Coaching Tips from Steve and Louie

Mastering the Punch Shot Under the Trees

One of the realities of playing a treeline course is that trees are part of the game — sometimes as a beautiful backdrop, and sometimes as a leafy obstacle standing between you and the green. When your ball finds its way under the branches, a well-executed punch shot can be the smartest way to recover. Let’s look at how to do it, the mindset you need, and how it fits into your overall course strategy.

1. The Technical Side – Executing the Low Punch Shot

The goal is simple: keep the ball low enough to avoid the branches, but with enough control to get you back in play.

Set-up:

Club choice: Take more club than normal — a 5-iron instead of a 7-iron, or even a hybrid — because you’re reducing the swing speed and loft.

Ball position: Play the ball slightly back in your stance (just inside your back foot) to help keep it low.

Hands forward: Press your hands ahead of the ball at address to deloft the club.

Grip pressure: Firm but not tense — you’re controlling the shot, not forcing it.

Swing:

Shorter backswing: About half your normal length to avoid lifting the ball too high.

Steady tempo: No lunge or sudden acceleration — a smooth, controlled strike is key.

Low finish: Keep your follow-through abbreviated; stopping your hands around hip height will keep the ball flight down.

2. The Mental Side – Focus Under Pressure

When you’re under the trees, it’s easy to feel rushed or frustrated, but a calm mind is your biggest advantage.

Accept the situation: This is a recovery shot, not a hero shot — your goal is simply to put yourself back in a good position.

Commit to the shot: Once you’ve chosen your landing area and club, stop second-guessing and focus only on execution.

Picture success: Visualise the low, straight flight under the branches and rolling safely back onto the fairway.

3. Course Management – Why the Punch Shot is a Scoring Saver

The punch shot isn’t just about escaping trouble — it’s about protecting your scorecard.

Play for the next shot: Trying to go directly at the green through a gap in the trees is tempting but risky. The smart play is often to advance to a clear angle for your approach.

Avoid compounding errors: One poor decision can lead to another — a well-placed punch back to the fairway can prevent doubles or triples.

Know your limits: Every player has a “safe punch” distance and height — practice it so you know exactly what you can trust under pressure.

Final Thought:
A good punch shot won’t make the highlight reel, but it’s one of those “quiet” skills that separates a tidy round from a messy one. Next time you’re at the practice area, spend a few minutes on low-flight shots — you might find that saving par from under the trees becomes one of the most satisfying parts of your game.

Its never easy when we play after recent rain so here’s some tips.

1. Tweak Your Setup:
• Choke down a bit on the club:
Grip it about an inch lower than usual. It shortens the club and gives you better control.
• Hover the club:
Don’t rest it on the ground — keep it just above the turf. It’ll help you get a cleaner hit.
• Move the ball back a little in your stance:
This helps you catch the ball before your club hits the ground.
• Use a club with more loft:
If the ball’s buried in the wet grass, grab something like a sand wedge or gap wedge to help get it up in the air.
• Open the clubface just a touch:
This adds a bit of bounce so the club glides better through the wet grass — especially useful with wedges.
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2. Adjust Your Swing:
• Ball first, ground second:
Make it a point to hit the ball before your club touches the ground.
• Take a shallower swing:
Avoid digging too deep — keep your swing a bit flatter through impact.
• Keep your tempo nice and smooth:
Don’t try to power through it. A rushed or steep swing can lead to chunked shots.
• You can try moving the ball slightly forward in your stance too:
It might help you catch it cleaner depending on the lie.
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3. A Few Extra Tips:
• Try a softer golf ball:
They give you a bit more spin and control when the ground’s soggy.
• Hold that grip firm:
Wet conditions can mess with your hands, so make sure your grip doesn’t slip.
• Pick a spot just in front of the ball to aim for:
This helps you focus on where you want the club to bottom out — and keeps you from hitting behind it.
• Stay cool and patient:
Wet grass is tricky. Trust your setup and don’t get frustrated.
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Making these little changes can really help you handle wet grass better and keep your shots more consistent — even when the conditions aren’t ideal.

"I Love My Putter... But Should I Try a Bigger Grip?"
By Louie Mariano
If you love your putter but find yourself thinking, “Would a bigger grip help?”—you’re not alone. Whether you're chasing more consistency or trying to fix a putting slump, changing your grip could be a simple solution.
1. Grip Size Affects Feel
A bigger grip isn’t just about comfort—it can change the swing weight of your putter. Larger grips make the head feel lighter (especially on blade putters), while thinner grips can make heavier mallets feel even more head-heavy. Neither is right or wrong—it’s all about what feels balanced to you.
2. How Big Should You Go?
The main goal in putting is face control, and grip pressure plays a huge role in that. If your hands are too active or you tend to grip tightly, a slightly thicker grip—like a SuperStroke 2.0—might help calm things down. It’s not about going huge—it’s about finding a grip size that helps you stay relaxed and consistent.
3. Shape Also Matters
SuperStroke offers a few main grip shapes:
● Tour – Round and even, great for traditional or left-hand-low grips
● Flatso – Flat front, ideal for claw or structured grip styles
● Pistol – Tapered, classic feel with a touch more hand action
Once you find a shape that suits your grip style, you can choose the size that feels best—grips come in sizes from 1.0 to 5.0.
So, Should You Try One?
Absolutely—if you're curious, it’s worth testing. A grip swap is an easy, affordable tweak that could help you putt with more comfort and confidence.
Not sure where to start? Come see the team at Golf HQ and we’ll help you find the grip that fits your stroke—and your hands—just right.

Golf shops offer a wide variety of tees, with different heights, colors, and materials to choose from. But for the average club golfer, the question remains: which one is the best? The options include plastic tees, plastic tees with soft rubber tops, and plastic tees with aerodynamic designs that claim to help the ball travel farther. Many golfers, however, prefer wooden tees, as they are more environmentally friendly and less likely to damage the greenkeeping equipment.
Now, how high should you tee up your driver? The answer is pretty straightforward. The middle of the golf ball should be positioned about halfway above the top edge of the clubface. This typically places the ball around 1.5 inches off the ground. If you tee the ball too high, you risk the clubhead passing underneath the ball, leading to a sky-high shot. If the tee is too low, you might hit the ground or produce a low, weak shot that doesn't carry as far.
The goal of setting the right tee height is to optimize the launch angle of the driver. With the driver, you want to hit the ball on an upward arc, but that doesn’t mean trying to scoop the ball into the air. Instead, the ball position and tee height allow the low point of your swing arc to shift backwards so that you strike the ball on the upward side of that arc. Think of your swing arc like the pendulum of a grandfather clock—hitting the ball on the upward swing will help maximize both distance and launch angle. A higher tee is ideal for reducing side spin, which can help prevent that nasty slice we all try to avoid.
In some situations, a lower tee can help keep the ball flight lower, but be cautious about swinging too much down on the ball, as that can add side spin and, again, create that dreaded slice. If you tend to strike the ball higher on the clubface, a lower tee may help. Conversely, if you tend to hit it lower on the face, raising the tee height might be more beneficial.
A good tip is to pay attention to where you strike the ball on the clubface after each shot. By regularly checking this, you can identify your tendencies and adjust the tee height accordingly.
To take the guesswork out of tee height, there are now color-coded tees available in various sizes. For most weekend or club golfers, a blue tee is ideal for getting the ball in the right position. If you want to tee the ball higher, move to a yellow tee, and if you're looking for a lower tee height, choose the white one. These tees are affordable, easy to use, and environmentally friendly—just be sure to pick up any broken plastic tees and dispose of them properly.
If you're ever in doubt, feel free to reach out for more advice!

Mastering Distance Control on Long Putts: The Silent Score Killer
By: Louie Mariano
One of the sneaky ways we give shots away on the golf course — often without even realising it — is through poor distance control on long putts.
We spend so much time and effort getting off the tee, finding the fairway, and hitting the green. But if you walk off with a three-putt, it feels like all that hard work goes out the window. A green in regulation doesn’t count for much if it’s followed by careless putting.
Let’s put it in perspective. Even the best players in the world — PGA Tour pros — aren’t making everything from distance. On average, they hole about 40% of putts from 10 feet, just 23% from 15 feet, and only 3% from 50 feet. So for the everyday golfer, the goal from longer range shouldn’t be to hole it — it’s simply to lag it close enough for a comfortable two-putt (and maybe sneak one in now and then).
The biggest issue most golfers face with long putts? Distance control.
Here are a few simple but effective ways to sharpen that part of your game:
1. Tempo is Everything
If you watch the pros, one thing that stands out is how smooth and consistent their putting tempo is — no matter the length of the putt. Their stroke flows like a pendulum, unhurried and rhythmic. That consistent tempo helps with solid contact, which is key to getting the ball rolling true.
Many golfers get jumpy on longer putts, trying to "hit" it rather than stroke it. Slow it down, keep your rhythm, and let the putter do the work.
2. Use Your Feet to Gauge Stroke Length
One of the easiest ways to take the guesswork out of long putts is to use your own feet as a simple reference for stroke length. It’s an old-school method that works because it’s consistent and easy to replicate on the course.
For example, on the practice green, pace out a few putts at different distances — say, 10, 20, 30, and 40 feet. Pay attention to how far you take the putter back for each of those. You’re not trying to change your tempo — just adjusting the length of your stroke based on the distance to the hole.
Over time, you’ll start to build a feel for how much backswing you need for a putt that’s roughly one, two, or three of your own paces away. It’s a great way to develop consistency because you’ve got a clear, physical reference point — your own stride — instead of relying purely on feel or guesswork.
The practice green before your round is the perfect place to dial this in and get a sense of the green speed for the day. Once you’ve figured that out, your distance control becomes much more predictable — and those long putts get a whole lot less intimidating.
3. Don’t Neglect Alignment on Long Putts
It’s easy to get lazy with alignment when you’re 30 or 40 feet away — “Just get it down there somewhere” becomes the mindset. But lining up properly is just as important on long putts as short ones. Picking your start line and committing to it gives your putt the best chance of tracking toward your target, even if it doesn’t drop.
Bringing it All Together
Dialling in your tempo, building a reliable system for stroke length, and being deliberate with your alignment can go a long way toward cutting down those frustrating three-putts. And fewer three-putts? That means lower scores and more enjoyable rounds.
Next time you’re on the practice green — don’t just roll a few short ones and head to the first tee. Spend time on your long putts. It might just be the easiest way to shave shots off your scorecard without changing your swing.

Master the Basics: Build a Reliable Golf Swing

Start with a Solid Setup

Your swing is only as strong as your setup—yet many golfers rush through it
like they’re late for a tee time. Take the time to get it right. Your stance
should be roughly shoulder-width for most clubs. Position the ball properly:
forward in your stance for drivers, center for irons. A flawed setup will
sabotage even the most technically sound swing.

Keep Your Lead Arm Extended

The lead arm (left for right-handed players) controls the width and arc of your
swing. You don’t need it stiff like a board—just comfortably extended, as if
reaching for something across a table. Letting it collapse or bend too much
leads to loss of control and consistency. Keep it extended for better contact
and more power.

Turn—Don’t Lift

One of the most common mistakes is lifting the arms instead of rotating the
body. A proper backswing is built around turning your shoulders—not hoisting
your arms. Rotate your upper body so your back faces the target. Your arms
should move in sync with your torso, staying connected instead of swinging independently.

Start the Downswing from the Ground Up

The downswing should begin with your hips, not your hands. As your lower body
initiates the move, your upper body is still completing the turn. This creates
the necessary lag and stores power for impact. Think of it like cracking a
whip—the energy travels from the ground up, not the top down.

Keep Your Head Steady

"Relatively" is the key word here. Your head doesn’t have to stay
locked in place, but it shouldn’t bounce or slide excessively. A stable head
position helps you make consistent contact. Think of it as the center of a
wheel—everything else rotates around it.

Extend Through Impact

Too many golfers stop their swing at the ball, like they’re just trying to hit
it instead of swinging through it. Trust the loft of the club. Swing through
the ball and let your arms extend toward the target after impact.

Finish in Balance

Here’s a quick test: can you hold your finish for three seconds without
wobbling? If not, something’s off earlier in the swing. A balanced finish (as
much as you can) —with your weight on your front foot, chest facing the target,
and back foot on its toe—means you stayed in control the whole way.

These fundamentals work together like links in a chain. A
strong setup leads to a better backswing. A good turn helps you sequence
properly. Proper sequencing leads to clean contact and a balanced finish.

Remember: the goal isn’t a perfect swing—it’s a repeatable
one. We all have physical limitations so try your best. You don’t need to swing
like a tour pro. You just need to swing like you, consistently. Nail
these basics, and you’ll start hitting with confidence and purpose.

👟 Why the Right Golf Shoes Matter

Golf shoes aren’t just a style choice—they play a major role in performance, comfort, and stability throughout your round.

🦶 Your Feet = Your Foundation

Your feet are the base of your swing. Like tires on a car, shoes provide the grip and support needed to stay balanced and generate power. Poor traction affects everything from backswing to follow-through.

🌧️ Winter Conditions: Spikes Are Essential

In wet or slippery conditions, spiked shoes are a must.

Prevent slipping on slopes

Keep you grounded through the swing

Help transfer power from ground to club

📏 Stance and Balance

You might feel the need to widen your stance for more stability in winter, but don’t go too wide.

⚠️ Over-widening can limit your ability to shift weight smoothly from back foot to front foot.
A stable stance + the right shoes = a strong, balanced swing

Why Running Shoes Don’t Work

Many golfers show up wearing trainers, but:

Running/gym shoes shift weight to your toes, there is poor support for rotational movement

Golf shoes have flatter soles for even weight distribution
Designed specifically for the motion of the golf swing

🎯 Balanced Finish = Better Shots

A great swing ends in balance.

If you can hold your finish for 1–2 seconds, you're likely swinging well and staying grounded.

Weight should roll naturally onto the outside of your lead foot.

🪢 Fit & Lacing Tips

Proper fit is key.

Shoes should feel snug around the midfoot

Laces loosen over time—retighten mid-round

Try the BOA system for quick, secure adjustments without tying.

🏌️ Final Tip

Your golf shoes do more than keep your feet dry. The right pair can improve swing stability, power transfer, and balance—helping you play more confidently, especially in tough conditions

Choosing the Right Golf Ball: A Simple Guide
As with most aspects of golf, things can get very technical—whether it’s equipment, swing styles, or the mental side of the game. Golf balls are no exception. There are many variables: brands, materials, compression levels, dimple patterns—the list goes on. But don’t worry, here’s a simplified guide to help you make sense of it all:
• Swing Speed
Compression is key. Lower compression balls are designed for slower swing speeds, while higher compression balls suit faster swings.
What qualifies as “fast”?
If you’re driving the ball over 200 meters (about 220 yards), your swing speed is likely fast. In that case, higher compression balls will provide better performance and durability. These balls are built with advanced materials that hold up under the force of a powerful swing.
On the other hand, lower compression balls feel softer and can provide extra spring off the clubface. They’re great for golfers with slower swings looking for more distance. However, when used by players with high swing speeds, these balls may wear out quickly or even crack after a single round due to the softer materials.
Also, don’t forget—balls degrade over time. The ones you find lying around on the course often feel hard, sound off, and won’t perform as well. Even worse, balls that have been in water can absorb moisture (yes, they’re porous!) and lose their effectiveness. Extreme heat—like leaving balls in your car—can also break down the materials.
• Accuracy, Spin & Control
Some golf balls are engineered to reduce sidespin, helping you hit straighter shots. Others are designed for increased spin, giving you more control and the ability to shape shots—especially around the greens.
Higher compression balls (like the Titleist Pro V1, Bridgestone Tour series, or Callaway Chrome Soft Tour models) strike a balance between distance and spin. They're great for players looking for feel and control.
Lower compression balls usually have less greenside spin but are designed to launch higher, which helps them stop more quickly on the green. High swing speed players can still hit high compression balls low and get them to spin and check.
• Playing Style
What’s your priority—distance, control, or accuracy? Golf balls are built with different traits to suit your playing style. Some are long and straight. Others offer more feel and spin for finesse shots.
• Course Conditions
Wind, temperature, and moisture can all impact which ball performs best. Some balls are engineered to reduce spin and launch lower in windy conditions, offering a more penetrating flight. High-spin balls, while great for short game control, may struggle in strong wind.
Ball Recommendations
For slower swing speeds (often with a lower price point):
• Callaway Supersoft
• Pinnacle Distance
• Titleist TruFeel
• Bridgestone E Series
For faster swing speeds (premium performance and durability):
• Titleist Pro V1/V1x
• Callaway Chrome Soft / Chrome Soft X
• Bridgestone Tour B Series
Yes, losing a brand-new Pro V1 to a water hazard can sting—but you might just find someone else’s lost gem in return!
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Final Thoughts
Finding the right golf ball is a process of experimentation and understanding your own swing and playing preferences. As coaches, we can help guide you in selecting the best ball for your game. We’ve tested many of them ourselves and have had hands-on fitting education directly from manufacturers.
Let us help you take the guesswork out of the equation—your perfect golf ball is out there!

Playing in windy conditions:

🏌️‍♂️ Swing Adjustments for Windy Conditions
1. Adopt a Controlled Swing: Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than power. A shorter backswing can help maintain balance and reduce the likelihood of errors.
2. Widen Your Stance: A wider stance lowers your center of gravity, providing better stability against gusts.
3. Grip Down on the Club: Holding the club further down the grip can offer better control and accuracy, especially in strong winds.
4. Adjust Ball Position: Playing the ball slightly back in your stance can help lower the ball flight and reduce the impact of the wind.
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⛳️ Club Selection in Wind
1. Use Lower-Lofted Clubs: Clubs with less loft, such as a 3-iron or 5-wood, produce a lower ball flight with less spin, making them more suitable for windy conditions.
2. Consider a Knockdown Shot: For strong winds, a punch shot can help keep the ball down. This technique involves a shorter, more compact swing.
3. Organize Your Bag for Windy Conditions: Prioritize clubs that offer better control and lower trajectories, such as 3-woods or 5-irons, especially when hitting directly into the wind.
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🎯 Aiming and Shot Strategy
1. Aim for the Wind: When dealing with crosswinds, aim further away from your target to account for the wind’s push.
2. Utilize the Wind to Your Advantage: If the wind is blowing from left to right, you can play the ball to the left and let the wind carry it towards the target.
3. Be Patient and Adjust as Needed: Windy conditions can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your strategy and swing throughout the round.
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🧠 Mental Approach
1. Stay Positive: Remember, if it’s windy for you, it’s windy for everyone else on the course too. Maintaining a positive attitude can help you stay focused and perform better.
2. Visualize Success: Before your round, visualize playing the course with tough wind conditions. This mental preparation can help you adjust more effectively during the game.
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🏌️‍♀️ Practice in Windy Conditions
1. Spend Time on the Range: Practicing in windy conditions will help you get a feel for how the wind affects your shots and allow you to make the necessary adjustments.
2. Focus on Controlling Your Ball Flight: Practice different types of shots and see how the wind affects them. This will help you become more adaptable during your rounds.
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By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your performance and enjoy your game even when the wind is a factor.

🏌️‍♂️ Essential Golf Training Aids: Elevate Your Game with Proven Tools
In the world of golf, training aids abound—each promising to enhance your skills. However, after years of coaching and hands-on experience, we've identified a select group of tools that consistently deliver results. These aids are straightforward, effective, and provide immediate feedback, making them invaluable for golfers at all levels.
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🎯 Putting Precision: Tools for a Consistent Stroke

1. Pendulum Putting Rod
The Pendulum Putting Rod is a standout training aid designed to promote a stable and controlled putting stroke. By attaching the rod to your putter and positioning it against your chest, it ensures minimal wrist movement, encouraging a pendulum-like motion. This setup helps maintain proper posture and alignment throughout the stroke. It's particularly beneficial for eliminating common putting flaws such as wrist flipping and inconsistent face angles. Priced at $39.95 USD, it's a cost-effective solution for golfers aiming to refine their putting technique.
2. Blast Motion Sensor
For those seeking data-driven insights into their putting mechanics, the Blast Motion Sensor offers real-time analytics via a smartphone app. It measures key metrics like stroke tempo, face angle, and impact position, providing immediate feedback to help golfers adjust and improve their putting performance. This tool is especially useful for identifying and correcting subtle flaws that might go unnoticed during practice.
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🏌️‍♂️ Full Swing Fundamentals: Building a Solid Foundation
3. Chandler Rope Drill
The Chandler Rope Drill is a simple yet effective method to improve swing plane and body sequencing. By swinging a rope, golfers can develop a better sense of timing and rhythm in their full swing. This drill is particularly useful for ensuring that the swing path remains on plane, leading to more consistent ball striking.
4. SKLZ Smash Bag
The SKLZ Smash Bag is an excellent tool for practicing impact position and developing proper shaft lean. Made of heavy-duty material, it provides visual feedback on the quality and accuracy of impact. By striking the bag with a moderate swing, golfers can learn to eliminate fat and thin shots and improve overall accuracy, it's a valuable addition to any golfer's training regimen.
5. Tour Striker
This training aid promotes a connected swing by encouraging proper arm and body synchronization. It's beneficial for developing a consistent swing path and improving ball striking. By maintaining the connection between the forearms and torso, golfers can ensure that the clubface remains square at impact, leading to more accurate shots.
6. Alignment Sticks
Alignment sticks are fundamental tools for ensuring proper setup, alignment, and swing path. They can be used in various drills to reinforce correct positioning and movement patterns. By practicing with alignment sticks, golfers can develop muscle memory that translates to better on-course performance.
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📊 Technological Tools: Data-Driven Practice

7. GC Quad Simulator
For more in-depth coaching in our stores we use The GC Quad Simulator. This is a high-end launch monitor that provides detailed data on swing mechanics, ball flight, and club performance. With metrics like clubhead speed, launch angle, and spin rate, it offers comprehensive insights that can guide coaching decisions and help golfers fine-tune their game. While it represents a significant investment, its precision and versatility make it a valuable tool for serious golfers and instructors.
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✅ Coaching Philosophy: Simplicity and Effectiveness
Our approach to coaching emphasizes the use of tools that are intuitive, easy to use, and provide immediate feedback. We believe that simplicity leads to better understanding and quicker improvement. By focusing on fundamental skills and using proven training aids, golfers can make meaningful progress in their game.
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By incorporating these training aids into your practice routine, you can develop a more consistent and effective golf game. Remember, the key to improvement lies in focused practice and the use of tools that provide clear, actionable feedback.

Coaching vs. Equipment – A Real-Life Success Story
Last week, we talked about the age-old debate: "Is coaching or equipment more important for improving your golf game?"
Our answer? Both are essential.

As NZ PGA coaches, we spend a lot of time working with golfers of all skill levels—from complete beginners to seasoned players—helping them improve their swing techniques and overall performance. Through our training and experience, we're often able to identify small, simple adjustments that can lead to big improvements.

A Helensville Success Story
Recently, I had a great chat with John Low, a Helensville Golf Club member. He shared a story from a recent golf trip where he managed to take a few dollars off his mates—thanks, he said, to a few lessons he’d taken with us the previous year. John wanted to share his story with other members.
John is a strong player, known for having powerful arms and hands in his swing. However, we noticed he was relying heavily on those strengths—without fully using his body rotation.
The focus in our coaching sessions was on better sequencing, especially:
• Turning more with the body during the backswing
• Driving through the ball using more body rotation in the follow-through
By lengthening his swing arc and using his whole body, John gained both distance and consistency—all while keeping his natural swing rhythm. Over just a few sessions (with practice in between), he saw remarkable results.
How remarkable?
John shaved five strokes off his handicap.
He proudly showed me his updated handicap chart—and he’s earned every point of it through focused effort and practice.
The Coaching Takeaway
This is a perfect example of how small adjustments—tailored to the individual—can unlock significant performance gains. And it highlights a trend we often see, particularly as golfers get older:
We rely more on hands and arms and less on our body and core, which leads to inconsistent strikes and a loss of distance.
Our coaching often simplifies the golf swing into these fundamentals:
• Twist back (rotation in the backswing)
• Turn through the ball
• Finish balanced—with weight on the front side and a nice, controlled follow-through
Think about other sports:
• In tennis, a proper serve uses the whole body—not just the arms.
• When skimming a stone across a lake, we naturally shift our weight back and then forward through the throw.
• Even dart players lean back slightly before leaning into the throw for accuracy and power.
Golf is no different. When we move through the ball with balance and rhythm, we improve consistency, distance, and ball flight.

Learn From the Pros
Watch players like Rory McIlroy. His swing is explosive, but it looks smooth and effortless. His follow-through is always balanced and powerful.
Or look at Ernie Els and Fred Couples—players known for their fluid swings and perfect rhythm. What they all share is mastery of the basics: a full turn, a committed follow-through, and a balanced finish.

A Final Thought
Too often, we feel we need to swing harder to hit further. But in reality, power comes from control, balance, and striking the ball in the centre of the clubface. Distance, height, and accuracy all improve when we prioritize smoothness over speed and let our body do the work.
So whether it’s a new club or a new swing thought, the journey to better golf always starts with understanding your own swing—and making small, meaningful improvements that last.

Coaching or New Equipment?
This is one of the most common questions we get from customers who walk into our store:
"Do I need new clubs, or do I need coaching?"
They often follow up with questions like:
• “Is there a club that can fix my slice?”
• “Will a new club help me draw the ball?”
• “Can I get more distance or consistency with different equipment?”
• “Is the clubhead or shaft more important?”
• “Will new gear really improve my game, or should I invest in lessons?”
The answer to all of these is: yes—but with context.
The Role of Equipment
The right equipment absolutely matters. It's not just about clubhead style, but equally about:
• The shaft—its flex, weight, and kick point
• The grip—its size and texture
• The overall fit for your unique swing
Example: Fixing a Slice
Take the common issue of slicing the ball with your driver. While swing technique is a big factor, the wrong shaft can exaggerate a slice. A shaft that’s too stiff or a grip that's too thick can prevent your hands from properly releasing at impact. On the flip side, a shaft that’s too flexible may create an unwanted hook and reduce distance.
Draw-biased drivers, proper shaft flex, and correctly fitted grips can all help reduce a slice—if they match your swing.
Shaft Dynamics Matter
The shaft’s characteristics impact:
• Launch angle
• Spin rate
• Shot consistency
Too heavy a shaft can lower the kick point, reducing distance. Too light or too flexible can reduce control. That’s why testing different shaft and head combinations is essential.
Iron and Hybrid Options
Modern irons are engineered for higher launch, better distance, and optimal spin to stop the ball on the green. But distance isn't everything—your 7-iron might go 150m, but if it doesn't land with enough descent angle, it won’t hold the green.
Hybrids (or "rescue clubs") are also worth considering. They're easier to hit than long irons, offering better height, forgiveness, and consistency. They’re available from 3-hybrid down to 7-hybrid, depending on your needs.
Don’t Forget the Putter
Putter selection is just as important. The difference between a face-balanced putter and a toe-hang design can drastically affect your stroke. If you pull putts left, it may not be your stroke—it might be the wrong putter design for your swing path.
• Face-balanced putters suit a straight-back, straight-through stroke.
• Toe-hang putters suit an arcing stroke.
Getting the right match makes a real difference on the greens.
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The Value of Coaching
As crucial as equipment is, coaching is equally important. Many golfers spend hours practicing or watching YouTube tips, but still feel stuck. Why?
Because without personalized feedback, it's hard to see small issues like posture, swing path, or grip. These often go unnoticed—even though they’re major causes of inconsistency.
Common Misconceptions: “Keep Your Head Down”
A frequent (and outdated) piece of advice is to “keep your head down.” But in reality, lifting your head after impact is a natural part of a full, balanced swing. Think about a rugby player taking a kick—you wouldn’t expect them to keep their head down after impact. Same with golf: your body needs to rotate through the shot.
Instead, focus on keeping your head still during the backswing and downswing. Excess movement—especially vertical or lateral—affects your contact and swing arc.
The Real Cause of Slices
Slicing the ball is the #1 coaching request we get. While some issues can be fixed with small changes to grip or stance, the real culprit is often swing path:
• An out-to-in swing with a downward angle of attack on the driver creates slice spin.
• A neutral to in-to-out swing with positive attack angle promotes a draw and better distance.
Understanding your path and angle of attack is key to correcting flight and maximizing distance.
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The Real Answer? Both
When asked if you should get fitted for clubs or take lessons, the answer is both.
Equipment and technique go hand in hand. A fitted club can support your swing—but if that swing has fundamental flaws, no club alone will fix it. Likewise, good coaching can identify and correct issues, but having equipment that complements your swing makes those changes more effective.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're battling a slice, looking for more distance, or just want to enjoy the game more, combining properly fitted equipment with professional coaching gives you the best chance of improvement.
Still unsure what comes first? Reach out. We’ll watch your swing, analyse your equipment, and guide you on the best path forward—because sometimes the missing piece is just a conversation away.

Tips for Playing in Wet Weather

Unfortunately, it’s that time of year again where we start dusting off umbrellas, rain pants, jackets—and maybe even the wet-weather gloves. While I hope this Easter brings a few surprise bluebird days, it’s also a good moment to refresh some key tips to help your golf game through the wet months.
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Gear Up Right
Good equipment is crucial. A quality waterproof jacket will keep you comfortable in the worst weather. Many pros, myself included, prefer lighter layers on top—pairing a breathable outer shell with a wool or merino layer to trap warmth without bulk.
A lightweight, waterproof pair of leggings and a good pair of golf shoes with solid spikes are essential. Spikes do more than help you walk up hills—they’re critical for maintaining stability in your golf swing, especially on slippery ground. Stability ensures your connection to the turf is secure throughout your swing.
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Hands and Grip – Keep Them Dry
One of the biggest game-changers in wet weather is keeping your grips and gloves dry. A lot of players wear their glove for the entire hole, only taking it off to putt. Instead, try this:
• Dry your grip with a towel before each shot.
• Put your glove on just before your swing.
• Take it off immediately afterward.
Why? Leaving your glove on means it often touches wet umbrellas, trolley handles, or towels—and that moisture reduces both grip performance and glove lifespan. Even proper wet-weather gloves perform best when kept as dry as possible.
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Adjust Your Distances
In winter, your ball won’t travel as far—thanks to cooler temps, air density, and humidity. You’ll need to adjust your club selection accordingly. Consider “clubbing up” by at least one club and expect to lose about 10 meters off your typical distances.
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Dealing With Wet Lies
Wet grass, especially on the fairway, reduces spin and carry. The clubface slows down in the grass, often leading to a non-square strike—causing pulls or pushes. You’ll need to hit these shots harder and cleaner.
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Chipping and Around the Greens
Wet, heavy grass demands more commitment when chipping. A few key tips:
• Hit the chip harder than usual.
• Use more club to help get through the turf.
• Make sure to turn your body through the shot—don't stop at impact.
Lofted clubs can easily slide under the ball in soggy lies, so consider using lower-lofted clubs (like a 7- or 8-iron) for a bump-and-run. These give you better momentum and help the ball pop up and land softly.
Jack Nicklaus always said, “If you can use a putter from off the green, you should.” But in wet conditions, a putter might struggle to roll through waterlogged grass. A hybrid can be a great alternative—it provides added weight and momentum to push through thick grass without getting stuck.
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Final Thoughts: Comfort = Performance
Winter golf may not be everyone's favourite, but being prepared makes a huge difference. To sum up, focus on:
• Waterproof shoes and solid spikes
• Dry gloves and clean, non-worn grips
• Comfortable, flexible clothing layers
• A good waterproof hat or a warm wool beanie
We all love fine-weather golf, but in places like Auckland, rain is sometimes unavoidable. So gear up and stay ready—and you'll still enjoy your golf this winter!

The Unspoken golfing terms.

There are certain terms that golfers prefer to avoid when discussing their game, particularly the words "shanks" and "yips." Both of these terms can evoke fear among players, yet they are often manageable with the right approach.

The putting yips are typically linked to involuntary movements or excessive nervousness at the moment of impact. While various coaching aids are available, most emphasize the importance of utilizing larger muscle groups, such as the shoulders and arms, during the putting stroke, while minimizing unnecessary wrist movements.

Modifications to the putter can also assist in addressing these issues. Options include thicker grips, wrist-lock or Armlock grips, and alterations in putter styles and strokes. Techniques that help reduce excessive wrist movement or twitches include the left-hand-low grip (for right-handed golfers), the claw or the arm-lock grip. Many elite PGA players have adopted unconventional putting grips to achieve a more consistent stroke, such as Ryan Fox with the arm-lock grip, Jordan Spieth with the left-hand-low grip, and Lydia Ko, who uses a left-hand-low grip for shorter putts but reverts to a conventional grip for longer ones.

Additionally, there is a variety of putters available that can help ensure a square clubface at impact, which is crucial for a smooth roll towards the hole. Traditional blade-style putters often have a toe bias that favours an arcing stroke, while mallet-style putters are typically face-balanced, promoting a straight-back, straight-through putting style that many find easier to control. Newer models, such as the Square to Square putter and along with the innovative L.A.B. (Lie Angle Balance) putters, are designed to help return the clubface to a square position and are gaining popularity among professionals and players globally. Odyssey and Scotty Cameron have recently introduced longer counterbalanced putters designed to facilitate a smoother putting stroke. Among the more unconventional putting techniques, the return of the broomstick-style putters has gained traction, particularly among PGA professionals such as Bernhard Langer and Adam Scott, as a means to help manage the putting yips.

For players who exhibit excessive wrist movement during their stroke, it may be beneficial to reassess fundamental aspects such as grip style, putter length, weight, and overall technique. Addressing the yips often requires significant adjustments to break free from a cycle of diminished confidence. A recent coaching success involved a struggling player who we transitioned from right-handed to left-handed putting stroke and putter. This change allowed him remove the imbalance with his dominant right hand, effectively eliminating involuntary wrist movements at impact. Another student shifted from a conventional putter to a left-hand low grip combined with a heavier lie and balance putter, which has also shown him promising results.

It is crucial not to feel discouraged if you experience the yips, as numerous solutions are available. Seeking assistance can set you on the path to regaining your proficiency as a putter.

Course Management is especially important during the dry months where the balls are bouncing and running further. Here are a few tips to consider when planning and playing your round.

Know your carry distances

While this may seem obvious, most golfers are unaware of their true carry distances with each club. Check the distances on the driving range or on a simulator (available at Golf HQ or with a golf lesson at Helensville).

Record the carry distances for every club. Make a note of each one and keep it with you when you play.

Pick a stock shot off the tee

If you are not happy with your shots off the Tee and always hit right, start to embrace that fade. Trying to hit a fade on some holes and a draw on another is too much work and creates room for error. Draw shots off the tee are great, but many
Golf Pro’s now chose a fade, as its more controllable and they hit more fairways with this shape.

Try the “no-flag” approach

Play a few rounds of golf and forget about the pin position. Work on getting the ball on the safest area of the green.

That may be the middle or, for example, it may be the left side if a bunker is blocking the right side. Minimize your risk by leaving those sucker pins alone and just getting the ball on the green. Sounds easy, but with practice you can plan better and lower your scores.

Mental Routine.

To improve your golf game, it's important to create a mental routine for every shot you take. This routine helps you stay focused and confident, making each shot feel deliberate and controlled.

Start by identifying your target—this means knowing exactly where you want the ball to go. It could be a specific spot on the green or a particular part of the fairway. Being clear about your target gives you a clear sense of direction and purpose for your shot.

Next, visualise the shot path—picture how the ball will travel from where you are to your target. Imagine the trajectory, the curve, and any obstacles you might need to avoid. This step helps you mentally rehearse the shot before you even swing, which boosts your confidence.

Finally, commit and hit the shot—trust yourself and your preparation. Don't second-guess or overthink. Focus on your swing, let your body follow through naturally, and aim to execute the shot with intention.

By repeating this routine with every shot, you'll develop more consistency in your game. A clear, focused mindset combined with a consistent routine will help you perform better under pressure and make your game more reliable overall.

Back to Basics

As we reflect on the skills we teach, we realize that many of these basics can
benefit all golfers, regardless of experience.

One common mistake in chipping is using too much wrist action to lift the ball into the air.

The key technique is to set up with 60% of your weight on your front foot, directed toward the target. From there, focus on making a descending blow, letting the bounce of the wedge, the grooves and the dimples on the ball do the work of
getting the ball into the air.

It's also important to turn your body through the ball and finish in a balanced, relaxed position after each shot.

If you can hold this finish, then your swing was smooth and well-balanced. Lastly,
remember to keep your arms and hands relaxed and let the club do the work to
launch the ball into the air.

This technique is especially effective when playing on fast, receptive greens, like those at Helensville.

With a smooth, tension-free swing, your short game will improve!