Insight from Todd Fowler on Backswing.com:
Hit it Low!!!!
Posted on: 10 Apr 2024
One of the things I think help players ‘flip’ or scoop the ball is to learn to hit low shots. Either using props or launch monitor data, the player can get ball to fly at a lower trajectory by getting lower body weight forward and hands forward at impact therefore reducing the loft of the […]
Don't forget your short game!
Posted on: 08 Dec 2023
I m certain there will be many responses regarding the popularity of simulators and I am 100% for them as long as you can see where the ball goes. But many golfers will get “stuck” thinking they can only practice full swings in winter. Work on your wedge game and putting during this time to […]
Pre-Shot Routine
Posted on: 06 Jul 2023
Alignment may be the most important part of the pre-shot routine. Most amateurs I see set their feet first and this is a critical error. Pick a specific target and align the clubface to that target (or intermediate target if you use one). Then align feet and body using the clubface. This will also improve […]
Light and Heavy Works
Posted on: 23 May 2023
I am not a trainer but as an instructor, I warn players to be cautious about training to increase clubhead speed at the expense of great technique and rhythm/tempo. Club head and ball speed is something one can get obsessed with and lose their swing. My experience with swinging a heavy club or swinging light […]
Wrist Hinge
Posted on: 11 May 2023
I was taught that my hands did nothing in the golf swing and my wrists hinged vertically where my left wrist (for right hander) would be in impact position throughout the swing. The goal was to maintain a square clubface throughout the swing and minimizing dispersion and curve in ball flight, especially under pressure.
Loosen up!
Posted on: 03 May 2023
If I am pressed for time, I will be more concerned to get loose than to prepare to play well. Preventing injury is my main concern so I will try to stretch my shoulders, posterior chain and rotational core. A few swings with 2 clubs is my go to after stretching. If I can hit […]
Full turn!!
Posted on: 29 Mar 2023
Too many golfers use the shaft position at top to determine the length of a backswing. The position the shaft gets to in backswing is determined by pivot (lower body), rotation (upper body) and arm extension and shoulder flexibility. Many players whose proper backswing leaves the shaft ‘short’ of parallel often make a fundamental mistake […]
Face the Target!
Posted on: 03 Jun 2022
I work on determining what my student’s follow through and finish position are first. I want them to practice getting to that position on balance without hitting shots to get used to it. I really think this is so important because if they do not get to the proper position after impact on balance, then […]
Fundamentals
Posted on: 17 May 2022
It’s debatable what the fundamentals are but I believe that there are four: alignment, posture, balance and rhythm. The other variables for any particular player then must match up to form a swing that strikes the ball well and consistently.
Fit or Custom??
Posted on: 17 May 2022
Getting fit for clubs is important. Proper length, weight, flex and lie angle are variables in club-fitting that can make a club set proper at impact and be more comfortable for the player to swing their best. Head style and intangibles may help the ball fly better and make the game more enjoyable. Be careful […]
Know your Student
Posted on: 25 Apr 2022
The biggest problem I see is watching someone teaching an amateur (or amateur watching videos) like they are a skilled player or professional. Keep it simple, use fundamentals and techniques that they can manage and repeat and adapt your teaching to the students’ strengths and weaknesses. Contact, attack angle, path and face angle!! Teach them […]
Little Ball First, Big Ball Second!!
Posted on: 22 Apr 2022
Having a descending blow in the ball requires the target side wrist to be flat or slightly bowed. But to simplify things, have the golfer concern themselves more with hitting the golf ball first (with a square clubface) and then the grass/ground after. The low point of the swing arc therefore is 3-5 inches on […]
Backwards
Posted on: 22 Apr 2022
I read greens a little differently, especially from mid-long range putts. I read the putt backwards from the hole. By seeing where a putt from the direction of my ball will need to enter the hole, I can then look out to the area or line that I will need to start my putt for […]
Is $$$ Ball Worth it?
Posted on: 22 Apr 2022
Golf balls have changed so much over the last 20-40 years. Today’s premium golf ball is expected to perform at every level and for every shot a skilled golfer might want. Low spin on tee ball, high spin on irons and wedges and feel around the greens. For the average golfer however, the premium ball […]
All about loft!!
Posted on: 16 Feb 2022
Greenside shots with an uphill stance can be difficult. Three tips: 1. Swing along the hillside. You do not want to swing your clubhead straight into the hill. 2. Use clubs with less loft to prevent shots from ballooning straight up into the air unless that’s what you want. The slope of the hillside adds […]
Simple and with a Purpose
Posted on: 03 Feb 2022
Shot shaping should always be an exercise practiced with simplicity by amateurs. I prefer to alter the setup including face angle position at address to create the spin required. Even professionals and experts (along with ams) should never be left in a bad position on course if the curve desired does not happen. Shape all […]
Clean Clubs!
Posted on: 29 Jan 2022
It is extremely important to play with clean dry clubs and a ball that is clean as possible. The grooves in your clubs act like the tread of your car tires. Water, grass and soil can get into the groves during a strike leaving more surface for the club to make contact to the cover […]
It takes a Village
Posted on: 12 Jan 2022
Golf is such a wonderful sport as I feel I’ve had so many different mentors along the way. Father, coaches, pros, fellow competitors, teammates and bosses have all shaped both my career as a player, coach, and professional. My father and coaches shared their passion for the game and my improvement and success. My PGA […]
Playing lessons
Posted on: 12 Jan 2022
One of the things I feel amateur golfers misunderstand is how good and pro players play. The information that viewers get from watching television would lead amateurs to think that golf is complex when in reality, it’s quite simple. Playing lessons and commitment to playing game more simply would help more handicap players.
Don't Lift the Balll
Posted on: 19 Nov 2021
The lowest part of the arc of the swing with the ball on the ground should be 2-4 inches past the ball. Hitting behind it is usually a result of the player trying to lift the golf ball to get it airborne. This player will lean back on their trail leg and release the clubhead […]
I've always felt I played best when I had yardages to front, middle and back of each green. I really like my Bushnell Phantom for that reason.
Posted on: 28 Oct 2021
I’ve always felt I played best when I had yardages to front, middle and back of each green. I really like my Bushnell Phantom for that reason. Fits nicely in my pocket and gives me the numbers I want most. Only need my rangefinder a couple times per round now!
Long AND Straight
Posted on: 20 Sep 2021
I believe this answer depends a lot on the player. I sacrifice about 20-25 yards from driver to 3 wood but I also drive the ball very straight so I never use 3 wood or any other club off tee for accuracy. Many players I’ve seen in 16 hdcp range and up may be able […]
Read, Align, Roll
Posted on: 04 Sep 2021
Alignment in putting is most significant in the shoulders, forearms and hand placement on grip. This enables the player to ‘swing’ the putterhead on an arc that rolls the ball on line without manipulation of hands or wrists.
Same swing, different setup
Posted on: 19 Aug 2021
I like my amateur players to keep things simple so I do ‘endorse’ a same swing mentality. I just teach them to set up the body center and spine tilt differently for teed ball, iron swing and short game. That with proper ball position can give them proper attack angle for best contact and ball-flight.
Just Beware
Posted on: 05 Aug 2021
This is not necessarily my area of expertise but I do warn my students that some forms of fitness can be beneficial to their game and swing and others could become very detrimental. Be careful and gather good information related to strength, speed and flexibility related to golf and general fitness!
Speed and Accuracy
Posted on: 05 Aug 2021
The answer is: a player can increase swing speed and also increase accuracy. I do not teach my students to slow down. I want them to swing their arms and clubhead as fast as they can on balance and in rhythm and believe that if they utilize proper technique to improve path, face angle and […]
Brush the Grass!!
Posted on: 10 May 2021
A golfer can come out of proper posture before impact for a variety of reasons. Good arm extension, knee flex, and spine posture through impact helps us stay ‘level’ and gives the player a chance to strike the ball and ‘brush the grass’ or take a divot afterwards. Lifting the shoulders, chicken-winging the elbows, pushing […]
Face or Path??
Posted on: 22 Apr 2021
The simple physics (for right handed player) in putting slice spin on ball is that the face angle at impact is to the right relative to the club path. I will usually examine those two variables and the swing to establish if either is a strength and change technique to correct the other as much […]
Hot Hand
Posted on: 07 Apr 2021
I’d have to say I like Justin Thomas. He’s in great form and I don’t like DJ’s chances (hard to win back-to-back majors) or Jordan Spieth (hard to win back-to-back weeks). This one is wide open though and won’t be surprised to see a new winner or a former major winner step up. My heart […]
Grass is a Small Tee
Posted on: 24 Mar 2021
Hitting a fairway wood is probably the most difficult thing to do from a fairway lie in golf. The lack of loft and narrow margin of attack angle make it easy to miss hit due to thin or heavy shots. First, think of that ball sitting on a short tee made of grass. There is […]
Home of Golf
Posted on: 24 Mar 2021
The 1st and 18th at St. Andrews are tough to beat. Besides being the home of golf, there are always people around like a small gallery of fans that are more than willing to show their appreciation of a well hit shot with applause. Don’t let this opportunity pass you up if you can help […]
Making changes for Windy Conditions
Posted on: 19 Mar 2021
This is a vital part of playing golf, especially in certain areas of the country. First, change your expectations! Getting the ball in play off tee, getting approach shots anywhere on the green, or playing holes in a different way than you are used to are vital adaptations for windy conditions. Second, slow that tempo […]
Starts at the Beginning
Posted on: 10 Feb 2021
A player is more likely to manipulate the club face if they don’t trust that it is correct at setup. First, the hands must be properly placed on the grip. There are a lot of grip styles but traditionally getting that target side hand grip correct with the handle through the palm and not in […]
Keep it simple
Posted on: 15 Oct 2020
The putting stroke I teach is simple and has very few moving parts. I prefer my students to be more focused on feel and target. Bryson’s stroke, although stranger looking, seems to be quite simple with only the shoulders swinging the putter. I’d also predict that his putter is built to fit that stroke perfectly.
Same Swing - Different Clubs
Posted on: 02 Oct 2020
A standard chip and pitch swing is the first short game stroke for every player to learn and develop. Learn to play this stroke with 3 or 4 clubs from highest loft to an 8 or 7 iron. Use this stroke with the correct ‘loft’ depending on length and green availability to get the shot […]
You don't win the Open, the Open wins you!
Posted on: 16 Sep 2020
I’ve been waiting for a ‘major’ breakthrough for Xander Schauffelle. This may be his time after a very solid playoffs!
Shot Shaping - Draw
Posted on: 10 Sep 2020
It’s so important for players to understand what causes curve in ball flight. No matter what the player wishes for based on grip, stance, ball position, etc., the only way the ball will curve left (for right hander) is for the club path to be slightly right of target and the face to be left […]
Emerald Hills GC in Sterling IL.
Posted on: 31 Aug 2020
This year on Fathers Day my Dad and I played Emerald Hills GC in Sterling IL. It is $25 with cart everyday/all the time. The conditions were very good, nice practice facility, and course that every level can play. Thanks and congratulations to city of Sterling IL for your support, dedication and contribution to golf […]
Hit it square
Posted on: 17 Aug 2020
Most amateurs can hit it farther by improving there centerness of contact, path and angle of attack, and face squareness. After getting those dialed in get the driver (and other clubs) properly fit and they are golden for length AND accuracy. If they want to try fitness, make sure you are following guidance of a […]
Everyone's Able
Posted on: 30 Mar 2020
I approach every student the same. I am not a “model” teacher. I prefer to build on improving clubface position, impact quality and shaft path through solid fundamentals based on unique physical abilities that the player has. I believe I am the one that has to be adaptive to fit the needs of every player! […]
Distance, trajectory and spin
Posted on: 03 Mar 2020
I think that being an effective and precise wedge player involves controlling swing length, speed and angle of attack. The only way to get it close is to control distance, trajectory and spin. I feel the turning of my chest to control distance on wedge shots. Its not easy and many weekend golfers could be […]
I don't really pull for many guys over the others.
Posted on: 09 Dec 2019
I don’t really pull for many guys over the others. Usually I just enjoy the tournament and how each player uses their unique gifts trying to win. Obviously having Tiger back in the mix is exciting and I’ve enjoyed the steady rise of Xander Schauffele. Very solid and seems like a good guy. Certainly looking […]
Medinah #3 in the same layout Tiger won the PGA Championship.
Posted on: 30 Jul 2019
Medinah #3 in the same layout Tiger won the PGA Championship. That is a very strong and fair test of golf. My favorites have been Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Prairie Dunes in Kansas and Kansas City CC. I love them because they are not long but really good!
Players that can't get the ball airborne are usually trying to do all the work themselves and not using the loft of the club properly
Posted on: 30 Jul 2019
Sounds like it’s time for a lesson. Players that can’t get the ball airborne are usually trying to do all the work themselves and not using the loft of the club properly – trying to lift the golf ball instead of striking it. A lesson on set up and descending attack angle into the back […]