Insight from Justin Rountree on Backswing.com:
Proper release is a chain reaction
Posted on: 10 Apr 2024
So if you struggle releasing the club to early or “flipping” do not try and correct it without realizing a few important aspects. First, if your impact path is extreme in to out, and you do not “flip” to square the face, you will hit some shots that start right and curve right, which means […]
Well putt indoor training mat
Posted on: 08 Dec 2023
The Well putt matt is my favorite indoor putting matt. You can get different lengths and speeds. Also it has markings to help with alignment, length of stroke and visualization for your eye line. They are around $100 and well putt also has several other tools I used that can help with stroke shape and […]
Tricky Transition Topics
Posted on: 12 Sep 2023
I really like the thought of “Smooth and controlled” in the transition for tempo purposes. Even if your positions are not mechanically sound, a player with good hand eye can find the ball if they are not rushing or quick. Here is a drill for tempo. 1)Take your address position with a 7 iron, and […]
Choose hybrid or 5 wood out of the fairway
Posted on: 06 Jul 2023
When I give playing lessons, most players think they have to hit 3 wood if they can’t reach the green, even if it’s a bad lie. Consistency is what most amateurs are striving for. If they can eliminate their disaster shots, they can turn doubles into pars and bogeys, 4-5 times a round. So next […]
Get your alignment "Open" for better short game results
Posted on: 15 Jun 2023
DO you struggle with most all short game shots? If so make sure to check your alignment. Even though we want to be able to work the clubface in different directions in the short game, in general it is best to stand “Open” or get your lines a little left of parallel for a right […]
Focus on 3 areas to incrementally increase clubhead speed
Posted on: 23 May 2023
Three areas to focus on to help with speed are the following. 1) Strength 2) Flexibility 3) Swing Sequence Start your journey today to increase speed. Set “SMART” goals. specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time. Like if you currently swing the driver 97mph on a stock swing. Say in 4 months I want my stock […]
5-10 minute warm up
Posted on: 03 May 2023
I grew up playing a course with no range. I am used to not hitting ball before I play. But I would recommend this quick warm up. 1) Chip – If you can hit a few low chips with a 8-9 iron 2) Long Putts- Hit 5 long putts say 25 to 30 ft 3) […]
Check your swing plane if you hit shots off the toe
Posted on: 11 Apr 2023
If you struggle hitting shots off the toe, make sure to check your swing plane. Most players with upright swing plane and steep transitions in their downswing tend to play more toward the toe. Here is a fix: 1.Stop at the top of your Backswing 2. Take the butt end of the grip toward the […]
Shorter backswing for more consistency
Posted on: 29 Mar 2023
There is no doubt that longer swings and excess movement in the backswing can lead to diminishing returns. Here is a simple swing thought to help get your backswing in a better position at the top. Simply put, stop your arms and clubhead when your shoulders stop moving. Try hitting balls from a “static” or […]
Best way to control trajectory with irons
Posted on: 02 Feb 2023
A combo of a couple of things will help to produce a lower flighted ball. First, swing slower and shorter maybe 70 percent of length and speed. Next make sure to have a nice impact position with shaft lean and a negative angle of attack. The ball wont go as far but will stay below […]
3 simple training aids for a fresh start in 2023
Posted on: 16 Jan 2023
Okay you will need the following. 1) A box- one that clubs come in 2) Grip trainer- like a normal grip but has a mold for position of your hands 3) Well- Putt putting mats Everyday when I teach, I use simple training aids. 1) For players with out to in path which can cause […]
Matchup your eye alignment to your putting stroke shape
Posted on: 09 Dec 2022
Arc stroke- eyes more inside Straight back- straight thru ( more over the target line)
Coming up out of posture may be a necessity to hit good shots
Posted on: 27 Oct 2022
If you struggle raising up out of posture from time to time, it might be because your swing calls for it. If someone has a steep downswing, it may be a necessity to raise up to avoid hitting overly fat shots. To see if you qualify, check your transition and swing plane. If you are […]
Iron play and divots
Posted on: 31 Jul 2022
Okay, so there are many great players who have a shallow angle of attack and don’t take much of a divot. But, a slight angle of attack with some shaft lean will give your max compression, distance and spin on iron shots. In my opinion, it would be beneficial to be multiple. When you play […]
Three steps to finding the right putter
Posted on: 06 Jul 2022
Becoming a better putter takes a shift in “focus”. Better equipment and practice plan over a couple of months will help. First is your equipment. So make sure the putter is fit. Putters that are too long cause big angles in the elbows and putters that are too short make the arms to straight and […]
Finding an instructor
Posted on: 06 Jun 2022
One important aspect to consider when choosing a golf instructor is what your goals are or what the state of your game is. Golf instructors have grown in numbers over the last twenty years, and many specialize in different areas of the game. Beginner golfers can benefit from most all PGA professionals. On the other […]
Follow Through is forgotten sometimes
Posted on: 28 Apr 2022
Working on your follow through can help with balance, tempo and timing. Here is a great drill to help bring it all together. First, simply start in your follow through position. Nice and balanced, fully rotated and club resting on your lead shoulder. Next swing back to the top of the backswing and then back […]
Finding the right golf ball for your game
Posted on: 20 Apr 2022
Three things to consider when choosing your golf ball. 1) Course conditions- if you play a course with firm greens, and you hit it low, better get a ball that spins 2) Course layout- if you play a course with a lot of out of bounds and hazards and you spray the ball better play […]
3 keys for bump-n-run
Posted on: 11 Apr 2022
A few keys to perfecting the bump-n-run. 1) Use a 8iron and small stance 2) swing hip high to hip high with firm wrists 3) visualize the landing area and hit the shot with “hook spin”
3 step process for better green reading
Posted on: 28 Feb 2022
Green reading is not a perfect science. It takes imagination. If you struggle seeing curves, or tracing an imaginary path to the hole, here is a 3 step process to help you. 1) First, identify the point where the ball will enter the hole. For example, maybe a right to left with a descent break […]
Tee drill to help with ball first contact
Posted on: 19 Nov 2021
Golfers hit behind the ball for a few reasons. But the main cause is the low point in the swing happens to early. One drill that will give you great feedback is scratch a line in the ground with a tee. Start with the clubhead on the line and make small swings and hit at […]
Great set up, great foundation
Posted on: 01 Oct 2021
One of the most important things for a good set up is to remember as the club gets shorter, we have to bend over a little more or tilt. Drivers are a little different since we are further away, or even if the ball is above your feet on a sidehill lie you have to […]
Find a 3 wood you love
Posted on: 20 Sep 2021
Everyone needs a trusty 3 wood. And you may hang on to it for many years. I think more people should play 3 woods but they need to practice off of a tee and off the ground. 3 woods are shorter in and length and have more loft so in theory should be more forgiving […]
My toolbelt of alignment aids for putting
Posted on: 03 Sep 2021
A putting mirror, rulers or chalk line are tools to help with proper putter face alignment off the course. But on the course is a different story. One tool that is very popular is the line on the ball. I like to use it on slippery left to right putts since I tend to line […]
Many swings and impact positions in golf
Posted on: 16 Aug 2021
The driver and iron swing can be the same, or different, but impact is definitely different. Drivers are teed up in the air and there is more room for error. You can sway, extend and even jump off the ground and hit it. Iron shots, when the ball is on the ground, tend to fly […]
For the swing to the player, not player to the swing
Posted on: 03 Aug 2021
Everyone is different. And what’s great about golf is as long as you can hold a club and swing your arms, you can hit the ball. Players who are fit and athletic usually can turn better and can utilize a release with more core, shoulders and hips. On the other hand, people who may not […]
Jordan Spieth comin on strong
Posted on: 06 Apr 2021
Jordan Spieth is the best putter on tour in my opinion. He also has one of the best short games. His full swing seems to be rounding into shape as well, especially since he just won this past week. Finally, he is a former Masters champion. All these make him my pick.
3 steps for “Spinny Chips”
Posted on: 01 Apr 2021
1) Use a premium soft ball like a prov, chrome soft or tp5 2) minimize grass between clubface and ball at impact. Practice from fairway or 1st cut. 3) let your chest and hips rotate thru impact slightly to help keep the heel of the club moving. So have a slight “pivot” and keep clubface […]
Number 14 at Toqua Golf Club
Posted on: 22 Feb 2021
Number 14 at Toqua Golf Club, Tellico Village, Lenoir City, TN. Short par 4. Only 330 from champ tees. Lake down the left side.