Feels and reals

Author

Mark Tessier
March 01, 2024

Feels and reals

As we move into March and the promise of spring golf, Finding the Tips delivers feels that will improve your iron contact (and maybe help you water the grass). You’ll also find feels that will give you a consistently great driver backswing. Really. Not only that, but a legend of the game will show you how to execute the basic chip shot so that you develop real feel around the green. So let’s get to it!

In this issue

  • Water bottle training aid?

  • Feel the two-phase backswing

  • Make your short game legendary

  • Hidden gems in the UK

  • Welcome, new subscribers!

Water bottle training aid?

Here’s another video from Coach Lockey and this one requires a training aid. It doesn’t matter what brand it is. You just need a bottle of water.

Put the bottle in your trail hand and swing the capped bottle to the top of your backswing. From that point, feel like you are going to tip the bottle of water behind you.

Develop a fluid swing

That’s all I’ll say here. Go to the video and listen to Coach Lockey. This tip is really great. I’m feeling it and you will too!

Feel the two-phase driver backswing

J.T. Thomas shows Eric Cogorno the two phases of the backswing that, when executed correctly, put you in position to hit driver solid and long.

Phases of the swing

Importantly, they describe what you should feel in each of the two phases to know that you are swinging optimally.

They also share down-the-line and face-on swings by Rory McIlroy, perhaps the greatest driver in golf today. I found that video very helpful, especially as it allows you to see his transition very clearly in transition.

Make your short game legendary

Tom Watson short game

A legendary player with one of the greatest short games in the history of golf, Tom Watson gives clear, concise instructions on how to hit the basis chip shot. Take his advice and watch your scores drop, no matter your age!

Hidden gems in the UK

If you’re like me, you’ve probably thought about taking a trip to the UK to play golf on the iconic courses over there.

This week, I ran across a new YouTube golf channel that does reviews on the courses that dot the Isles. He’s already done a review of The Belfry, where the Ryder Cup has been played. He also shows us some undiscovered tracks that might be unexpected highlights during a trip to Blighty.

Check out Tom Watkiss Golf on YouTube and get a taste of what you might find there.

Welcome, new subscribers!

I’d like to welcome all the new subscribers to Finding the Tips. We’ve had a bit of a growth spurt in the last couple of weeks and I hope it continues.

Furthering that hope, please feel free to forward this newsletter to your golf buddies, or give them this link: