Almost Golf Balls

These are the best golf balls for backyard practice. Window safe but solid feel and good ball flight. You can take a full swing hitting these balls into the trees; they always come down. Website here

24 balls for $24.99 (Pricy but they last years)

The Lag Stick

This teaching aid can be used for several drills including takeaway, setting the club at the top, and increasing the lag angle. One of the most versatile aids available.

$21.99 on Amazon (this is my favorite version as it comes with a junior club attachment)

The Smart Ball

This ball fits between the elbows and will improve every part of the golf swing. The arms should stay “connected” throughout the swing. Maintain a triangle while keeping your arms in front of your chest.

$15.99 on Amazon (this one is inflatable so you can make it soft enough to fit well)

The Wrist Hinge

This is one of the original teaching aids. It is critical to keep a 90 degree angle in the writs at the top of the swing. This aid will also help set the club in the takeaway and hold the lag as you come down.

$15.99 on Amazon

Based on Jordon Spieth’s putting practice routine. This is going to take your putting stats to the next level. Note: Before you do this routine, make sure that your putting stroke is solid. Schedule a putting lesson today!

Tip: this shag tube will help you wrangle your golf balls and save a ton of time. https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Securely-Holds-Bending-Necessary/dp/B00PAHCOXY

The ultimate putting practice routine (pro).

“Clubbing” is the system you use to know which club to hit which distance. There are other factors such as uphill/downhill or wind direction that will also impact your club selection. Here is a worksheet that you can use to set up your clubbing. Enter the distance YOU hit each club then adjust for course conditions.

Clubbing Worksheet

The pre-shot routine is a vital part of the mental game. Building a solid repeatable pre-shot routine will ground you when things get tough on the course. Control what you can as best as you can, and forget about the things you can’t control. Practice your pre-shot routine as much as possible.

Pre-shot Routine Worksheet

If you are confident in your line and speed, you will strike the ball with more consistency and sink more putts. The way to get that confidence is with a solid putting routine. Watch this clip about Tiger Woods’ pre-putt routine. https://youtu.be/o47p_jB1yUE?si=NanlW4knFeEKXHc6

Pre-putt Routine

Hitting a golf ball on a flat driving range one thing, hitting a ball off the side of a hill is another. Print these shot tips and take them on the course with you.

Shot Tips

Self Talk is a challenge for most golfers. Young players tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves. Please think about this. Every hole, every golf shot, every miss hit, and every great shot is a learning opportunity. Tell yourself, “I am always learning and my goal is simply to learn more with each and every shot. “

Our words matter! User this cheat sheet from Elite Competitor to learn what to say and what not to say to your junior golfer.

This is one of the most powerful mental game tools you could ask for. Over time we will implement small elements from this approach in a practical and kid-friendly way. Without even knowing it, you will have a powerful mental game. You will enjoy golf and you may even look forward to those shots out the rough.

Staying in the present takes time and practice. In the heat of competition, you can trust your process to stay in the present and accept the outcome. Use this checklist to practice the analytical phase on the driving range. I guarantee you will naturally start doing it on the course.

Having the right expectations for your game will help your mental game and help you have more fun on the course. Use this tracker as you go and you will likely find you are playing well for your current skills and abilities.