Coaching Tips from Steve and Louie

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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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!