Course Review – Pinnacle Golf Club

Those in DFW proper have likely heard of Mabank, which sits about 90 minutes south of the Metroplex. But what many aren’t aware of is the stupendous golf course sitting along the shores of Cedar Creek Reservoir. The Pinnacle Golf Club, located in a gated community, offers a great option for those with property in […]

Instruction – Increasing Club Head Speed

Every golfer wants more distance. The secret? It’s not swinging harder; it’s moving faster, more efficiently. Clubhead speed is one of the biggest predictors of distance. Even a 3–5 mph increase can add 10–15 yards off the tee. But increasing speed the right way requires strategy, structure, and smart training. Let me break it down […]

Course Review – Texas Star Golf Course

Euless’ Texas Star Golf Course has been the best course the mid-cities has to offer since it opened back in 1997. The 18-hole Keith Foster design has evolved over the years along with the areas surrounding the course. In 2025, Texas Star underwent a total greens overhaul, updating putting surfaces and adding to the tremendous […]

Instruction – 2026, The Year of the Dialed Wedge

I get this question all the time: “How can I have better control of my distances with my wedges?” Far too often, I see students lose unnecessary strokes around the greens from not being able to control their distances with their wedges and their ball either ending up short, where they have to chip again, […]

Golf Science – The Great American State Competition

Author’s Note: Happy New Year all. This one’s fodder for your funny bone! We invited all 50 U.S. states to submit their cases for being America’s premier golf destination. Here’s what we’ve received so far. No winners yet — we’re still reading. Florida’s Submission (Received first, marked “URGENT”) Florida would like the panel to it […]

Course Review – Meadowbrook Fort Worth

Meadowbrook Golf Course in Fort Worth has long been a Metroplex municipal staple. Originally opened in 1924 as the nine-hole Meadowbrook Country Club, this east side property was purchased by the city in 1938 and later renovated by Ralph Plummer in the early 1960s. Now, just after the course’s 100th-birthday celebration in 2024, Meadowbrook Golf […]

Instruction – Cross-Sport Motion

One of the most effective ways to develop athletic movement in golf is through cross-sport motion training – learning how the body moves dynamically in other throwing or striking sports. Two powerful examples come from football and frisbee. Throwing a football with your trail hand and a frisbee with your lead hand can both train […]

Instruction – Lower Scores Quick With These Putting Drills

If you want to lower scores quickly, putting is the fastest path. Most golfers leave strokes on the green not because of poor technique, but because they lack start-line control, distance consistency, and practice under pressure to perform on the course. The following drills train all of these skills and can be done in just […]

Golf Science – Biomechanics & The Golf Swing

Imagine having the opportunity to interview a man who has appeared in more TV and radio shows, podcasts, and newspaper/magazine articles than almost anyone (no, not Shohei!) and who is also one of the leading sports biomechanists in the world. Meet Glenn Fleisig, Ph.D., of the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI). He has researched the […]

Course Review – TPC at The Nelson Golf & Sports Club

The Nelson Golf & Sports Club may not be a familiar name to those in DFW, but that’s only because it’s a new name, and not a new property. A little over a year ago, the once-TPC Las Colinas and Four Seasons underwent some ownership changes. The hotel is now managed by The Ritz-Carlton and […]

Instruction – Sequence and Weight Shift

One of the most common swing faults golfers struggle with is poor swing sequence. Most amateurs tend to start the downswing by rotating the upper body or throwing the arms first before using the lower body resulting in poor contact, out-to-in path and lack of proper weight shift through impact. Improper sequence and weight shift […]

Fitness – Build a Golf Ready Core

Golfers are often focus on swing mechanics, clubs, or flexibility drills, but without a strong, stable core, even the best swing cues fall flat. The core acts as the transfer station between your lower and upper body, allowing you to generate rotational power while maintaining control and balance throughout the swing. A weak core can […]

Course Review – Lake Park Golf Course

Lake Park Golf Club has been a Lewisville staple since the mid-1990s. This lakeside property, now managed by Arcis Golf, offers a solid day on the links, some nice views, and above average course conditions. In an era where golf greens fees are skyrocketing, Lake Park continues to charge a reasonable rate that sits right […]

Course Review – Sugar Tree Golf Club

Sugar Tree Golf Club has been a fun day getaway course for those on the west side of the Metroplex for years. First opened in 1988, this Phil Lumsden designed, par-72 track offers rolling topography, tree framed fairways and a spectacular view of the Brazos River on the inward nine. Located in Lipan, which is […]

Instruction – Bottle Up a Better Swing

A common swing fault I see in many golfers is when a player opens their shoulders too quickly in the beginning of their downswing while the club head remains very high in relation to the hands. This combination creates an excessively in-to-out swing direction with open faces leading to slices and weak ball flights. If […]

Golf Science – A Chat With Rick Sessinghaus

Some people, as Shakespeare once astutely said, are born great. Others achieve greatness. Still others… no need to go to the last part of that famous phrase, in order to present a great golf coach who has worked tirelessly to achieve greatness and earn his place in the golf world.  While many know Rick Sessinghaus […]

Fitness – Fascia Stretches for Fall

From the facial expressions and not-so-faint yelps during my soft tissue and stretch sessions, it’s safe to say my work isn’t exactly relaxing. When multiple people joke about needing a bite stick to survive a stretch, I know I’m in deep. But despite the discomfort, golfers have been flooding my schedule, begging for a spot […]

Instruction – Reading Greens

On Bermuda greens, golf balls tend to break toward the rough or grainier edge of the hole due to the strong influence of grain direction – a characteristic feature of Bermuda grass. Unlike Bentgrass or Poa Annua, Bermuda has thick, horizontal blades that grow in a specific direction, often leaning toward the setting sun or […]

Course Review – Stonebriar Fazio

In the past, our monthly AVIDGOLFER Magazine course feature has typically been reserved for municipal and daily fee courses. But, on occasion, we will branch out and visit a course that might be semi-private or a resort property. Take Old American and The Tribute in The Colony or the Fields Ranch courses at the Omni […]

Golf Science – Teaching the Long Ball

Golfers all across the globe share a single obsession: distance and the pursuit of it. They may chase it through new, cutting-edge drivers or by improving strength and speed – but ultimately, it comes down to their swings. And that, of course, should be the first priority and low-hanging fruit through working with a skilled, […]

Instruction – Compression Obsession

One drill you can do to stay more connected and get better compression is to grab an exercise band and place it above your elbows. From here, practice rotating back, keeping your right elbow close to your side. This will help your right elbow not flare out on your backswing. Practicing hitting shots with the […]

Fitness – Rotational Power

In the world of golf, power isn’t just for the pros, it’s essential for any player looking to increase swing speed, drive distance, and reduce injury risk. While technique and timing are key, power comes from your ability to generate force quickly and transfer it efficiently through your body. That’s where targeted training comes in. […]

Course Review – Frisco Farms

The clubhouse at Frisco Farms, which was completely renovated and reopened back in April, is everything you would expect from an Arcis-managed property. The new bar area has plenty of beers on draft, a great area to lounge, vaulted ceilings and vintage décor. It’s a cozy place to grab a drink and a bite after […]

Instruction – The Scoring Zone

Here are some of the best drills to dial in your wedges: Place hula hoops on the ground at different yardages. Here I have one at 30 yards, 40 yards and 50 yards. Once you have a hoop on the ground at the yardage you struggle with, hit shots, paying attention to how far you […]

Fitness – Pumping with the Ladies of the LPGA

When most picture the women of the LPGA, they imagine their graceful, delicate execution of each swing with the poise of a ballerina performing Swan Lake. But these women aren’t here to be kept on a shelf and admired like fine art. They are athletes … absolute beasts from tee time to the weight room. […]

Course Review – Lake Arlington Golf Course

I have been on record for years as saying Lake Arlington Golf Course just might be the best bang for the buck in DFW. Course conditions have been great for the better part of a decade, the greens are some of the only ones in the area that have seen zero Poa Annua in the […]

Golf Science – Swinging in Bryson’s Shoes

How could the average golfer ever dare to imagine swinging in Bryson DeChambeau’s shoes? After all, he’s a pro who has racked up impressive achievements and smashes drives and sinks putts like almost no one else can. Actually, “swinging with his clubs”  would be a far more realistic way to phrase it. A visit to […]

Instruction – Set Up for Success

Your setup is the foundation of your swing. One of the most overlooked parts of the setup is shoulder alignment. When the shoulders are too open (pointing left of the target for a right-handed golfer or right for a left-handed golfer), it can cause a chain reaction of issues throughout your swing and slice. What […]

Course Review – Tangle Ridge Golf Course

For the better part of three decades, Grand Prairie’s Tangle Ridge Golf Club has been a go-to for those who appreciate great municipal golf. This city course stuns with its rolling topography, Ultra Dwarf Bermuda greens and fun architectural elements.  Customer service at Tangle Ridge is always top-notch, as the friendly staff is always welcoming […]

Golf Science – The Golf Professor’s Evaluation

Golfers of all skill levels – beginner to Tour player – often struggle with directional misses, loss of distance, and even injury. Despite trying various adjustments – from grip changes and takeaway modifications – to the latest “power” moves or “miracle” cures, they often find that their results remain inconsistent, and the fixes are frequently […]

Instruction – Getting Your Ball Airborne

Calling all new golfers. If you have never played golf and are wanting to learn how, this article is for you. In this article, I will walk you through all the steps in assuring you hit the ball in the air when you get out for the first time. The first step to hitting the […]

Course Review – Sherrill Park No. 2

Sherrill Park is municipal golf at its finest. Two courses, each offering a different challenge while maintaining solid conditions and playability for all skill levels. Sherrill Park No. 2 just underwent an extensive renovation of greens, tees and bunkers, as well as drainage improvements which will help conditions during the rainy spring months. The renovation […]

Golf Science – Swing Thoughts from the Greats

Many golfers believe that the pros make great swings and only miss a few shots here and there in competition, because of not being in the right frame of mind, or having a momentary lack of focus or choosing an incorrect club or, if nothing else, experiencing sheer bad luck. After all, they have access […]

Golf Science – Tiger’s Greatest Legacy

Tiger Woods, over his 49 years, has been many things to many people. A son any parent would be proud of. A dad his two children adore. A charismatic golfer who millions of golfers revere above any other. He has also been an icon, a GOAT (greatest of all time), a hero who has been […]

Ask the Superintendent – ABCs of Aeration

Welcome back, avid golfers, and I hope that you all made it through the cold weather in good shape. While March can still experience cold weather, we start to see the days getting longer and there are some pretty good golf days during the month. It is also the time of year when we start […]

Instruction – Grip and Ball Flight

I always say how you grip the club is like the steering wheel of the car; it will determine the direction the ball goes the majority of the time.  If you want the ball to go left or draw more, rotate your hands to the right on the club at setup, having both thumbs to […]

Golf Science – The Life of A Looper

Famous British poet of the 1600s, John Milton, wrote “On His Blindness” in which he said, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Surely this applies nowhere else so much as to the caddies who serve their players quietly, efficiently and patiently for days, weeks, months and years on end.  The 21st century PGA […]

Course Review – Texas Rangers Golf Club

The last time we checked in on Texas Rangers Golf Club was back in 2021. The new, state-of-the-art clubhouse had just opened, and the property was finally complete. The course has been up and running since 2019, but the clubhouse took a couple of additional years to finish.  Shortly after the completion of the clubhouse, […]

Instruction – The Basics of Chipping

Here’s a breakdown of the basics to help you improve your chipping: 1. Grip and Stance Use your putting grip Stance: Set up with your feet close together, about hip-width apart. Lean slightly toward the ball with your weight shifted to your front foot (about 60-70 percent of your weight). Keep your knees slightly flexed […]

Golf Science – Functional Medicine With Dr. Ara Suppiah

Most people imagine that the PGA TOUR and LIV Golf have nothing in common. They would almost be right, but there actually is one entity that both organizations share. And that is the person who has been the head of Tournament Medical Services for LIV Golf for the past three years. Once 14 of his […]

Instruction – Putting 101

Putting is considered the most critical element of golf, where finesse, precision and confidence come together. While much attention is given to putter design and green reading, the putting grip – a player’s connection to the club – can significantly influence performance. The right grip offers control, consistency and comfort, helping players roll the ball […]

Course Review – Mansfield National

Mansfield doesn’t have many options for golf. Although for the last few decades, it has grown into one of the busiest suburbs in the southern part of DFW, yet your golf options are limited. Of course, there is Walnut Creek Country Club, but it’s private. So, unless you’re a member there, that leaves you with […]

Fitness – Testing Your Mobility

Has your golf instructor ever asked you to make a change to your swing and your body just can’t complete the task? A golf swing might look simple from a distance, but it’s a highly complex and coordinated movement involving many parts of the body. The right combination of flexibility, strength, balance and timing is […]

Instruction – Data Points of a Launch Monitor: Part 2

This month, we are continuing the discussion on data points of a launch monitor. In this article, I am going to talk about face angle, club path and face-to-path ratio. What is the clubface angle? The angle your clubface is pointed right or left of the target line at impact. What does this mean: This […]

Golf Science – Our PGA Friends to the North

The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of any country is its national body for training golf teachers, coaches and business managers, as well as others involved in the business of golf. The PGA of America is the largest such organization in the world, with a membership of 30,000. The PGA of Great Britain and Ireland has […]

Instruction – Data Points of A Launch Monitor: Part 1

There are numerous indoor simulators popping up all over the world. I constantly hear students say how much they love the data but have no idea what the numbers and data points mean. In this article, I am going to cover the following data points: angle of attack and launch angle. In upcoming months, we […]

Golf Science – Tiger’s Travails

When Tiger Woods had his sixth spinal surgery in 10 years, naturally it made headlines. It was widely reported that the surgeon who performed the surgery was Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi (MD, MBA), a spinal surgeon and Co-Chief of Spine Service at The Hospital for Special Surgery, a spine service that is internationally recognized as a […]

Golf Science – Chasing a Dream

The world is often full of stories about war and famine and disease and sadness, so it’s always nice to hear a sweet story about how a small-town guy empties the family coffers on a chance and makes a place for himself in the competitive golf market. Jared Doerfler’s story began when his dad taught […]

Golf Tech – Club Fitting With The Golf Lab

There is a brand-new golf business in town, and it is called The Golf Lab. It is a Plano-based business created by industry veterans Darren Petty and Kenny Jones of Clubfinder’s GOLF fame. Open Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., The Golf Lab is an indoor facility, which means […]

Instruction – No More Shanks

There are many faults that can cause a shank; rather, it is a setup issue or a swing technique issue. Below I demonstrate a couple of the swing technique faults that cause shanks and drills to eliminate that dreaded “S” word from your game.  A common fault I see when people shank the ball is […]

Instruction – Clubface Consistency

Students commonly mistake their big misses with their club path or angle of attack. The biggest factor in your misses and where the ball ends up is your clubface. The clubface influences 85 percent of the direction your ball goes. That is HUGE!  Clubface is the easiest thing to change to see improvements in your […]

Course Review – Rusted Rail

Rusted Rail in Crandall is now more than a half decade removed from its ownership change, renovation and rebranding. In August 2018, the property added Champion Bermuda greens, a new irrigation system, new cart paths, on-course restrooms and a new improved clubhouse that has become the epicenter of this fun and affordable experience.   Originally […]

Golf Science – Foley’s Philosophy

If you come across a not-very-tall guy with slicked-back hair, colorful glasses that usually match his shirt, and many tattoos on his arms, what field might you imagine he is in? Before you get too carried away and imagine a hip-hop star, know that this man is extremely well-read and erudite. Also note that the […]

Golf Science – The Harmon Family Legacy

There is only one family of golf instructors that golf lesson-takers all over the planet, and across all existing golfing generations, might consider the “first family” of golf teachers. And that is, naturally, the Harmon family. The Patriarch Eugene Claude Harmon Sr. was a true patriarch for the Harmon family. After having spent much of […]

Course Review – Fossil Creek

Since it opened back in 1988, The Golf Club at Fossil Creek has been a great daily fee option and one of the only Arnold Palmer designs in the DFW area. For years, players have flocked to this Arcis property and consistently rave about customer service, course conditions and amenities. Just a couple years ago, […]

Instruction – Drills for an Effortless Backswing

A good backswing looks simple and effortless, although in reality there are many moving parts. The good news is each part of the backswing is simple with repetition. What is the purpose of the backswing? The purpose of the backswing is to get your club and body in a good position at the top of […]

Course Review – Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club

Almost 25 years after the first dirt was moved, Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club continues to thrive. This 55+ active adult development in Fairview, just 35 minutes northeast of Dallas, is one of the most complete club experiences in the area. Around 1,200 homes sit on this near 600-acre property, which comes complete with […]

Golf Science – An Inside Look at Coaching

While every PGA TOUR victory these days is instantly flashed across the world via TV, magazine articles, internet blogs and social media, with the victor being touted as the newest great thing in golf since the graphite shaft (until the next Sunday, that is), the coach behind the victory is rarely acknowledged. An occasional player […]

Instruction – Perfecting Impact Position

When you watch professional swings throughout the years, you will see many different takeaways, backswings and follow-throughs. But one position that is consistently similar through every high-level player is impact. The six inches before and after the golf ball. This is the most important part of the golf swing. If you can have a consistent […]

Course Review – Sky Creek Ranch

Keller’s Sky Creek Ranch has been one of our top west courses for a number of years. Coming in at No. 4 last year, behind only Cowboys Golf Club, Texas Rangers Golf Club and Texas Star, this property boasts a one-of-a-kind layout and all the great amenities you can ask out of a great daily-fee […]

Instruction – Sequencing for Distance

Everyone wants to hit the ball longer. In order to hit longer drives, there are a couple of key factors: speed, sequence and timing. These three things are important in order to hit the ball farther.  In many sports where speed is important, athletes train using lighter equipment to promote faster movements. You can use […]

Golf Science – A Parent’s Guide to Golf

Some say performance in golf requires technical skills and better positions in the swing. Others say better performance happens as a result of physical skills and a better fitness regimen. Still others say that the mental aspect of golf rules supreme and, unless a golfer can be relaxed and focused, performance will suffer. One sports […]

Course Review – Coyote Ridge Golf Club

For a couple years now, AVIDGOLFER has been hearing grumblings of Coyote Ridge potentially switching to an all-private facility. While we still hear that may be the case, for now, public tee times are available, and this is a course you should still want to check out. The Sam Rayburn corridor is low key one […]

Instruction – Building a Better Takeaway

Outside of the setup, the takeaway is one of the most vital parts of the golf swing. The takeaway, in fact, sets up the entire swing. Here is a fun fact: Moe Norman, one of the best-ranked ball-strikers ever on the PGA TOUR, believed the takeaway was so important, he would address the ball with […]

Ask the Superintendent – Happy Earth Day

Welcome, avid golfers, to the April installment of Ask the Superintendent. If you have followed our column for any length of time you are aware of the many environmental strengths that golf courses have, especially in urban settings. April has always been a special month for golfers, but since 1970, it is even more special […]

Instruction – How to Hit the Draw

The most common tendency I see in my students is slicing the ball. This can be a frustrating ball flight, but I believe it is also one of the easiest faults to fix. I have several different drills and thoughts to help you start hitting beautiful draws.  If you find yourself slicing and are frustrated, […]

Golf Science – Chatting with Champions

March in Southern California means wonderful weather, lingering snow in the distant mountains, sunny skies and perfect golf course conditions. And the PGA TOUR Champions makes the most of all this by holding two back-to-back events in SoCal. The Hoag Classic at the Newport Beach Country Club, followed by the Galleri Classic at the Mission […]

Course Review – Hidden Creek Golf Course

In the golf business, you often hear the term “hidden gem” when those in the know speak of an affordable course that boasts a fun layout and solid course conditions. Well, Hidden Creek in Burleson is exactly that. When Hidden Creek first opened for play in 1997, it was met with positive returns, and after […]

Ask the Superintendent – Golfer Responsibilities 102

Since the earliest days of golf, this question has recurred, “What are my responsibilities as a golfer to maintain the golf experience?” This question is so big and so misunderstood that I reached out to my good friend at TPC Craig Ranch, Mike Kiesling, Director of Golf, to help us answer the question. It seems […]

Instruction – Putting Training Boot Camp

I get asked by many of my students what training aids I recommend for putting. Below are some of my favorite training aids to use for rolling the rock (disclaimer: I am not being paid to advertise any of these training aids). Alignment Sticks These cost around $3 at Home Depot and are called yard […]

Golf Science – Inside the Ropes of a Professional’s Mindset

Most golfers these days are on one or more social media platforms and so get bombarded with swing tips all the time. “Get your lead elbow bowed like Dustin Johnsons’s.” “Get vertical close to impact like Justin Thomas.” “Keep your butt against the wall like Tiger Woods.” And on and on. So, the recently completed […]

Course Review – Prairie Lakes Golf Course

Historically, Grand Prairie has seen its share of great places to enjoy some leisure time with friends and family. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Lone Star Park and Texas Trust CU Theatre are some of the older and more well-known reasons to visit Grand Prairie. But a recent renaissance on the south side of town […]

Instruction – Putting Drills for Indoors and Outdoors

Setup is very important in putting to get the ball started on the intended line as well as help with distance control. Start with your feet shoulder width apart. Then stand tall with your arms straight out in front of you at chest high, making sure the putter grip, shaft and clubhead are all the […]

The PGA and Non-Profits

The PGA TOUR makes its West Coast Swing at the start of each year. That makes for a great opportunity for fans in Hawaii and California to watch all their favorite players in action and, in fact, to learn more about the TOUR itself. Given that this is a golf science column, it seemed appropriate […]

Instruction – New Year, New Goals

Happy New Year! I hope 2024 will be filled with great memories and lower scores!  What does a great putter consist of? Here are a few keys great putters do well: They hit the center of the clubface consistently (there are a couple PGA and LPGA Tour players who have won many tournaments and hit […]

Golf Science – The Golf Ball Rollback

Golf as we know it will change forever, once the USGA and R&A’s golf ball rollback rule goes into effect in a few years, starting in 2028. The rollback rule was not made on a whim. In fact, the Distance Insights Project has been a joint initiative of the USGA and R&A since 2018, and […]

Course Review – The Trails of Frisco

No. This isn’t an article about a course that’s closing shop. In fact, it’s about a course that thrives in a now DFW golf hotbed. As the Metroplex continues to expand at a breakneck pace, those up north of Dallas are becoming more and more blessed with great golf properties. Of course, the City of […]

Instruction – Putting Your Short Game to the Test

What better way to round out the year than doing a self-assessment to see where you need to improve in 2024 to reach your goals. Below are some putting and chipping assessments as well as drills to help you improve and lower your scores in 2024. To shoot lower scores, players need to be able […]

Golf Science – Golden Age Golf

As the saying goes, old is gold. That certainly is true for senior male golfers who participate in competitive events. The Tour Champions Q-School for 2024 had three first stage locations to accommodate Tour-card-hopefuls, and each venue played host to around 75 participants. There were about 225 Stage I golfers in total, with 18 from […]

Course Review – White Bluff Resort

White Bluff Resort sits about 90 minutes southwest of the Metroplex in the town of Whitney. This gated community nestled next to Lake Whitney is a great locale for not only a quick trip for some golf, but also a prime spot for those looking to build a vacation home or new permanent residence. Amenities […]

Instruction – Curing the Dreaded Slice

What causes a slice in technical terms? A slice is caused by an open clubface in relation to your swing path at impact. I see so many students work on their swing path first trying to fix their slice when, in reality, 80 percent of where the ball goes is due to the clubface. With […]

Golf Science – Professional Prep

What does it take to succeed at Q School? As the number of professional golf events springing up all over the world proliferates, with ever-increasing amounts of prize money, many would love to know! Meet Texas’ very own Scott Fawcett, former golf professional and most recently known as the guru of course management. As a […]

Instruction – Short Game Secrets to Success

The number one comment I hear from new students when I ask what their golf goal is: “I want to become more consistent.” “I want to have consistent contact.” To get consistency for chipping/pitching, here are a few things that need to happen. You need to master center of the clubface contact, direction and distance […]

Golf Science – Top of the Food Chain

It is absolutely unbelievable that the number of high-quality golf research papers is as large as it is these days. Unfortunately, unless the researchers have a strong following within the golf coaching community, their results might never come to light, and thus never be utilized for the benefit of the group of golfers they apply […]

Instruction – Consistent Contact

One of the biggest inconsistencies I see with amateur golfers is where they hit the ball on the clubface. It is always in a different spot, causing direction inconsistencies as well as yardage inconsistencies and leaving them frustrated. Did you know that if you hit the golf ball just a half inch off the center […]

Course Review – The Tribute Golf Links

After combining forces with Old American a few years ago, The Golf Clubs at Tribute are now one all-encompassing property. The clubhouse that used to be home to just The Tribute Golf Links now serves as the home for the pro shop, dining and all the other amenities for both clubs. These semi-private properties have […]

Feature – LPGA Preview

The Ascendent LPGA Benefitting Volunteers of America is back at The Golf Clubs at The Tribute in 2023. Old American Golf Club will be the host course of the longest running Official LPGA Tour event in Texas, with players vying for a $1,800,000 purse. The tournament mission is to be the premiere event in North […]

Course Review – Squaw Creek Golf Course

West Fort Worth and surrounding areas have seen an influx of people over the last decade. As many move westward for quieter surroundings and a slower, country style of living, this area is booming with activity. From the Friday night lights of high-level high school football to the rolling vistas and acreage-driven homesteads, places like […]

Instruction – Golf Longevity

One of my favorite things about golf is there are so many different ways to swing and hit various shots. There is not one specific way to swing or hit the different shots. Golf can also be played no matter what the injury is, there is a modification that can be made to help you.  […]

Golf Science – The Ultimate Mind Game

It has often been said that a student is only as good as his teacher. However, it is rare for anyone to actually study how good the teacher truly is. So, it might be of interest to learn more about the man behind much of the success of the current 19th-ranked player on the Official […]

Course Review – The Golf Club at Champions Circle

The Golf Club at Champions Circle has a long and interesting history here in DFW. Sitting just south of the Texas Motor Speedway, this course is one that you may not be as familiar with as some of the municipal and daily fee courses closer to Fort Worth proper. When this property first debuted back […]

Instruction – Short Game Solutions

I have a lot of students who ask me how to practice for shooting lower scores. I have provided some drills top juniors and professionals do to prepare for tournaments. I teach these drills to a lot of students, as well, to help them lower their scores. The putting drills will focus on distance control, […]

Golf Science – Physical Therapy and Golf

To the regular golfer, a Tour player seems like someone from another universe, way beyond their own ability to ever hope to play like. However, it takes an entire team to keep these elite “engines” finely tuned and in shape to play their best golf, week after week. Tour players each have a big team […]

Instruction – The Proper Follow-Through

One of the biggest swing mechanics that goes unnoticed in the golf swing is the follow-through. The follow-through is vital to have consistent contact and ball flight.  I have provided several thoughts and drills to help you have more consistent contact through focusing on your follow-through. Far too often I see students so focused on […]

Golf Science – Strokes Gained, Explained

More and more golfers use, or are fascinated by, the idea of using the new “strokes gained” statistics as opposed to some of the more traditional ones. So what are traditional statistics and what are the new ones? Traditional statistics include fairways hit (on tee shots), greens in regulation, short game up and downs, putts per […]

Course Review – Tempest Golf Club

Just two hours east of Dallas on Interstate 20, sits the town of Gladewater. Just a stone’s throw away from Kilgore, this sleepy town of just over 6,000 boasts the motto: “treasuring the past, while embracing the future.” Sitting just off I-20, Tempest Golf Club is doing exactly that. Not only do they treasure the […]

Instruction – What is Bounce?

Have you ever had a chip around the green where all you have to do is get it up-and-down to get a birdie and you end up skulling the ball across the green? I see far too many students make the mistake of skulling the ball across the green and thinking it is poor mechanics […]

Golf Science – The Secret to Longevity

What with all the partitions happening in the world of men’s professional golf, aficionados are perhaps left with less motivation to follow any of the tours, as fan loyalty has to be divided across all the platforms. On any given Sunday, a relatively unknown player might heft the trophy that has engraved on it the […]

Course Review – Bear Creek Golf Club

Bear Creek Golf Club is one of Arcis Golf’s most fun and captivating properties. This centrally located facility was built right in the heart of the Metroplex, just a driver and a couple iron shots away from DFW Airport. With a pair of courses, a lively clubhouse scene, a great outdoor food and beverage area […]

Course Review – Pecan Valley River Course

Fort Worth has really stepped up its municipal golf game over the last several years. The renovation of Rockwood, which was officially completed in 2017, and the planned, long overdue renovation of Meadowbrook Golf Course, which will begin later this year, have taken most of the Fort Worth golf headlines over the last half-decade. But, […]

Instruction – Rolling the Rock

I have spent a lot of time watching some of the best putters on the LPGA and PGA Tours, including Brad Faxon. Three things the top putters have in common are they are great at reading greens, they start the ball on their intended line the majority of the time and they have great distance […]

Golf Science – What is Your Go-To Shot?

Golf fans, the world over, often believe that the pros they watch on TV are practically infallible, hitting long, straight drives and possessed of immaculate short games. So, The Genesis Invitational, held at the Riviera Country Club since 1973, was a great opportunity to find out just exactly what the pros themselves think about their […]

Instruction – Saving Strokes Around the Greens

There is nothing more frustrating than hitting your second shot on a par 5 on the fringe of the green, then blading the ball into the water over the green or chunking the ball a few feet in front of you, now turning your birdie into a bogey. If you’ve ever been in the situation […]

Golf Science – Avoiding Over the Top

It has always been said that less-skilled golfers come over the top (OTT) while the best golfers, especially the professionals, never do. However, when asked for a tip to avoid over the top, many pros at the recent Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines said they are sometimes OTT, too. For some, like Michael Herrera, […]

Course Review – Tierra Verde Golf Club

Two hundred and fifty acres in south Arlington became Tierra Verde Golf Club back in 1998. Now, 25 years later, this Audubon Signature gem has been reborn with some jaw-dropping improvements. Tierra is one of the Metroplex’s foremost examples of wonderful playability combined with a serene country feel and relaxed atmosphere. Roadrunners, bobcats and other […]

Instruction – Grip Fundamentals

There are so many keys to playing good golf, a lot of times when students are hitting the ball badly, they immediately think it is a result of a big fix that needs to be made when in reality the majority of the time it is just something small causing the big misses and inconsistency. […]

Instruction – Putting

Happy New Year! I can’t believe another year has gone … it’s amazing how fast time flies! What are your new year’s resolutions? I encourage you to reach out to me with your goals for the year, so we can talk about ways to reach those goals. E-mail me at kirsten.pike@invitedclubs.com To start 2023 off, […]

Course Review – Texas Star Golf Course

DFW golf experienced a huge boom of new courses in the late ‘90s. Texas Star in Euless was one of those courses, and since 1997 it has been one of the premium daily fee courses in the area. Now, 25 years later, it still routinely finishes in the top 5 courses in AVIDGOLFER’s public course […]

Golf Science – Up Your Endurance for 2023

Happy New Year all. If your goal for the new year is to score better at golf, and if you’d like to work towards that goal by training better and fueling better, here is some useful information from a very recent (published April 2022) review paper titled ‘Competitive Golf: How Longer Courses Are Changing Athletes […]

Course Review – Tangle Ridge Golf Course

Tangle Ridge Golf Club in Grand Prairie has long been one of our favorite daily fee courses in the area. Ranking No. 5 on the east in this year’s AG Best of Public rankings, Tangle Ridge is a course as unique as the terrain on which it sits.  If you have lived in the DFW […]

Instruction – Winter is for Putting

One thing all great putters have in common is they have a firm lead wrist at impact and a putting stroke driven by rocking the arms, shoulders and not flicking the wrists. Flicking the wrist at impact can cause a lot of inconsistency in the ball starting on the proper line, controlling the speed of […]

Golf Science – Professional Club Fitting for Dummies

It all began when the LPGA Professionals (the teaching and coaching arm of the LPGA) arranged a webinar on club fitting for its members. The speaker gave one of the most clear and meaningful presentations I have ever heard – in golf and in academia. He explained that since he was a kid watching fitters […]

Instruction – The Swing Path to Success

I have students who ask all the time what training aids they should buy to help improve their game; one of my favorite training aids is a cardboard box. There are so many ways a cardboard box can be used, but one of my favorite ways to use a box is as an obstacle for […]

Golf Science – Predicting the Predictions

This article is for those golf aficionados who love to predict eventual winners of golf events and are even, perhaps, enthusiastic punters. It involves a fun “experiment” that was designed to predict (or not) which of a few selected golfers in a four-day pro tour event would have the best scores at the end of […]

Course Review – The Golf Club at Fossil Creek

The Golf Club at Fossil Creek has long been one of the premiere golf properties on the west side of the Metroplex. Since it opened back in 1988, Fossil has been met with rock-solid reviews and an abundance of loyal customers who return again and again to this Arnold Palmer design.  Now a member of […]

Instruction – Consistency is Key

Do you ever struggle wondering how to get more consistent contact when chipping or pitching? Here are several drills explaining why you hit chips and pitches fat, thin and even top or shank pitches and chips. There are a few different ways to do this drill, depending on if you hit the ball in the […]

Golf Science – Get Well, Will

Aahhh Will, Will, Will. So young, so talented. And now, just as you turn 26 and have had your very first PGA TOUR victory, you are needlessly suffering from not just one, but two, herniated discs in your low back.  Needlessly? Well golf injury research has existed for decades, and the movements and positions that […]

Course Review – Sherrill Park

It has been seven years since Richardson’s Sherrill Park No. 1 underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation, and the course routinely recognized by AVIDGOLFER as one of the best municipal facilities in DFW continues to put their best foot forward with two great courses, a rock-solid practice facility and a strong clubhouse with all the amenities you […]

Instruction – Power Move for Longer Drives

Back in the day, there was a saying you might have heard: “Drive for show, putt for dough.” While that saying is still true today, courses are getting longer, and driving isn’t necessarily just for show anymore. Man, does it help if you hit longer drives and are hitting into the green with short irons […]

Golf Science – High, Wide and Deep

If anyone believes the best roller-coaster rides in California are at the many theme parks that dot the entire landscape of SoCal, they could not be more wrong. The very best ride to be had, for the rare person fortunate enough to experience one, is in a golf cart … being driven up and down […]

Course Review – Split Rail Links & Golf Club

Aledo is one of the fastest growing suburbs of Fort Worth. Just about 25 minutes south of downtown, this area is known for its killer high school football team and its small-town feel. If you are a golfer in this area, then your course selections are pretty thin, however, Aledo is blessed to have one […]

Golf Science – Golf Movement Screen

The golf fitness industry is an ever-expanding one, with everyone from your neighborhood collegiate golfer to well-known physical therapists and chiropractors being full-time golf fitness trainers. What is not clear is whether all golf fitness trainers perform any type of fitness evaluation prior to prescribing exercises to an individual golfer and, if so, what type […]

Instruction – Stroke Strategy

So many times, I hear students say, “I hit great on the range, but I have trouble taking it to the course.” The majority of times I get on the course with students it is not a swing issue, but instead a course management issue. They don’t tee off on the correct sides of the […]

Instruction – Short Game Made Simple

Don’t let the thick rough get to you. There are many ways to hit the ball when it is sitting down in the rough, but here is one easy way I like to go about this shot. Start by setting up with the ball in the middle of your stance. From here, lean to your […]

Golf Science – The Shots that Won the U.S. Open

In the end, it was a battle between two Texans and one Brit. The 2022 U.S. Open, that is. And all these giants of the game were 27 years old or less. How the game of golf has changed and evolved! Could we have predicted who would win even after 63 holes? What do the […]

Course Review – The Bridges Golf Club

The Bridges Golf Club in Gunter is the only Fred Couples’ design in the great state of Texas. So, if you want to play a course “Boom Boom” had his hands on, then you might consider making the hour drive north from DFW to check out this par-72 layout.  Couples collaborated with noted designer Jeff […]

Instruction – Escaping the Beach

Do you struggle in the sand? Time to get rid of those frustrations! There are three common sand lies you can experience: fluffy sand; hard compact/thin/wet; and buried. Now, you’re probably saying to yourself, “yeah, well how the heck do I have success from those lies?” Faults and Fixes  If you struggle with skulling or […]

Golf Science – The Feast or Famine Shot

Every golfer – regardless of skill-level – faces several feast or famine shots daily. Make them and life is spared, miss them and …. Those shots are the putts, a golfer’s final hurrah (or not, as the case might be) on every hole. So what must a golfer do to sink more putts? What aspects […]

Course Review – Oak Hollow Golf Course

McKinney is another North Texas suburb that is now busting at the seams with population growth and activity. With a population of about 220,000, McKinney is home to the AT&T Byron Nelson, as well as plenty of golf-obsessed folks who are champing at the bit to get out and tee it up. Oak Hollow Golf […]

Instruction – Iron Sharpens Iron

Inconsistency can be one of the most frustrating things in golf! Do you ever find yourself chunking your iron shots? The result of a chunked shot is the low point of your swing arc being too far behind the golf ball at impact.  First, I will start with a couple reasons why you may chunk […]

Golf Science – Goal Oriented

The LA Open at the beautiful Wilshire Country Club in the heart of Hollywood is always an event to look forward to. With perfect weather, the amazing color involved in a women’s golf event, and most of the top female players in the world in contention, what’s not to love about the event, this year […]

Course Review – Country View Golf Course

The Dallas area is chock full of municipal courses for your golf dollar, but if you’re looking for cheap and challenging, the options can be limited. So, I would like to direct you to Lancaster and a hidden gem that not only maximizes your golf dollar, but also your creativity while managing a golf course. […]

Instruction – Shot Shaping Made Simple

One of the questions I constantly get from students is how I shape the ball right to left or left to right. I have a few secrets below that are guaranteed to make you draw or fade the ball. Before I discuss how to draw and fade the ball, it is important you understand what […]

Golf Science – Changes Make Champions

If you read two lists of names, which one would you believe was merely pulled out of a local telephone directory and which would you know was a list of elite golf professionals: Retief Goosen, Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer, Rocco Mediate, Darren Clarke, Tom Lehman, Jim Furyk, Colin Montgomerie, Vijay Singh, David Duval and Mark […]

Travel – Somervell County

If you’re looking for a great 36-hole facility that has the away from the big city feel without the long trek through the country, then Squaw Valley in Glen Rose might be the place for you and your group. Just a short 70-minute drive from DFW Airport, this 36-hole layout is not only challenging, but […]

Instruction – On Plane

Swing plane is very important and having the correct swing plane for each individual student, since everyone is different, helps improve a player’s consistency, accuracy, and distance. Swing plane and club head path are closely related, as a club head’s path is the line that the clubhead travels along through impact. The drills I have […]

Golf Science – Golf’s “Magic Move”

The famous Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles has been the home of the Genesis Invitational since 1929. In 2028, it will also play host to the Los Angeles Olympic Games. No wonder it is a popular stop for the PGA TOUR’s very best, who are additionally motivated to be a part of an event […]

Course Review – Watters Creek

For those in the northern part of the Metroplex, there is a true one-of-a-kind public golf experience. Watters Creek has been discussed many times in the magazine over the years, mainly in our Best of Public issue, where it routinely receives our kudos for its total package when it comes to practicing the game.  If […]

Instruction – Sequencing the Driver

“How do I get more consistency?” is one of the questions I get most from my students. There are many variables that equate to more consistency. Clubface direction at impact, club path, setup, and ball to clubface contact at impact are all factors that must be considered when trying to become more consistent. Last month […]

Golf Science – Changing the Game

Imagine the whimsy and sheer poetry of a golf course associated with the “butterfly effect.” We live in a part of the world where golf course names invariably and predictably (according to The Business of Golf by J.J. Keegan) involve a color (356 courses use the word “green”), a land feature (1,019 use “hill”), an […]

Course Review – Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club

There are obviously tons of options for great public courses in the Metroplex. If you are interested in where AVIDGOLFER ranks them, you can refer to our November issue to see how we feel about the various municipal tracks around the area. Heritage Ranch Golf and Country Club has long been one of our favorite […]

Golf Science – Building the Future

College coaches have sometimes been likened to gods. Not just football coaches who earn millions of dollars a year, but coaches of other sports too. If such coaches are responsible for Division I teams, such as teams in the Pac-12 conference, then they are literally superstars in their own right. One such coach is Chris […]

Instruction – Curing the Slice and Hitting Bombs

Can’t believe another year has already passed! it’s simply amazing how time flies! If you’re looking to hit straighter and longer drives in 2022, My goal will be to help you achieve that. Over the next several months, we’re going to work on hitting more fairways and increasing your knowledge and skills to help you […]

Instruction – Hitting Bombs with the Driver

How would it make you feel to hit longer, straighter drives? Well, these tips will help you with that! Many golfers struggle hitting their driver consistently because of how they stack their upper body over their lower body in their swing. When players stack their upper body over their lower body in the swing it […]

Golf Science – A Beautiful Mind

Once upon a time there was a young boy who was born in rural California and grew up around a golf pro and his kids. He thus started playing golf at age eight, shagging balls at age 11, being a bag boy a bit later, playing college golf, and finally deciding to become a golf […]

Course Review – Tenison Park Highlands

It’s no secret that DFW has plenty of great municipal options. All you need to see for proof is our November Best of Public issue that hit shelves a few weeks ago. Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, and other cities have great courses for your average Joe or single digit handicap to enjoy. Dallas is […]

Fitness – Staying in Shape on the Road

Travel is a pitfall to any workout routine, but with a few simple tricks it does not need to derail you completely. Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure or hopefully a few rounds at your favorite out of state course, there are a few simple exercises that are sure to keep your body ready for […]

Golf Science – Speed Training

The U.S. golf industry is said to be worth $84 billion, while the gym, health and fitness industry’s 2020 revenue was found to be over $32 billion. At the intersection of the two lies the ever-growing-in-popularity golf-specific fitness industry. While the market share for that industry is unknown, it can be presumed that it too, […]

Instruction – Shot Shaping the Easy Way

Who doesn’t like being a hero when in the trees? It’s always fun when you pull off a massive hook, slice, or punch. Let’s talk about what you need to do to pull off more of those fun shots. What is a hook? A hook shot is a ball that starts right, and curves left […]

Instruction – Stopping Topped and Thinned Shots

First, let me get a common myth out of the way that teaching professionals hear amateurs tell each other far too often. “You didn’t keep your head down long enough, that’s why you are topping and thinning your shots.” This is far from the truth, if you watch some of the best players in the […]

Golf Science – Junior Golf in Cali

The cover story for this month is about LPGA star Danielle Kang. Like many other professional golfers, both male and female, she is the product of the wonderful competitive experience young girls and boys gain as High School golfers in Southern California. From Tiger Woods to the latest LPGA Tour star, many juniors have played […]

Course Review – Sky Creek Ranch

Public golf in the Metroplex has always been great. With so many options to choose from, the daily fee courses in the area provide amateurs plenty of places to tee it up, test their game and enjoy a day on the course. Sky Creek Ranch in Keller, which ranked ninth on our list of west […]

Course Feature – Grapevine Golf Course

The City of Grapevine is known for many things. The Gaylord Texan, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, Great Wolf Lodge and Grapefest, which is the largest wine festival in the Southwest are all great experiences if you make it to this great suburb.  If you are a golfer, Grapevine should also be on your radar. Of […]

Golf Science – Deconstructing Scottie

Upon learning that the cover story for our magazine’s September issue would be about Scottie Scheffler, it was exciting to study this young man’s background a bit, as he has increasingly, over the past season, had his fair share of weekend prime time on TV. In fact, in 2021 alone, he has finished in the […]

Instruction – Turn Your Swing Inside Out

Over the top is one of the most common swing faults for amateur golfers. Below are several drills to leave this fault in the past and help keep you on the right track for a successful swing.  1. Place a pillow or folded towel in line with your trail heel one grip length away. From […]

Course Review – Rockwood

When we last visited Rockwood in Fort Worth, the course had just undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation compliments of local architects John Colligan and Trey Kemp. In the three years since, the course has thrived as one of the top municipal options in the Metroplex. Now, a recently completed new clubhouse becomes the final piece of […]

Golf Science – Club Fitting 101

A leading PGA Tour professional recently said, after a really erratic round of golf, “with the driver right now, the driver sucks. It’s not a good face for me, and we’re still trying to figure out how to make it good on the mishits.”  To better understand the complaint, we need to understand what aspects […]

Instruction – Set Up for Success

Is your takeaway setting you up for success or disaster? One of the most common questions teaching professionals get is “How do I get more consistency in my game?” The takeaway is a big key in consistency as it starts the golf swing and helps determine what will happen in the downswing. I have demonstrated […]

Course Review – Tempest Golf Club

Gladewater, Texas, isn’t exactly known to the DFW area as a golf getaway destination, but those who have made the drive two hours east know the value and riveting layout of Tempest Golf Club. Just a couple miles off Interstate 20, about an hour short of Shreveport, sits one of the best layouts you’ll find […]

Golf Science – Physical vs. Mental

One unending debate in golf is whether the golf swing should be improved through mental imagery or through physical or technique changes. Many golfers believe they are “feel” players and so should not do anything “technical” to improve how they swing the golf club. Actually, one without the other is pointless. Unless the body’s joints […]

Instruction – Most Overlooked Fundamental in Golf

Aim is one of the most overlooked fundamentals in golf for amateurs. Amateurs almost always go straight to “fixing their swing” before even thinking about looking at their aim and alignment. Picture this, you are a sniper where you must hit the bullseye, you have a rifle with a telescopic sight attached to it which […]

Course Review – Indian Creek Golf Club

Indian Creek Golf Club in Carrollton has always been on the AG radar as one of the premiere public facilities in DFW. With a renovation of the Lakes Course that was completed in 2019, it only reinforced our enjoyment of the property. The renovation of the Lakes, which was handled by Todd Clark, the President […]

Golf Science – The Male vs. Female Golf Swing

It is always an exciting time of year when the LPGA Tour makes a stop in Los Angeles, but in 2021 it was especially thrilling to see all the color and crowds (albeit small) after an entire year of lockdowns and limited travel opportunities. One purpose for attending the Hugel-Air Premia LPGA Open was to […]

Instruction – Improving Flexibility

I constantly have students ask what exercises they can do to gain more flexibility and mobility. What is the difference between flexibility and mobility? Flexibility is the ability of a muscle or muscle groups to lengthen without resistance during a range of motion while mobility is the ability to move actively during a range of […]

Course Review – Watters Creek

For daily fee players, there are a multitude of choices when it comes to where we want to spend our golfing dollars. With Texas being a hotbed for golf, of course there are more options than we know what to do with. However, there are a select few that truly stand out as a cut […]

Instruction – Dialing in Distance

I get this question all the time: “How can I have better control of my distances with my wedges?” Far too often, I see students lose unnecessary strokes around the greens from not being able to control their distances with their wedges and their ball either ending up short, where they have to chip again, […]

Golf Science – Kinematics and Injury Prevention

A Tour player in the 21st century is like a finely tuned machine or an F1 car. Each one needs an entire team to keep it running efficiently. Of course, unlike a machine or a car, the parts of the human golfer cannot be replaced, and so the care provided by the golfer’s team is […]

Course Feature – Texas Rangers Golf Club

The Texas Rangers Golf Club has been up and running since 2019. The extensive $24 million renovation of Arlington’s Chester W. Ditto municipal course added another jewel to the City of Arlington’s golf arsenal. Although the course has been open for almost two years, the clubhouse has seen some delays, from torrential rains and freakishly […]

Instruction – Master the Sand

When I ask students the shot they dread the most it is almost always the green side bunker shot. This is usually because they don’t have the proper setup to hit the shot. Setup is key to hitting a green side bunker shot, as it sets up the entire swing. One of my favorite quotes […]

Golf Science – What’s Next for Tiger?

If a person were to have charged a dollar for every time someone has, over the past several years, said, “This is the end of the road for Tiger Woods,” that person quickly would  have become quite rich. The chatter has only increased all across social media after Tiger’s latest, unfortunate car accident in Los […]

Course Feature – Escondido Golf & Lake Club

The word Escondido means “hidden” in Spanish, so it’s no wonder a hidden oasis just three hours south of the Metroplex chose that name for their club. Escondido Golf & Lake Club is a sprawling community in Horseshoe Bay that oozes top notch amenities and caters to those who adore the finer things in life.  […]

Golf Science – The Shady Renaissance

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is full of wonderful golf courses – both public and private. They are known for the challenges they offer to golfers, for their esthetic appeal, and for the uniqueness of their designs. One however, has always been known for its history as much as for its visual appeal. Not just some […]

Instruction – Stop the Top

As an instructor, I get this question all the time: “What is the difference between pitching and chipping?” A chip shot is going to stay lower to the ground, carrying less in the air and rolling more, where a pitch shot will carry in the air more and roll less. Now that we have determined […]

Course Feature – Prairie Lakes

Prairie Lakes has long been a favorite of the AVIDGOLFER crew. One of Grand Prairie’s city courses, this property will provide your group with every amenity needed and three nine-hole courses to tee it up.   With 27 holes to play, you could end up playing any combination of the three nines. But if you are […]

Instruction – Curing the Chipping Yips

Is it just me, or does this frustrate you too? Let me set the scene for you, I just hit the best drive of my life on a short par-4 and only have a short chip left for eagle or I can get up-and-down for a birdie. What do I do? I skull it across […]

Golf Science – Technical or Tactical?

How can a golfer improve his or her game quickly? Should improvement involve the swing or on-course play? And therefore, should the golfer’s coaching be swing-related or course-management related?  One well-researched sports coaching concept is to prioritize tactical, or strategy-based training over technical, or swing-change-based training. Based on one popular motor control theory, tactical training […]

Course Feature – Grand Oaks Golf Club

Grand Oaks in Grand Prairie has worn many hats over the years. Originally opening in 1972, it has been Grand Prairie Country Club, a private course for many years, before opening to the public a few years ago.  Over the last couple of years, they have added some TLC and a multitude of upgrades. The […]

Golf Science – Loopin’ the Links

A professional golfer these days can improve his or her game not just through improving the swing, but also through much simpler means such as their equipment – both clubs and balls. One less-frequently considered aspect of what can help improve performance is the caddie’s inputs. A caddie is not merely a person who carries […]

Instruction – The Three P’s of Putting

Well, we made it through 2020 … and what a crazy year. Thank goodness it’s in the rear-view mirror now! Cheers to 2021 and accomplishing our New Year’s resolutions together. To help you get started on your New Year’s resolution of shooting lower scores on the golf course, let’s take a look at one of the most […]

Course Feature – White Bluff Resort

White Bluff Resort sits about 90 minutes southwest of the Metroplex in the town of Whitney. Although White Bluff is a gated community of about 800 homes, after a change of management and some renovations a couple years back, both the Old Course and the New Course are open to public play.  As you reach […]

Instruction – Mastering Trajectory

When it comes to chip shots from around the green, you need to hit all kinds of shots; high and soft, low and rolling, and everything in between. The good news is that once we have the standard “chip and run” shot down, the others become easy to learn as set up changes primarily create […]

Golf Science – Athletes and Their Transition to Golf

People often wonder why it is that those who are superior players in one sport become so good at golf. There are famous football players, cricket players and hockey players who have all become really good golfers. Is it that they have superior hand-eye coordination, is it that golf has some moves which they are […]

Golf Mechanics – Adding Speed to Your Swing

Let’s Talk Facts Players who it the farthest on any professional tour have the greatest hand path and can apply the most force through the handle, effectively translating to more clubhead speed. This means the hands travel on the largest arc while managing the ability to repeatedly find the sweet spot.  What if you can […]

Golf Science – Are Golfers Athletes

A point of much debate is the world of sports is whether golf is a sport like football or basketball or merely a game like chess. Moreover, based on that definition, is the golfer an athlete? One dictionary definition for an athlete is a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games […]

Instruction – Open Sesame

One of the common things I see in bunker lessons is a misunderstanding of what an adequately open club face looks like. The student will often describe out loud while they demonstrate what they are trying to do: “Dig the feet in, weight forwards, open the face…” As they are describing “open the face” the […]

Swing Mechanics – Speed and Power

In recent years, golfers have started a golf fitness revolution to develop even more distance and speed in their game. We can see that the golfers on the PGA Tour provide clear evidence of the effects that golf fitness programs can have on a player’s numbers. The challenge with golf fitness today is that our […]

Course Feature – Iron Horse Golf Course

Iron Horse Golf Course in North Richland Hills has long been a go-to for locals and those in the mid-Metroplex. Last year, the city decided it was time to upgrade the 32-year-old Jeff Brauer design.  The city once again contacted Brauer to handle the re-do, who spoke before the media outing last month and said […]

Instruction – Around the World Drill

When it comes to putting we must train both speed and accuracy control. The “Around the World” drill allows us to do that, with some added pressure as well. You can complete this drill by yourself or challenge a friend. Set a timer for 20 minutes and see if you can complete this drill. Equipment […]

Golf Science – Course IQ

Most golfers, after a round of erratic play will immediately wonder “what did I do wrong?” and try to figure out whether it was their grip, posture, swing plane, timing, torso rotation or whatever was flawed. They will rarely try to analyze whether it was “thinking their way around the course” that was to blame. […]

Golf Mechanics – Unleash Your Inner Bryson

Distance and consistency are the most common requests when a player is interviewed about his or her game. Whether we’re talking about club fitting, coaching or fitness, one of these two aspects enters the conversation. Let’s explore how equipment, coaching and fitness all tie together to achieve faster, more sustainable results…and how to maintain these […]

Course Feature – Buffalo Creek Golf Club

Sitting just a half hour east of Dallas, in the City of Rockwall, sits a golf course that has spent some time in limbo as of late. Buffalo Creek, which opened back in 1992, has long been owned by Chuck and Betty Perry, but run by a multitude of different management companies. Those companies, at […]

Golf Science – Fitness for the Senior Player

Golfers on the whole are becoming more sedentary over time, given the 21st century lifestyle compounded by the lack of exercise opportunities because of the ubiquitous golf cart. This is a situation that has probably worsened as some golfers stay at home more during these times of Covid-19. This is a problem for young and […]

Instruction – The Three Gate Putting Drill

If breaking 30 putts for 18-holes seems like something out of a fantasy book, then it’s time to embark on the journey of navigating the “three putting gates”. You’ll need your magical putter, six enchanted tees, and a few ordinary golf balls. This journey starts on a 6-foot, straight putt. On this journey, you’ll need […]

Course Feature – Texas Star Golf Club

When it first opened in 1997, Texas Star became a mid-cities staple for great conditions and a fun collection of holes. Tucked in Euless, this complex has long been a great destination for those groups that might be scattered across the area. One member of the foursome in Dallas? One in Fort Worth? One in […]

Instruction – The Payne Stewart Drill

The goal of this skill drill is to get you to focus on your intended landing area, choose the correct club, and grind on those short putts that aren’t gimmies! This is a drill from my Chipping Skill Training eBook “Train Like A Champion” which can be found at https://mikebury.shop/ You must finish out all […]

Golf Science – Ph.D.’s and the New Bryson

Bryson DeChambeau, the man who wants to “conquer” golf, is the name on every golf fan’s lips these days, because golfers are always endlessly fascinated by ball speed and how to increase it. While the average ball speed on the PGA Tour is 170 mph, Bryson has changed his diet and exercise regimens and made […]

Course Feature – Old Brickyard

If you’re looking for great value and a challenging layout, then look no further than Old Brickyard in Ferris. Now, you may be thinking, Ferris? Where is that? Well, Ferris is just about a 25-minute drive south on I-45. In fact, Old Brickyard is right off the highway access road, so as you head south […]

Instruction – Short Game Solutions

Let’s take a look at three of the most common issues that I see when it comes to short greenside chips. I often see golfers that have 1, 2, or all 3 of these issues. No. 1: Tempo and Swing Length Swing length and tempo often go hand in hand. A short backswing followed by […]

Golf Science – I, Robot

Golfers have historically liked to take lessons. At first it was the best players who imparted occasional tips to less-skilled golfers. Then it became a profession and some golf teachers acquired all sorts of certifications in order to be considered worthy of the title. Next, with the advent of the internet and YouTube, everyone is […]

Course Feature – SugarTree Golf Club

Over the last several months, we have been on a mission to showcase some of the courses around the area that may be a bit off the beaten path. This month, AVIDGOLFER made the 45-minute trip south of Fort Worth to take a look at SugarTree for the first time in almost five years.  When […]

Golf Science – Put a Stop to Over the Top

All kicking and throwing skills require a proximal-to-distal or torso-before-arms movement. Golf requires the same type of pattern, and in our sport, it has been referred to as the “kinematic sequence”. In order to build up maximum speed in the golf swing (and, according to one study better directional control too), a golfer must start […]

Instruction – Sting It!

Hitting a stinger is more than just a cool looking shot that gets views on Instagram. It’s a shot where the technique transfers to flighted wind shots in general. It’s also handy when needing to hit accurate tees shots with long irons on tight par 4’s or laying up on par 5’s. Let’s take a […]

Instruction – A Pitch and a Putt

The 50-70-yard range is often an uncomfortable distance for most golfers. When I ask golfers if they would prefer a 60 yard or 100-yard shot, they almost always say 100 yards. 100 yards is typically a full swing which most golfers feel more comfortable with.  So, with that said, we are inevitably going to have […]

Golf Science – “C” Results

Attention all golfers – from casual amateurs to adults and juniors playing competitive golf. When one does not start a car for months on end, its battery dies, its parts rust etc. etc. …you get the message. In fact, on the subject of disuse, Peter Mackay, chiropractor, and owner of Elite Performance Institute, San Diego, […]

Golf Science – Be Still!

The Hoag Classic is the PGA Tour Champions’ one stop in Southern California, and in the balmy weather of early March, it makes for some exciting super-star watching given that many big-name professional golfers participate in this event.  The 2020 event featured many legends, including six World Golf Hall of Famers – Fred Couples, Ernie […]

Instruction – Putting Playbook 101

Eye Line The position of your eyes relative to the ball (target line) is more important than you might think. It influences both alignment and path. Your eyes can be positioned directly over the ball or on the inside of the ball. The great thing is, it’s actually very easy for you to test yourself! […]

Course Review – Bear Creek Golf Club

Although it has a Dallas address, Bear Creek Golf Club is conveniently located at the southwest corner of DFW Airport, making it a perfect place for locals and travelers alike to enjoy a day on the links. The 36-hole layout features the East and West courses and is one of the most oft-visited properties in […]

Instruction – Wedge the Wedge to Stop the Sway

You hit a perfect drive right down the middle of the fairway of the first hole. You’ve got a great look at the pin, which is cut in the middle of green. There’s a bunker at the front, but it’s no big deal because you’ve got a pitching wedge in your hand. This is the […]

Golf Science – Where Does a Swing Go Wrong?

The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Southern California is an event that benefits Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation. This exciting event includes a Collegiate Showcase on the Monday before the tournament, which not only allows the winning collegiate golfer to participate in the event, but also donates $50,000 to the winning golfer’s University’s golf […]

Course Review – Cowboys Golf Club

Since its ribbon cutting in 2001, Cowboys Golf Club has been one of the finest public golf experiences in D/FW. In fact, AVIDGOLFER has named Cowboys as the Best Public Course every year since it opened. I used the word “experience” because at Cowboys it’s not just all about golf. Yes, the course is fantastic, […]

Instruction – Increase Distance Without Increasing Club Speed

When we talk about distance most of us immediately think about swinging faster. Increasing club speed. Now, if you are maximizing the efficiency of your swing, then that might be the answer. But for most, getting the most out of your current swing will result in an increase in distance.  Without getting too much into […]

Golf Science – Fight or Flight

Golfers of all skill levels tend to play completely differently when under pressure. That is because more flight-or-fight hormones (epinephrine and nor-epinephrine) are released when a person feels anxious or stressed, and they make muscles contract faster and more forcefully. As a result, the entire downswing sequence could get out of whack. As we see […]

Golf Science – The Science Behind Single-Length Clubs

Single-length irons (all irons in a set have the same length as a typical 6- or 7-iron) were first manufactured in about the 1930s, according to golf journalist Brent Kelley. Since then, many companies have sporadically made single-length clubs, including Tommy Armour, Edel Golf, Zynk Golf and Value Golf. Some custom fitting brands such as […]

Instruction – Leap Frog

Well, it’s 2020 and that time of year where new-year resolutions are still fresh in our minds. Soon enough, those new-year resolutions will slip our minds as our busy lives consume them. But this is not just a new year, it’s a new decade! Let’s kick this decade off right with a putting speed drill […]

Course Review – Sherrill Park No. 1

Rolling True: Sherrill Park # 1 in Richardson boasts great greens and a player friendly layout Back in 2015, Richardson’s Sherrill Park #1 underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation, and in the years since, the course has matured and grown into one of Dallas’ finest municipal tracks. The Miniverde greens roll fast and true and are some of […]

Golf Science – Lower Back Pain Affecting Your Play?

At the end of the regular season, the top 72 players of the PGA Champions Tour compete in the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs — a three-event series. The second tournament in the series is the Invesco QQQ Championship, played at the beautiful Sherwood Country Club in Southern California. Only the top 36 of the final […]

Instruction – Winter Chipping Change Up

For those of us in the south we are lucky enough to be able to continue playing golf through most of the winter. With that said, a different style of golf is necessary in order to successfully navigate the changes in conditions. In particular, chipping takes on a completely different look when the Bermuda goes […]

Course Review – Tangle Ridge Golf Club

Grand Prairie’s Tangle Ridge Golf Club has been a staple for those in the southern part of DFW since it first opened back in 1995. Architect Jeff Brauer used some of the best topography in the Metroplex to create a layout that is few and far between in North Texas. It’s no secret that there […]

Instruction – The Line in the Sand

Bunker play tends to be one of the most feared shots by the weekend golfer. If you ask a PGA Tour player they will likely tell you it’s one of the easiest shots. Now, I know that you know this already. So, the question is: why is there this discrepancy in the difficulty of this […]

Golf Science – The Golf Swing: Science and Common Sense

There are over 60 million people on this planet who chase a small white ball across a huge expanse of green lawn while using what experts have termed “one of the most biomechanically complex motions in sport to execute”. Little wonder then that professionals and amateurs alike are inconsistent, are always in search of better […]

Course Review – Irving Golf Club

Just East of Loop 12 in Dallas sits what used to be Twin Wells Golf Course. The course had fallen on hard times and the City of Irving wanted to revamp this track to reflect their commitment to community and give the city a course they could be proud of.  After securing a budget, officials […]

Instruction – The Ladder Drill

Have you ever heard the comment, “Their short game is so good they could land it on a dime”?  That is a reference to the person’s ability to control the landing distance of the chip shot. A player develops that control not only through experience, but specific skill training. That’s where the “Ladder Drill” comes […]

Golf Science – How to Become Hip and Happening

Now that the fall season is in full swing and a lot of golfers want to go out and play, it’s important to be able to do so comfortably. In other words, with no pain to hamper a fun round of golf. One area that is becoming increasingly important for golfers is the hip. As […]

Course Review – Whitestone Golf Club

Whitestone Golf Club has long been a destination for those in the southern half of Tarrant Country. Just off Highway 377 South about 15 minutes southwest of Downtown Fort Worth, this course opened as we welcomed a new century back in 2000. In the years since, the course has seen its ups and downs, but […]

Golf Science – Golf in 3D

As this is AVIDGOLFER Magazine’s Golf Science column, it seemed completely à propos to acquire some insights about the golf swing from Michael Jacobs, who recently authored the book “Science of the Golf Swing”. Jacobs is a Golf Digest top 50 and Golf Magazine top 100 golf instructor and has also been, at 40 years […]

Tales From the Back Nine, Part IX – Highway 380 West

Maybe you heard the tall Texas tale of the two frontiersmen who frantically climbed into a small cave by the Clear Fork Brazos River to elude a band of Comanches, arrows whizzing by as the men crawled through a hole in the rock along the steep bank. Whew, safe at last. But one problem: Their […]

Golf Science – The Book on Golf

With the ability for golfers to purchase “deals” on golf courses, many avid golfers play on a different course every weekend and seem to love the adventure. Other golfers “collect” golf courses that are designed by a favorite golf course architect like Donald Ross or Pete Dye. One famous golf course designer who might also […]

Tales From the Back Nine Part VIII – Kansas

First time I ever saw Kansas, they were opening for Aerosmith at UTA’s Texas Hall. This is notable only because, about a century later, I actually toured the state of Kansas, and again Kansas was the backup band, stuck in my head the whole way. Yep, a four-day road trip exploring wilderness golf adventures in […]

Course Review – Old American Golf Club

When the LPGA comes to D-FW in September, the players will be met with a collection of holes that at one point or another, will require power, precision and creativity. This will be the second event at this Tripp Davis/Justin Leonard design and after last year’s tournament, a few changes are on the table for […]

Instruction – H2Oh So Pure!

When it comes to bombing the driver there are three main causes of distance loss as a result of not maximizing the energy transferred from the club to the ball. Those three causes are: 1. A downward attack angle 2. Off center contact 3. An outside-in swing path The good news is that with one, […]

Golf Science – Beating the Heat

By: Kiran Kanwar Summer is here and Texas will continue to get hot, hotter and hottest. And while the temperatures rise, so too does the avid golfers’ interest in playing the game we all love. So, it becomes vital to protect oneself in a number of ways including through wearing the right apparel (sweat-wicking shirts […]

Travel – Tales from the Back Nine: Part VII

By: Bill Nichols Wild golf has taken its toll on the ole F-150. Hobbled by inoperable alignment issues and having recently turned 200,000, the beast faces an uncertain future. He can relate to the remote nine-hole tracks we visit; old, frayed at the edges, and costly to maintain. The owners walk the tight rope balancing […]

Instruction – Trajectory 1-2-3

Developing a skilled chipping and pitching game requires the ability to influence trajectory and spin. Having the ability to hit your two most lofted wedges, three different trajectories, will give you the ability to cover many shots around the green. Let’s consider “Trajectory 1” the lowest trajectory with the most amount of roll. “Trajectory 2” […]

Golf Science – Far East Phenoms

The LPGA Tour is a wonderful potpourri of players from all over the world. In recent years many of the leading players have been of Asian origin – at first it was women from Korea, and in more recent years there have been some fine golfers from Thailand too. How is it that female golfers […]

Travel – Tales from the Back Nine: Part VI

In searching the rural routes for wilderness golf adventures, trains have been my constant companion. Everywhere I go. Always there.  Railroads and golf courses have shared a common bond since way back. Trains were instrumental in the development of our country, cutting through mountains and other obstacles that stymied explorers as we expanded west. Golf […]

Instruction – Soul Food Strikes

Let’s first talk about the two most common causes of contact issues. Hanging back on the downswing and arms pulling in through impact. When we hanging back on the downswing we shift the low point back. If we do make contact with the ground while doing this it will result in contacting the ground before […]

Tales from the Back Nine, Part 5

Highway 6, one of the original 25 proposed state highways in 1917, cuts through the heart of Texas from the Red River down to the outskirts of Galveston. SH-6 epitomizes road-trip romanticism. The old highway rolls down central Texas and back in time, taking travelers on a roller-coaster tour of small towns along undulating farmland […]

Course Review – Oak Hollow Golf Course

Oak Hollow in McKinney has long been the go-to for residents of the rapidly expanding community north of Dallas. The course uses the slogan “Unique by Nature” and in this case, it couldn’t be more appropriate. Oak Hollow continues to evolve as  a growing population in the area adds money to the annual budget. In […]

Instruction – Spine Angle and Better Drives

Did you know that you could hit the ball farther without increasing your club head speed? If you are like the majority of golfers that hit down on the ball with their driver (downward or negative attack angle) then you are giving up distance. Here are three “connected” keys to helping you achieve an upward […]

Golf Science – Paralysis by Analysis

Does this sound familiar? You’re a golfer who takes his/her game seriously and hates to lose to friends during a weekend round. You then frequently go home and proceed to tear your hair out over why you missed some of those fairways, did not hit some easy greens, or putted so poorly. Well, you’re not […]

Tales From the Back Nine: Part III

Golf came to Oklahoma in 1900, when Scottish immigrant Alex Findlay designed Guthrie Country Club just north of Oklahoma City. Renowned architects have been following Findlay’s bootprints ever since. So, I figured, if some dude on a pony could usher golf into the Sooner state and leave a hero, then I could at least drive […]

Instruction – Sway Stop, Doorstop

One of the more common swing faults I see on the lesson tee is a lateral sway of the hips during the backswing. In many cases this leads to a “reverse sway” or hang back on the downswing. One thing that is for sure, a sway it going to lead to contact issues and a […]

Golf Science – Genesis of Improvement

Most regular golfers never have the time to spend on practice and when they do, it involves a few shots hit at the driving range or a few putts made right before teeing off. Ask such a golfer what the single most important aspect of their game they need to improve is, to get to […]

Travel – Tales from the Back Nine, Part II

If we pick up where the last trip ended, then we would be sitting in the pickup truck, broken down in the pitch-black west Texas night, 18 miles from civilization. But with a new alternator in the old F-150, I was eager to get back out on the rural routes. I could have searched for […]

Course Review – Thorntree Golf Club

When Thorntree opened in 1983, it was on the outskirts of a rapidly expanding Dallas proper. Huge homesteads and a top-notch golf course were there for the upper crust looking to be away from the hustle of Big D, all the while being close enough for an easy commute. Built by the Richard Mai family, […]

Golf Science – Methodical Mechanics

The famous University of North Texas, in association with the PGA of America, an organization which has produced almost 29,000 golf professionals (both teachers and managers) have teamed up. As a result, the PGA is relocating its headquarters to Frisco and together they plan to offer some exciting courses for students interested in a future […]

Course Review: Coyote Ridge Golf Club

Along the Elm Fork Trinity River in Carrollton is one of the Metroplex’s greatest overall golf experiences. Coyote Ridge Golf Club gives any golfer enjoyment while also keeping it adventurous. Coyote Ridge is unique in that the layout of the course features two very distinct layouts with the front and back 9. There’s a lot […]

Instruction – No More Casting!

There are many reasons golfers come over the top and slice the ball, but the most common problem, for a right handed golfer, I see during a swing evaluation at Pure Swing Golf is left side-bend on the downswing. Note that the opposite problem is true for a left handed golfer. All good golfers right […]

Golf Science – Pickin’ Bob’s Brain

Can an average golfer really learn anything from a Tour Pro? Well, maybe not by trying to swing like one, but there is certainly a lot to learn from how a pro acquired his or her swing, and whether the information acquired was any good, which will be reflected through either the player’s performance capabilities, […]

Course Review – Lake Arlington Golf Course

When it comes to municipal golf, there are a multitude of options around the Dallas Fort Worth area. Some of us like to play on a budget. Some like to experience the finer courses around town. Some like a challenge. Some like to tee it up at a spot where you can potentially go low […]

Instruction – Get Comfortable With Uncomfortable

By Anthony Broussard Golf is hard. No one gets good at golf without putting in lots of practice time, no one. It doesn’t matter how much athletic ability one has or how good their golf instructor is if they don’t put in the time to practice. I read a book called “Talent Is Overrated” written […]

Golf Science – Injury and the Champions Tour

Every week on the PGA Tour – or so it seems – one or two golfers withdraw because of injury. Why are these fit young men getting injured? How do they continue on to become seniors playing on the Champions Tour? It was interesting to hear what some seasoned veterans of the Champions Tour had […]

Golf Science – Mind Control

By Kiran Kanwar Sports psychology has come a long way in the past few decades, and given the topsy-turvy performances by the leading golfers in the world – and the rest of us – during the year, it seemed a good idea to find a leading sports psychologist to give us some tips. Neale Smith […]

Instruction – What the Great One’s Do

The most common problem I see in all levels of players is incorrect wrist angles at the top of the swing. From the 30 handicapper to the scratch player I see this all of the time. Why are wrist angles so important? What are proper and improper wrist angles and how are wrist angles affected […]

Instruction – Driving it Home

The most important club in the bag is the driver. There is no other club that sets you up for scoring success like the driver. When the driver is going long and straight, it takes a lot of pressure off of the rest of your game. PGA Tour statistics show that the closer you are […]

Golf Science – Chamblee Decoded

Brandel Chamblee is a former PGA Tour player and a current commentator, writer, and lead studio analyst for Golf Channel. That means he is capable of analyzing golfers’ play from an insider’s view-point, having been-there-done-that. He is, moreover, not someone who merely makes desultory commentary like, “That player’s putting was not up to par today” […]

Exam Room – Is K-Tape the Answer to Your Aches and Pains?

You may have been thinking to yourself while watching the British Open this year, what the heck was on Tiger’s neck? Or you may already know about kinesiology tape, k-tape for short, from watching the Olympics in the last few years, or even watching Michelle Wie on the LPGA Tour. Since Tiger had K-tape on […]

Exam Room – Roll It Like the Pros

Foam rolling can significantly decrease your chance of injury By Dr. Chris Miller Foam rolling is one of the most underrated and missing tools in most golf warm-up routines, as well as in most people’s workout warm-ups. Foam rolling is a crucial part in adding distance off the tee, in playing pain free golf and […]

Instruction – Importance of Your Equipment

Fine-tuning your equipment could be the key to shaving strokes off your game. By Anthony Broussard How important are the tools a mechanic uses to get the job done? A mechanic that has the proper tools can be more efficient with time and the quality of their work. The same is true for the best […]

Golf Science – Ageless Wonders

Could playing golf aid your efforts to live longer? By Kiran Kanwar “The first person to live to 150 years has already been born,” claims Dr. David Sinclair, co-director of a laboratory on aging at Harvard Medical School. And this idea may not be very far-fetched as it is known that humans are living longer, […]

Course Review – The Courses at Watters Creek

There are plenty of daily fee courses scattered across the Metroplex. Simple, difficult, great shape, goat ranch… you have a lot of options to put a tee in the ground and let it rip. However, some daily fee courses stand out among the many choices around the area. If an interesting layout that challenges every […]

Instruction – Short Game Tips

How often do you practice putting? When I played professionally I spent at least an hour a day working on putts inside 6 feet. I would be willing to bet that if you asked any professional golfer how much time they dedicate to putting each day, you would get a similar answer. I know the […]

Golf Science – Pressure Points

Would you like to hit the ball further by using some science-based interventions? Well then, all you need to do is apply some extra force to the club-head so it can be transferred to the golf ball! The best way to do this is to harness external force, primarily by “using the ground properly”. Dr. […]

Course Review – Golf Club of Fossil Creek

When Arnold Palmer passed away in September 2016, the world lost one of the all time great golfers and ambassadors of the game. Luckily, for those of us who still play regularly, Arnie left behind a legacy of golf course architecture that includes spectacular designs like Bay Hill’s Championship course, and Texas staples such as […]

Instruction – Two Short Game Basics

By: Anthony Broussard The leader on the PGA Tour in greens in regulation for the entire season is generally under 13 greens per round. That means the best ball striker on the PGA tour is faced to get up and down at least 5 times during a round. If you want better scores, chip and […]

Golf Science – The Biomechanical Man

What might the two most important requirements for a good golf instructor be? Knowledge and an affable personality with a lot of empathy. So where in the DFW Metroplex area can one find such a paragon? Actually, one does not have to look too far. The brand new golf instructor at the Dallas National Golf […]

Ridgeview Ranch Golf Club – A Fun, Birdie Friendly Layout in Plano

When it comes to daily fee municipal golf, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get. Courses can be good one season and average the next. Weather, city budget, and changes in staff often mean the conditions fluctuate from year to year to year. Thus, it can be an adventure as you navigate around […]

Prepare for Liftoff – What are the Benefits of Launch Monitors?

Technology has become the buzzword on the PGA tour, with every player toting a golf bag in one hand and a launch monitor in the other, so it was interesting to find out how the women on the LPGA tour make use of launch monitors, which appear to be the most commonly used teaching aid […]

The Mental Game – The Power of Positive Thinking

By Anthony Broussard When trying to figure out what my first ever golf instruction article was going to be about, I went back to my recent playing days and thought about the most important thing in golf, the mind. Why is the mind so important? Why do you have to have a good mind to […]

Split Rail Links & Golf Club — Linking Old World and New

I had never been to Aledo before last month, but it proved to be a very unique – and charming –place. There was an abundance of ranches dotted along the idyllic scenery, a llama farm with its residents out for display and a links style golf course tucked into the middle of all of it. […]

Instruction — Three Keys to a Good Swing

The golf swing has several different ways it can be taught. This can be dictated by the different shot patterns instructors and, for that matter, students like to see. But with all the different looks to a swing I believe there are three areas of the swing every golfer should achieve. These three areas are […]

Golf Science — Calculating a Winner

Instruction — The Off-Center Strike

Ever hit a shot that vibrates your hands at impact? The feeling is from an “off center” contact to the clubface. This type of miss can also turn the club in your hands. It’s not a very good feeling and even worse when the temperatures are cooler. Conversely, there’s nothing better than making impact in […]

Who Said 40 isn’t the New 30?

Tiger Woods roars back, and Phil Mickelson wins a Tour event at the age of 47. How very apropos that these amazing events were preceded by an interview of many 40+ players at the Genesis Open earlier this year. They were all asked how they feel their bodies have changed since they turned 40, whether there […]

Rockwood Park — Resurrection of the Rock

Despite being nationally known as Dallas’ little brother, Fort Worth has its fair share of iconic spots: the Kimball Art Museum, Joe T. Garcia’s, the Fort Worth Water Gardens. The Stockyards alone are known nationwide. You can’t watch a professional sporting event without the obligatory return from commercial b-roll footage of longhorn steer click-clacking over […]

Instruction — Know Your Putter

Putting is the simplest motion in golf. It has virtually zero body motion and requires a very small amount of energy. However, it can be part of golf that just drives golfers crazy. But just having a little direction in the type of putter and an understanding of the stroke can make all the difference […]

The Gadgetification of Golf

The January 2018 PGA Show had an offering of dozens of exciting products to visually and mentally stimulate any fed-up-with-winter golfer visiting the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando as much for the bright sunshine outdoors as for the colorful displays indoors. Apparel, accessories, golf clubs and even golf balls were presented in every color […]

Reynolds Lake Oconee — A Luxury Resort in Rural Georgia

Reynolds Plantation, um, er, Reynolds Lake Oconee can change its longtime name, but nothing can change this always top-notch Southern golf (and now outdoors) outpost, complete with luxury lodging and natural hardwood scenery. More than 30 years ago, businessman Mercer Reynolds III and his family began to develop the thousands of acres of family land […]

Wayward Shots — The Man Who Knew Too Much

The pre-shot routine of the world’s best golfer involved so much wiggling that he looked like he was trying to take his pants off without using his hands. With his stationary rhumba concluded, the world’s best finally seemed ready for launch. He wasn’t. He paused. He paused again. Spectators checked their watches. They looked at […]

Instruction — No Plane, No Gain

Swinging the club back and through is an essential part of the game. Generally speaking, you’d like to swing the club up over your back shoulder, then down to the ground and up again over your front shoulder. That is the description of the golf swing in its most simple form. The angle on which […]

Matter Within the Mind

Last month’s column was about “mind over matter,” or about how various focus-of-attention styles can change putting results. Research shows us that whether one focuses on a body part (internal focus) or the club or the target (both external foci) changes how effectively a putt is made. The focus of attention, however, is only a […]

Myrtle Beach, S.C. — Carolina True Blue

By David Theoret Myrtle Beach … is there a better hub of golf courses in the United States? You could maybe argue for a few other locations, but once you’ve explored the dozens of tracts in South Carolina’s golf Mecca, you’ll be hard pressed to name somewhere better. One of Myrtle Beach’s best-kept secrets is […]

Hidden Creek Golf Course — A Hidden Convenience

When Hidden Creek first opened for play in 1997, it was a welcome addition to the south Fort Worth/Burleson community. Until then, residents of the area didn’t have many options if they wanted to tee it up. In the 20 years since, Hidden Creek has seen its share of rounds, to the tune of almost […]

Scene and Be Seen – Texas Bleu Steakhouse

When you first lay eyes on Chef Stefon Rishel, he appears to be a bit of a wild card. His large colored mohawk standing at attention is visible from across the room. In a day where those in the culinary industry make an extra effort to stand out, Chef Rishel certainly fits the bill. This […]

Instruction – Go The Distance in 2018

Welcome to 2018! This will be my 16th year of writing a monthly instruction article for AVIDGOLFER. The process each time is challenging and enjoyable. One of my biggest thrills is when a golfer stops me to mention they’ve read a recent AG article and it helped their game. So, I’m going to start off […]

Mind Over Matter

Now that the holiday excitement is over, and it’s still too cold play golf, what might die-hard golfers do to while away a few weekend hours and perhaps also stay in touch with golf, so that the next season can start off with great success? Drag the putting mat out into a hallway now devoid of […]

The Bahamas – The Abaco Club

The Bahamas Islands chain, which sits just southeast of Florida, contains 700 different islands spread out over several thousand miles, but only 30 of them are actually inhabited. But it’s highly unlikely that any of them are as pleasant of a hidden resort find as the secluded and welcoming luxury golf and fishing enclave of […]

Pecan Hollow – A Golfer’s Paradise in Plano

I’ve loved living in Dallas the last five years, and one of the many perks of living in warmer climates is our (mostly) year-round golf weather. While friends and family up north are shoveling their driveways this time of year, I can be on the golf course with only an extra layer of outerwear. If […]

Wayward Shots — Kevin Sutherland, the Anonymous Pro

Last month the Champions Tour wrapped up its final event of the season with an unusual finish to the Schwab Cup playoffs. Kevin Sutherland, with help from his caddy, Billy Lewis, won our version of the “Tour Championship” for his first Champions Tour victory, and also won first prize in the lucrative Schwab Cup payoff […]

Instruction — The Versatility of Alignment Sticks

Over the last few years, practice on the range, for many, has involved a training aid called aiming sticks. These sticks are used for a variety of different facets during golfer’s practice sessions. Aiming sticks had a different purpose when I was growing up in upstate New York. You would purchase them at the local […]

“Fake” Golf Science

The most popular adjective in the English language these days is the word “fake.” Fake reporting, fake news, fake stories, etc. No wonder then that every golfer uses the term “fake science” to avoid taking golf lessons as well as blaming the “messenger” – whoever offered him/her the golf “tip” in the first place. So […]

The Bahamas — Basking at Baha Mar

When the 299-room SLS hotel at Baha Mar opened to guests last month, you might think the Caribbean mega resort would take a breather. But the $4.2 billion Nassau, Bahamas project has months of work ahead of it before the last of its four hotels, a 200-room Rosewood, opens to the public next year. What […]

Tour 18 Dallas — A “Tour” of America’s Best

Just about every avid golfer has put head to pillow at least once in his life and dreamt about putting a tee in the ground at Pine Valley, hearing the sound of a well-struck iron shot echo through the hundred-foot-tall pines that cradle Amen Corner or hitting a shot out of Oakmont’s famous church pew […]

Golf Science – New-Age Training Aid Tech

Golfers all over the world are fascinated with trying to improve their golf game in any way possible. One popular concept has been with the use of training aids that can help to give a golfer a feel of what the correct positions are during the swing. Traditionally, training aids have ranged from anything as […]

Wayward Shots – Remembering the Greater Milwaukee Open

One of the saddest days during my career was when the last Greater Milwaukee Open was played in 2009. After 42 years, Bo Van Pelt tapped in for victory and ended what was a very popular event among the players and caddies. I have been living in Milwaukee for the last 20 years, and it […]

Instruction – 3 Myths to Totally Ignore

Golf instruction has many different styles of teaching. All have very good principles that can make a student better. Nowhere in any style of instruction will you find the “myths in golf” that I’m going to discuss in this article. To me, these myths are completely over blown and unnecessary swing thoughts. They don’t really […]

Travel – Silvies Valley Ranch

Dr. Scott Campbell has played plenty of business roles in his long and distinguished work career. The Eastern Oregon native, who lives less than 50 miles from where he grew up in the small town of Burns, Oregon, has been a farmer, a rancher and veterinarian, successful and wealthy entrepreneur, business advocate, not to mention […]

Wayward Shots — Caddies and Social Media

Over the last few months on the PGA Tour, there has been a unique phenomenon that has occurred. Three high profile golfers – Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, and Jason Day – have all switched caddies, moving (a bit unexpectedly) from long-time bagmen. While in the inner circle of pros and caddies this is nothing new, […]

Instruction — An Inside Job

A large portion of the articles I write come from actual lessons with my students. A topic that repeats itself each day, on the lesson tee, is the difficulty to stay behind the ball and hit from the inside. This mistake basically targets any golfer whose tendency is to slice the ball. When the upper […]

Eating Like a Healthy Golfer

Ever considered changing your dietary inputs for the sake of your golf game, but didn’t know how to go about it, or even where to start? This was the case with a recent soon-to-turn pro golf student who visited us for a golf-science consultation (that being one that covers not just the golf swing but […]

The Carolinas — Carolina’s Finest

By David Theoret The Carolinas are an amazing Mecca of beautiful golf courses, with dozens located in just a few hundred square miles of each other up and down the Atlantic coast. At the southern tip of South Carolina is probably the most well-known golfing metropolis in the area: Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head’s most […]

The Tribute Golf Club — Back Across the Pond

St. Andrews, Carnoustie, and Royal Troon are golf courses that just about anyone who’s ever held a club should be familiar with. They all have palpable history. From Old Tom Morris, to Bobby Jones, to Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. To cement yourself in the pantheon of golf greats, you need to have an Open […]

Creek Course at Indian Creek — Carrollton’s Comeback Story

There are few images that, once seen, are hard to evade your memory. When I played Indian Creek this past month, the images from our July 2015 issue kept popping into my head. Indian Creek was, unfortunately, one of the courses that was put underwater during the historic storms in May and June of 2015. […]

Wayward Shots — Different Strokes

Over the last 26 years, I’ve caddied for seven players full time. About 5 years ago, my roommate came up with the idea to see how many players we’ve actually worked for, which included one-week jobs or more. Once I did the math, I was shocked to learn it was in the 100-200 range. That’s […]

Instruction — Three Shots to Get Up and Down

Low, Medium and High describes the shots necessary to be successful with your short game. Each shot plays an important role lowering your scores. I’m a firm believer that there are no wrong shots in golf. There are just higher and lower percentage shots. Every golfer needs to play the shots according to their strengths. […]

It’s a Numbers Game

A week before this year’s PGA Championship was to begin, someone posted a highly mathematically accurate prediction based on the previous three major winners on one of Facebook’s more popular golf forums. Although based on the calculations, the prediction was for Rickie Fowler to win. The eventual winner, who also fit the mathematical requirements, was […]

Bangkok, Thailand — The Gem of the Far East

Enter any golf course in the kingdom of Thailand and you will quickly be hit by a traditional greeting of “Sah wah dee khaa,” which, roughly translated, means an all-purpose “hello, how are you, glad you are here and nice to meet you,” followed by two hands pressed together and a short bow in the […]

Wayward Shots — To Anchor or Not to Anchor

For those of you who follow the PGA and PGA Tour Champions regularly, you’ve no doubt heard chatter over the last few years about the anchoring ban. Rule 14-1b states, in simplistic terms, that the putter cannot be directly anchored to the torso, or indirectly anchored by a forearm when making a stroke. Recently most […]

Instruction — Pivoting the Backswing

Every motion in the golf swing has theory behind it, but how that theory is translated sometimes differs based on flexibility. No motion stands out to me more in this scenario than the backswing pivot. In theory, the backswing pivot should have the lower body resisting as the upper body turns against the lower body […]

Goal-Setting on the PGA Tour

The summer months afford many exciting opportunities for a golf scientist to meet with PGA TOUR players while they visit North Texas for two consecutive legs of the Tour. After discovering, during the AT&T Byron Nelson, that the best golfers in the world sometimes have seemingly insouciant attitudes towards their games (see July column), the […]

The Texas Stay-Cation

While there will always be extensive and expensive vacations to tourism hotspots nationally and internationally, one concept taking hold for the summer of 2017 is the North Texas family staycation. The idea of fun, food, family golf, sights and resort pools all within a tank of North Texas gas is a Texas-sized, economically friendly idea making […]

Squaw Valley Golf Course — Hometown Greatness in 36 Holes

Some of golf’s finest courses are often found in remote locales. The serenity of a rural community can be refreshing, as you leave the bonds of the concrete jungle to relax and take in some fresh country air. If you head 60 miles southwest of Fort Worth, that’s exactly what you will find at Squaw […]

Prairie Lakes Golf Course — A Course Built for Community

When summer in Texas rolls around, sometimes you double-think your outdoor tee time for a cooler activity. However, the residents of Grand Prairie have the best kept secret of an oasis around that will bring some breezes to your sweltering days: Prairie Lakes Golf Course. Not only do you get the small gusts of air […]

The Jewels of the Caribbean

Now that we’ve entered into July, the full force of the North Texas summer is upon us. Humidity is on the rise, as are the temperatures, and there are very few places to venture to for an escape from the blazing sun. The upside to the seemingly endless Texas summer is the prospect of great […]

Wayward Shots — Another Face in the Crowd

Typically, when I show up for an event on Tour, there’s not much thought into what I’m doing or where I’m going. I’ve been to most events numerous times and rarely need GPS to get from the airport to my hotel or the golf course. Most guys who have done this awhile will tell you […]

Instruction — Directing the Thru-Swing

The direction the golf swing travels in the downswing and then thru to the finish has been debated for years. Should it be at the target line? Some instructors say it should be to the right of the target line, while others say it should be left of the target line. Wow, very confusing if […]

Keeping It Consistent

If you had just one wish, what would you hope your golf swing might allow you to do better? Most PGA Tour pros, of course, would wish for better consistency because they have plenty of everything else – good full-swing distance and trajectory, good short game and good putting. What is consistency? Consistency can be […]

Branson, Mo. — A Backwoods Boomtown

Missouri businessman Johnny Morris built a national hunting and fishing empire under the title of Bass Pro Shops with his father and other local visionaries from his dad’s humble ice and liquor store into the largest privately held outdoor shop in the country. But the golf mecca he is currently constructing near Branson, Mo. – […]

The Clubs at Houston Oaks — Houston’s Family Paradise

Fifteen or 20 years ago, the land out west of Houston along Highway 290 was predominantly cow pastures, tall grass, wooded areas and the occasional abandoned truck stop, oil well or oil and gas facility. Back in the ‘90s, it wasn’t until you reached Hempstead and the gigantic Lawrence Marshall car dealership (which is now […]

Wayward Shots — Rental Car Remorse

What happens when you get hit by a rental car? It Hertz. For those who aren’t used to traveling, the rental car experience each week can be very unpredictable. Sometimes getting your car is smooth and easy, and other times it’s like pulling teeth without Novocain. These days, with all of the memberships and reward […]

Instruction — Target Practice

Golf requires many things to be a good player. One of the areas that doesn’t get enough attention is aim. At this past month’s AT&T Byron Nelson players spent an enormous amount of time on aim. Using aiming sticks, clubs or their caddy they made sure they were going in the direction intended for the […]

Sharpening the Skillset

The Volunteers of America Texas Shootout is the annual Dallas-Fort Worth area event of the LPGA Tour. One amazing observation was the difference between the field playing in the Monday Local Open Qualifier and in the main event – while there were only seven non-USA players of 60 (about 12 percent) in the Monday Qualifier, […]

Myrtle Beach, S.C. — The Magic of Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – First time or fairly regular visitors to Myrtle Beach golf will find exactly the kind of Myrtle Beach experience they are expecting or have heard so much about. The original Godfather of discount public golf for more than 30 years provides outstanding, value-priced golf options along with similar accommodations plus a […]

Frisco Lakes Golf Club — A Local Gauge for Your Game

It’s no secret Frisco is rapidly becoming THE entertainment mecca north of Big D.  As Arlington did in the ‘70s and ‘80s, this suburb is expanding faster than a black hole in deep space, as they seemingly announce another high-profile event and open another high school biweekly.  The rapid growth can partly be attributed to […]

Wayward Shots — Meeting My Brother’s Famous Foe

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to meet many celebrities and sports figures. I’ve met musicians Glenn Frey, Branford Marsalis and Huey Lewis, to name a few. Professional athletes Penny Hardaway, Joe Theismann, and Drew Brees. And actors George Lopez, Andy Garcia, and Josh Duhamel. I’ve even met President George H.W. Bush – he shoved […]

Great Results from Good Impact

Every day you’re at the golf course, driving range or watching golf on TV, you see many different styles of golf swings.  That’s what makes this game so great is that there’s a lot of different ways to swing the club.  However, there’s a common trait to all the different styles of swings: a good […]

Ultimate Knowledge is Ultimate Power

Kelly Kraft, a native of Denton, Texas, has been a golf professional since 2012, and, just earlier this year, finished second at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. By now he must know a lot about his own game and how to keep it in shape and what he needs to do to continually perform at […]

An Oceanside Spectacular in Los Cabos

Story by James McAffee   Set among large coastal dunes, magnificent granite cliffs, desert foothills and white-sanded beaches at the tip of the Baja peninsula, the Quivira Golf Club offers more ocean front exposure than any other course in the immediate area. This emerald nestled alongside the rocky desert beaches of Mexico is Jack Nicklaus’ […]

Waterchase Golf Club — Consistency is Key

With the ever-fluctuating weather in North Texas, one thing that can be difficult for golf courses is maintaining consistent conditions year in and year out.  Even the nicest courses in the area can struggle to keep their course in shape as Mother Nature consistently throws them dancing knuckle balls of heat, cold, rain, violent storms […]

Cedar Crest — Polishing a Dallas Gem

For a course that has been a community mainstay for nearly a century, Cedar Crest Golf Course is looking better than ever. Located in the heart of South Dallas, Cedar Crest is part of the lifeblood of the city’s golfing community, but its facilities had fallen behind the times. Things are on the upswing now, […]

Wayward Shots — My Caddy Mentors

When I first decided to become a Tour caddy in 1992, I figured, how hard could it be? I’d played golf for 12 years up to that point, including a couple in college, and despite never club caddying, I knew it couldn’t be that difficult. Oh man was I wrong. The only time I was […]

Strategies for a Fairway Bunker Shot

For most golfers, playing a fairway bunker shot is the most difficult full swing shot in golf. Even from a perfect lie in the sand amateur golfers struggle with the execution of this shot. From my experience there’s two main reasons – your footing and balance – and then consistently having the bottom of the […]

A New Frontier

For those readers who are keen followers of the PGA Tour, do you get the impression that while the technology used by leading instructors to coach top professional players has become increasingly more sophisticated in the past decade, more fit, young players are becoming inconsistent and/or injured? What do you suppose is happening? The fact […]

Wilmington, North Carolina — A Carolina Treat That’s Cheap to Eat

by David Theoret The Beau Rivage Golf & Resort is like no other golf course – or resort for that matter – in the Carolinas. Sure, you can find plenty of courses in the state with fairways framed by towering Carolina pine trees, and there are several resorts that feature lush, Bermuda fairways leading to […]

Instruction — The Keys to the Takeaway

Starting the golf swing can make or break the result of the swing. If the takeaway is not swinging up the swing plane with the clubface square, you will need to compensate somewhere in the swing in order to hit a straight shot. The takeaway sets up the momentum of the swing. If the momentum […]

Best of the 2017 PGA Show

The PGA Show 2017 has come and gone, and what a whirlwind of exciting new products – everything imaginable from apparel to equipment. For the enthusiastic golfer too, there was plenty of choices – sadly he or she can only get this information through a member of the golf industry with access to this biggest of […]

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — Caribbean Canine Delight

As the original golf resort in the Caribbean, opened by still relatively unknown Pete Dye in 1971, the Casa De Campo resort and its signature Teeth of the Dog layout has always set the standard for golf in the scenic Caribbean. But with its recent international showcase, hosting the Latin American Amateur Championship in February, […]

Instruction — It’s All in the Bounce

Playing greenside bunker shots offer many challenges to amateur golfers. The biggest obstacle I see is the understanding and then the execution of using the bounce and loft of the golf club. A standard bunker shot utilizes the bounce – or bottom – of the club to make contact with the sand at impact. This […]

X Marks the Spot?

In December 1992, Golf Magazine came out with a brand new concept for the golf swing, which took the golf world by storm. It was termed “The X Factor,” and was first discovered and explained by famous instructor Jim McLean. The X Factor is the difference in horizontal rotation between the upper torso and the […]

Old American — Subtlety is Everything

When describing a golf course, there is a razor-thin line between “tough but fair” and “too difficult.” When a course ventures into the realm of “too difficult,” the fun factor can begin to wane. When it first opened in 2010, Old American Golf Club flirted with that “too difficult” line. The track has always been […]

Wayward Shots — Toughing Out an Injury

Injuries are as much a part of sports as the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, and can rear their ugly head at the most inappropriate times. Professional athletes, in particular, have the mindset to play through these injuries because of the fear of being labeled soft, losing their job, or because they […]

Wayward Shots — A Caddy’s Contribution

In 1938, the PGA Tour made its first charitable donation to the tune of $10,000 at the Palm Beach Invitational. Almost 80 years later, it has surpassed the $2 billion mark. The Tour contributes to a variety of great causes including the growth of the game, the military, education and leadership, just to name a […]

Instruction — Hands vs. Body

Swinging the golf club can be done many different ways, with various philosophies. Some golfers like to swing using predominantly their hands and arms, while others try to take the hands and arms out of the equation and just use their body. These two schools of thought often divide golf instructors as well. Both styles […]

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — Finding Paradise in Puerto Vallarta

When you enter the city limits of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico via car or the airport arrivals gate, the welcome signs display “Puerto Vallarta: La ciudad mas amigable del mundo.” In English, that translates to “The friendliest city in the world.” Based on my recent experiences visiting this Mexican paradise, it is not only accurate, but […]

Mastering the Putting Pendulum

“Ouch, I have a catch in my back,” I said recently. “How come?” responded a friend. I said it is from testing out the various putting postures our very own DFW hero Bryson DeChambeau has been seen all over the internet using in recent weeks. I thought I even saw one where he appears to be […]

East Side Stories

For better or worse, 2017 will be a year of change. No matter your point of view on these upcoming transformations, every golfer can agree on one resolution: this year, a change is needed to play more golf. In fact, that mantra should be part of every golfer’s New Year’s resolution list each time Jan. […]

Wildhorse Golf Club — A Round at the Ranch

Although city courses can be convenient and have a multitude of amenities at your fingertips, sometimes you just need to venture outside of town for a relaxing round of golf. Wildhorse Golf Course at Robson Ranch in Denton is the perfect solution – pristine conditions, friendly staff and a remarkable watering hole for you to […]

Wayward Shots — Caddy Perks on the PGA Tour

To combat the long season each year on the PGA Tour, tournaments will occasionally offer perks to help soften the grind and help take your mind off the golf. These can come in the form of fishing trips, car-racing schools, or cool things associated with the local area like flight simulation at the Fed-Ex Flight […]

Instruction — Set Up For Success

An often-overlooked piece of the golf swing is how you set up to the ball. The setup is the one thing you can do perfect every time. It also allows you to start the swing with zero mistakes. To me, a sound setup makes the golfer look like they’re getting ready to hit a good […]