I'm here at JCB with one of the best golfers in the world, Tommy Fleetwood. Yes, you heard that right! Tommy is going to give you five tips that tour players use to play amazing golf, which will help you improve your game straight away. These are like the secrets, but they won't be secrets anymore. Let's see what we can do. We're starting off with the driver, so let's get to it.
Quickly, you really need to listen to this advice. Tommy Fleetwood is one of the best golfers in the world. He has won five times on the European Tour and has played in two Ryder Cups. He is a legend. So, listen up and take notes because this is definitely going to help.
Tip #1: The Driver
Tommy, what is it?
With the driver, it's the only golf club in the bag that you actually hit up on. You're hitting in a sweeping motion, which we describe as the attack angle. We always look at it as a specific number on a launch monitor. Many players struggle because they don't sweep up on the driver. They focus so much on making contact with the ball that they hit down with the driver, resulting in a spinny, slicey drive. Here are a few tips that tour players use:
- Ball Position: Place the ball further forward in your stance.
- Stance Adjustment: Take your right foot back and keep your head behind the ball to create an upsweep motion.
- Practice Drill: Use a tee in the ground as a task to miss on your follow-through.
By doing this, you'll create a nice sweeping motion, hit the ball higher, straighter, and longer. Look at guys like Rory McIlroy who hit long on the upsweep, getting the ball to launch really high and go a long distance.
As you can see, Tommy missed the tee peg, hit up on the golf ball, and absolutely crushed the driver. Good tip, Tommy!
Tip #2: The Irons
Now, we're moving into irons. What do we have, Tommy?
This tip goes in the opposite direction of the driver. Many players hit down on the driver but try to hit up with the irons. They don't trust the loft of the iron and fail to create a downward motion, resulting in poor strikes and lack of penetrating flight. Here's what tour players do:
- Feel the Ground: Tour players use the ground and feel how their feet work.
- Backswing Adjustment: Take your left foot off in the backswing and step into the shot. This ensures you don't fall back and helps you hit the ball first, creating a nice divot and the desired flight.
Let's give it a go: left leg up, stamp, and swing. This helps create a flush strike and better flight. Many amateurs try to loft the ball, but the best players hit down and compress it.
Tip #3: Chipping
Next, we're on the chipping green. What do tour players do on a short chip shot like this?
A plan or description for the shot is crucial. Read the chip shot, assess the lie, choose your club, and decide on the shot description. For instance, with a 52-degree wedge, you can hit a putt with loft. Visualize the shot, talk yourself into it, and then execute it.
This positive mindset and clear plan help reduce negative thoughts and focus on executing the shot perfectly.
Tip #4: Knowing Your Yardages
One thing all tour pros know is how far they hit each club, not just with one shot, but with various swings. They use launch monitors and take notes of distances on the course. Knowing your yardages helps you hit it pin-high and close to the pin.
Many amateurs under-club, thinking they hit further than they do. Be realistic with your distances and understand that good strikes are key. If you're uncertain, always opt for the longer club.
Tip #5: Post-Round Analysis
After a round, tour pros analyze their performance. They think about what was good and what needs improvement. It's helpful to pick out your three best shots of the day, leaving with positive memories and a focus on improvement for next time.
Golf is hard, so be kind to yourself. Remember your good shots, work on what needs improvement, and keep going.
Thanks for watching. Hope you enjoyed it. Make sure you like and subscribe, check out Tommy, and we'll see you very soon.
