Coaching Tips from Steve and Louie

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!