even if we accept the concept of making this list, what criteria are we using and how do we weight them?  For me, course conditions are a non-factor, but I know many golfers for whom it’s the defining characteristic.  Golfers with a love of history may care that a course was home to a famous golfer or tournament; others may wonder why that ever enters the conversation.  And that’s before we get to the issue of…

Different Tastes

Even if we selected a single criteria for a list, creating a “definitive” ranking is a fool’s errand.  People have different tastes.

This was brought into stark relief on our recent PIG retreat to Fripp Island Resort [learn more HERE].  After our first day of 36, we sat in our house and debated the respective merits of the two courses.  Even on a topic as seemingly fact-based as course conditions, we could not reach a consensus.  Two people felt the courses were dramatically different in conditions; two believed them to be peers.  This group, for what it’s worth, is comprised of four people who are all above average players who have played “good” and “bad” courses across the country.

Subjectivity is present in virtually every criteria that you could use to rank golf courses.  What is beautiful?  What makes a course historically significant?  What constitutes a fun or varied layout?

“But the list is a compilation of many peoples’ opinions, so that makes it meaningful.”

No, what it does is crush the soul out of the opinions of dozens or hundreds of players by turning them into a single number.  Said another way, it is…

The Destruction of Nuance

A large part of my issue with golf course rankings is the finality of them and the way in which they destroy nuance.  What a person likes or dislikes about a golf course is unique to them.

One of the great discussions in golf is, “What is your favorite course at Bandon Dunes?” [the PIG Staff debated that HERE].  A large part of what makes that conversation so wonderful is that no one – at least no one I’ve ever crossed paths with – has ever referenced a stupid course ranking during the discussion.  Golfers use the topic to explore what they value in a golf course and to understand the perspective of others.  I love Sheep Ranch for it’s replay-ability.  You may love Bandon Dunes for its history, the thought of it being the only course on this wild landscape.  The next time we play those courses, we can appreciate the other’s choice more as we see the course through another lens.  It’s a discussion that makes everyone love the game more.  It’s the anti-ranking, and it’s beautiful.

In contrast, course rankings are like GOAT debates.  I’ve never walked away from a LeBron vs. Jordan argument loving basketball more.  The premise of that debate pits me against you in a right vs. wrong framework.  It leads to us tearing down what someone else loves rather than appreciating their view or simply enjoying what we like.  It’s great for ESPN’s ratings, but how does it serve us?

What Is the Purpose?

Zooming out to a more philosophical point: golf course rankings are stupid because they don’t have a good purpose.

Golf course rankings are not a useful guide for where to play.  Every single golfer I know has stories of playing a “highly rated” course and hating it.  They’ll bookend that story with one about a course they love that’s never sniffed a Top 100 list.  Why is this the case?  For all the reasons we just discussed: the rankings are meaningless.

Golf course rankings do serve as a substitute for taste and developing your own opinion, but I wouldn’t count that as a good purpose.  I suspect we all know a couple of gasbags who are quick to boast that they’ve played some number of the Top 100 courses.  Those same clowns couldn’t tell you what they liked or disliked about any of them, nor could they name a single course that’s off the beaten path.

Rankings feed the egos of those who belong to or regularly play highly rated courses, but that seems like an awfully poor raison d’etre to me.

So that leaves us with the real reason that golf course rankings exist: to make money for the magazines.  I’ll get in depth on that after a short detour.

Some Truths About Course Raters

Before getting into this, I want to be clear that nothing here is written to disparage the individual course raters.  I have met numerous course raters, and I expect some PIG readers are course raters.  I’ve found most of them to be good people, and some of them are my friends.  Onward.

Golf course rankings are not handed down from on high.  They’re created by publications which get their information from an army of course raters.  These course raters are regular golfers like you and me.

That information alone may come as a surprise to many.  There is no secret society of golf savants who know the great secrets of golf course architecture.  The opinions of these raters is no more or less valid than yours.  Yes, they are generally low handicap players (every publication has its own criteria), but, again, that does not give their opinion more weight than yours.

Why do regular golfers spend time, effort, and – of course – money to rate courses?  Access.  Being a golf course rater for one of the big publications can get you access to private courses which most would otherwise never get to play.  Again, this isn’t to impugn the course raters; there are several private courses I would like to play, too.  It’s simply to emphasize that these are normal people responding to an incentive.

Another ugly truth about the ratings is that they reward inertia.  If a rater turns in a score that differs too much from the rest of the group, their rating may be thrown out and they might even lose their position.  If you, having spent time and money to attain a spot as a rater, were told that you might lose your spot if you, for example, gave Pebble Beach a mediocre rating, would you?  Most wouldn’t.  This practice further stomps the soul out of these lists, telling each individual that there is a right and wrong answer.

Hey, Must Be the Money

“Matt, if ranking courses doesn’t make sense, why do they do it?”

To quote one of my favorites, Tony Kornheiser, quoting Don Ohlmeyer, “The answer to all your questions is money.”

Golf course rankings are a huge money maker for the magazines that create them, which is why every big publication does at least one (and most do more than one – Top X in the World, in the US, Public, Private, etc).  And the different ways that the lists create revenue may surprise you.

Perhaps most obviously, these lists generate a lot of interest.  People love lists.  That means magazines sold and links clicked.  More clicks mean more ads mean more money.

Next, have you ever noticed how the golf courses that buy a lot of ad space always end up on these lists?  Funny how that works.  A brand new course jumps into the Top 100 following a months-long ad campaign.  That’s quite a coincidence.  And that sponsorship commitment will stay in place once the course is on the list, lest that spot be given to another.  “Nice ranking you got there.  Be a shame if something happened to it.”

Those courses often pay on both ends.  Having attained this vaunted status, they will want to put the Top 100 logo on their website and promotional materials.  Do you think they get to use those logos for free?  Think again.

Finally – though I may be missing other revenue streams – the raters pay the publications.  Every publication I’m aware of charges the raters for the privilege of rating courses.  Some take it a large step further, demanding that the raters attend pricey conferences every few years to maintain their status.

The Alternative to Golf Course Rankings

“But Matt, what will I do if I don’t read these lists?”  I have some radical suggestions.

Trust yourself.  Make your own lists.  Tell your own stories.

I get the allure of lists and the ability to show your “taste” and “status” by rattling off how many top courses you’ve played, but wouldn’t it be more interesting to tell people about a “no name” course that you discovered and what makes it great?

Wouldn’t the discussion be richer if we talked about the three courses you’d most like to play again rather than just enumerating how many “ranked” courses you’ve been to?

Wouldn’t the trip be more fun (and probably more affordable) if it led somewhere you’d never heard of?

Wouldn’t we all love golf more if we helped each other to see what we loved in our favorite places rather than arguing about what is “best”?

I know it’s radical, but I think it’s a good idea.

Share your thoughts on course rankings below

The post Golf Course Rankings Are Stupid appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

In this series, Matt and Andy discuss a golf topic they find interesting or important.  This isn’t an interview or a debate, just a conversation that occurred over email so that it could be shared with you.  If you like it, let us know in the comments.  If there’s a question you’d like to see discussed, share that, too.  Thanks.

MATT: To bookend our podcast about your personal swing changes [listen HERE], I thought we could do an email back and forth about the value of changing your swing for the average golfer.  I’m excited to see where this goes.

I’ll start with this: I’ve been a longtime enemy of YouTube golf instruction and the golf magazine “tips” culture.  I think I’m changing my view.  Making real, big, fundamental changes to one’s golf swing is hard.  It’s time consuming.  It takes more effort and heartache than most people are willing to endure.  So I don’t think most golfers should try to change their swings.  I think that, to the extent they want to practice, they should work on skills [more on that HERE], and I think the little bite-sized tips are fine, because they might buy someone a few swings worth of happiness.

How has your recent experience with swing changes affected your view on teaching significant swing changes?  Are you giving students a caveat that this might hurt and lead to some bad golf?

ANDY: I’ve had the crazy opportunity to spend time with Hank Haney, both watching him teach and having him give me a lesson.  I saw immediate results in the lesson, and was able to hit certain shots I wasn’t able to before.  I knew the changes were worth doing.  It made it feel better and easier to hit a golf ball.  From there I worked on what he gave me and also tried to incorporate a couple other things I had learned, specifically the new grip he showed Tiger.  Come on, who wouldn’t want to have the same grip as Tiger?!  I practiced a lot and was able to hit the ball great indoors on a TrackMan, but then had a lot of trouble when going outside.  I had to do some work to find the “sweet spot” of how much change I could handle and still take it to the course.

At The Golf Practice we mostly work with people on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.  It’s very common for someone to make some progress in a lesson, whether it’s skill improvement like being able to hit a different shot, or technical where they are able to change something in their mechanics, and then come back the next week and need to learn it all over again. Usually they pick it up much faster after having already learned it once.  As a coach, I am very cognizant of giving my students the right coaching, and not overloading them with information.  Since my swing changes, it has made me slow down a little bit, and make sure students have actually learned one concept before moving onto another.  Everyone, myself included, thinks we can make more changes than we actually can, so I see it as part of my job to help students navigate this dilemma.

MATT: When you get a new student, how much time do you spend talking about their goals?  And, relatedly, the amount of time and effort they’re willing to commit?

I think the former is the most underrated, under-asked question in golf lessons and club fitting.  So many golfers want to “get better” and haven’t spent any time thinking about what that means.  I think it’s a difficult question that people don’t grapple with enough before they start down various paths of “improvement.”

ANDY: I spend time at the beginning of our first session asking about their goals, how often they play and practice, and if they’ve worked on anything in the past.  There’s a lot of similarities.  Most people just want to get a little bit better, and reach the next scoring hurdle, i.e. breaking 90, 80, 70.  And most people are working on or thinking about something in their swing that has nothing to do with their biggest impact fault.

Often what people are working on is making them worse.  For example, a 5 handicap was struggling with chunking shots or hitting high on the club face.  He was focusing on “rotation” in the down swing.  This was keeping him from getting to his lead side, so when I coached him through not thinking about rotating and instead focus on finishing with his weight in his lead foot, he started hitting it much better very quickly.

I work on helping make students aware of what’s actually going on in their swing, help them understand what needs to be done, and give them a way to move forward.  Sometimes this is done through changing their intention: right now it’s like you’re swinging toward third base, swing toward first base.  Sometimes it’s through mechanics if something is so far “off” like a grip or club face position, that I don’t think they’d be able to get good results unless that is changed.

MATT: Let’s zoom out a bit and get away from your teaching practice and students.  What percentage of golfers should be taking lessons and trying to change their swing?  And what’s the reason for your answer?

ANDY: I think anyone who is serious about improving should take lessons. And this doesn’t necessarily mean changing your swing. A lot of people need help sifting through swing thoughts, tips from friends, and things they’ve seen on YouTube and TV.  They need to understand what their unique tendencies are, and have a good plan to move forward.  There are people who are members of country clubs, have spent thousands on a custom fit set of clubs, and yet when they are slicing they watch a couple of videos and think that will help- what are we doing here?

I know there’s definitely a financial and time commitment aspect to this question, so if someone can’t afford it, at least acknowledge that you’re doing this on your own and it will probably take longer than if you had someone helping you out.  And, don’t try to make big changes based on a 10 minute YouTube video.  A lot of golfers I meet spend tons of time and money on golf, but haven’t had lessons, and this confuses me.

MATT: We’ve finally found a point of discussion and disagreement, though I’ll ask a question first: what does it mean to be “serious about improving”?

Pending your definition, I disagree with your assertion.  I think it is based on the instructors you work with and your own teaching, which, from everything you’ve stated so far, is very thoughtful and holistic.  In my experience, there are a ton of bad golf instructors (in fairness to golf instructors, I think there are a ton of bad everything).  I don’t think rolling up to your average golf course and asking for a lesson is going to yield good results.  Most golf lessons I see could be taught by a robot: “This is your first lesson.  I don’t need to ask questions.  I will fix your grip.  You will hate it because it’s uncomfortable, but you won’t argue because I’m the authority figure.  You will express your disagreement by not coming back.”  Hopefully you read that in a robot voice.

You seem to cite country club membership and custom fit clubs as a reason that players should take lessons, but I think that’s misguided.  I enjoy golf equipment for its own sake, not because I’m under the delusion that it will turn me into a great player.  If I were to ever join a private club (unlikely), it would be because I loved the course and the pace of play, not because I’m a more “serious” golfer than people who play at public courses.

I think a golf lesson CAN be a wonderful thing.  A long term relationship with an instructor CAN be very helpful.  But we live in a time of unprecedented access to information.  If a golf instructor can’t or won’t explain to a player why they’re slicing, why shouldn’t the golfer click HERE so they can learn the physics of it?  I think a lot of players would improve faster by reading a lesson on ball flight laws than having someone force them into a new takeaway procedure.

Finally, I think that the insistence on lessons overlooks another path of joy (for some): figuring it out yourself.  I think it was on your podcast not long ago where someone was talking about Ben Hogan and how he practiced so much that he was constantly “figuring it out” and finding new keys, and that’s why he was so good.  Obviously the average golfer doesn’t have Hogan’s talent or work ethic, but I think the same idea of finding little things to improve on can apply, and that might be more fun and beneficial than having someone else give you a set of answers which may or may not apply to the test you’re taking.

ANDY: There is a common “golfer archetype” I come across frequently.  They want to get better, which means lowering their handicap.  They play a ton. They use the internet for quick tips, rather than “information gathering” or “self learning.”  And they are usually frustrated and don’t enjoy the game as much as I think they could.  This is more the type of person I’m talking about.

The answer on whether to take lessons is indeed a fine line.  I agree there are bad instructors, and so I would definitely not say to take lessons from bad teachers.  I like your robot definition.  Lots of instructors are former high level golfers who just couldn’t quite make it, so their way of saying around the game is to teach, whether or not they have a passion for it.  You should be able to tell quickly if they truly want to help you, or if they just want to sound smart and spout information at you.

This is also getting at a bigger picture point on learning something new.  I taught myself how to play guitar, and I am happy with my progress.  If I wanted to learn guitar by myself, and complained all the time about my ability, well then I should probably go get some professional help or change my perspective.  I may be arriving at a conclusion here, if you want to get better, get professional help, or have the right perspective on the situation.  If you enjoy figuring it out yourself (this is actually the bucket I tend to fall into historically with my game) then stay on it!  If you are struggling and keep trying YouTube and instagram, I think you’d benefit from finding a good coach.  I found through a lesson with Haney that I had a couple of “blind spots” i.e. things I was doing in my swing that I didn’t realize were making things harder than they needed to be.  I wasn’t able to see these on my own and found that allowing someone to give you another perspective can be very helpful.

MATT: That’s fair.  I think what you’re describing is analogous to the club junkies in my world who buy to try, read a million reviews, but never get fit.

I think one of the problems that a lot of readers will have is, “How do I know if this instructor is good?”  Paying to find out is an expensive proposition with lessons in our area being $100 and up, on average.  Do you have a suggestion for weeding out the poor instructors?

Your guitar example is funny to me because I’m largely self-taught on guitar, too, and I go back and forth about lessons.  I think it gives me more empathy toward “the average golfer” because my questions are theirs: Do I want to spend the money?  Am I going to practice enough to make this worthwhile?  How do I find a good instructor?  How am I going to feel playing in front of someone else?  All these questions lead me to a lot of YouTube (which has phenomenal guitar content) but no concerted plan for long term improvement.

ANDY: There’s a few things you can look for in finding a good instructor.  Do you know anyone who’s worked with that person before?  Do they have any reviews on Google?  Do they typically do “one off” lessons, or work with people on a regular basis?  You also don’t need to go in blind to the lesson, you should ask some questions in advance.  Be able to describe your game, and the parts of it you are stuck on.  Talk about what you’ve worked on, and how it’s gone for you.  Ask if they have any ideas on where they would start, and how long they think it would take for you to get where you would like to go.  Having a conversation and talking through these things will give you a sense on if it would be a good fit.

Ultimately, as we’ve discussed, the question on whether to take lessons has many factors.  Money, time, goals, and much more.  The biggest message I’m trying to convey is I see a lot of students who primarily work on their game through YouTube or Instagram, and in most cases it is making things worse, and not better.  Their experience is quite similar: seeing some quick results, but then losing it and needing the next tip.  So for anyone out there who feels stuck on this hamster wheel, lessons can be very beneficial.  One of my favorite coaches, Michael Hebron, describes his role as being a “traffic cop for ideas,” and this person is much more needed in the age of unlimited information.

More from Matt & Andy

Fun vs. Score

The Golf Ball Rollback

The post Should You Change Your Golf Swing? – Matt & Andy Discuss appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

The Best Golf Gifts for Dad

If you started playing golf in your youth, it’s likely that it was your dad who put that club in your hand.  Now is your chance to repay him by keeping him looking stylish and playing his best with these fantastic Father’s Day gifts.

TRUE FS Slide

Whether Dad is a golfer or not, the TRUE FS Slide from TRUE Linkswear makes a wonderful gift.  This modern mule style has a focus on comfort, yet also features traction and durability.  Water friendly and quick drying, the TRUE FS Slide offer Dad footwear he can enjoy poolside or on the putting green.

Shop TRUE FS Slide HERE

PUR Truth Prepare Putting Trainer

If you’re ready to watch Dad start draining a lot more putts, get the PUR Truth Prepare putting trainer.  This is one of the best putting trainers available, and it’s simple to use.  He can practice at the course or in his office, and it will sharpen his skills whether he’s a scratch player or a duffer.

Check out the full review HERE

Shop PUR Trainers HERE – Use code PLUG to save 20%

Caddy Splash Golf Water Brush

Make sure that dirt and sand aren’t keeping Dad from hitting premium shots with the Caddy Splash Golf Water Brush.  This brush has its own water supply for getting Dad’s clubs sparkling, and, unlike wire brushes, it won’t scratch up his clubs.  Dad will be thinking of his thoughtful child every time he sees his set looking photo-ready.

Shop Caddy Splash HERE

Check out the full review HERE

Carl’s Indoor Golf Bundle

This Father’s Day, save some money and help Dad tee off from home with this bundle from Carl’s Place that includes a HotShot hitting mat (with a variety of sizes to choose from), ball tray, and tee pack. Whether he’s a course pro or starting from scratch, Dad will appreciate the convenience and realism of practicing right at home. Give him the gift of endless rounds, rain or shine, and watch his game soar to new heights.

Shop Carl’s Indoor Golf Place HERE

Swing Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor

Whether Dad wants to take full advantage of golf simulation or just drop it down to get data off its built-in screen, the Swing Caddie SC4 is the perfect practice companion.  This affordable, accurate launch monitor will help him dial in his game and get more out of every range session.

Check out the full review HERE

Buy the SC4 Launch Monitor HERE

TravisMathew

If Dad is in need of some fresh clothes, TravisMathew is a great place to shop.  The Heater Polos are more than just great looking, they’re also crafted of either recycled or organic materials – part of TM Eco Collection.  The Legacy Featherweight Jeans are soft and comfortable, plus come in an array of colors besides denim.  The Wanderlust Shorts combine style and performance with their lightweight micro-ripstop fabric.  And for a budget friendly gift, TravisMathew has a vast array of hats.

TravisMathew also has you covered in the shoe department offering both casual and golf shoes – plus the Daily Pro Hybrid.  Beyond comfort and a stylish look, the Daily Pro Hybrid features deep, reverse traction lugs that provide traction when needed on the course.

Shop TravisMathew HERE

Shot Scope Pro ZR Rangefinder

Dads like things that are built to last, so they’ll love the new Pro ZR rangefinder from Shot Scope.  With its Durashield case, this will stand up to all types of abuse.  And, of course, it’s quick and accurate, so Dad can zero in his approach shots and make more birdies.

Check out the full review HERE

Shop Shot Scope HERE

Club Champion Club Fitting

A club fitting is the gift that always fits.  Whether your dad is in need of a new flat stick, a new driver, or a tune-up on his irons, he can get it at Club Champion.  And don’t worry if Dad’s not a gear head – the fitters at Club Champion make it easy to find the best clubs for every swing.

Find your nearest Club Champion HERE

Hyperice Venom 2 Back

If your dad ever complains about a sore back, the Venom 2 Back from Hyperice will be the perfect gift.  This easy-to-use device provides heat and massage to get Dad ready to play or help him relax after a hard day.

Check out the full review HERE

Shop Hyperice HERE

The post 2024 Father’s Day Golf Gift Guide appeared first on Plugged In Golf.