Kieran McCarthy
PGA Golf Professional
Golf Galaxy
East Hanover, NJ
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Good For the Ice Cream Shop
Posted on: 10 Apr 2024
Scooping is good at the Ice Cream Polar not in GOLF neither is Flipping. Sounds like people are trying to help the golf ball up in the air. So we need to look at where golfers have there hands and shaft at impact. At the range golfers can try hit PUNCH SHOTS, at home try […]
Has Golf Instruction changed!!!!
Posted on: 27 Mar 2024
When I started taking golf lessons at The Tuxedo Club under Dave Carazo all we had at that time was a computer and video and a book on his shelve like Ben Hogan 5 lessons. Now we have force plates, still video of tour players on Trackman which I use at Golf Galaxy. Plus there […]
Chix Wing
Posted on: 22 Mar 2024
Just seeing this title is making hungry. I use 2 things a Smart Ball by Martin Chuck and having students swing the club with their lead hand into a 2×4 then put their back hand on the PUSH the piece of wood forward. Hope everyone has a great season.
Maintain Things
Posted on: 08 Dec 2023
So what can help us especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Try to get your body correct especially getting more Flexible and a bit stronger. Work on Posture in front of a Mirror. Get alignment rods(3 of them) work on take away. Last get a piece of wood or water bottle against the wall and […]
From backswing to downswing or impact
Posted on: 27 Sep 2023
At Golf Galaxy of East Hanover I use 2 things, if it’s nice outside I will grab an alignment rod have clients set up on a downslope placing the alignment 4 inched off there lead pocket, What asking for is that they try to move toward the stick but try not to spin out. I […]
POSTURE or Athletic set up
Posted on: 24 Jul 2023
As we watch golf on TV or attend a tournament everyone seems to look the same, or as Nick Faldo said they look like ROBOTS. What can help us is to watch other sports, such as Tennis, Football ( Middle LB or running backs and down hill skiers. But all we need is a Mirror, […]
Pulling the Right Club
Posted on: 06 Jul 2023
When we practice or play we want perfect conditions, Flat lies, the sun out, no wind. Tiger would practice into the wind and rain. If you play in the COLD select ONE extra club because the golf ball does not travel as far. Where if it’s warm or playing in higher alittude the ball will […]
Getting lined up
Posted on: 15 Jun 2023
Most golfers those whom are “right handed” aim the the right, and opposite for lefty golfers. When clients come to me and we see on video, I ask them what makes the ball go to where we want it to go? We usually get various answers of course at this time, so we get Alignment […]
SPEED SPEED and more SPEED
Posted on: 23 May 2023
Who doesn’t like speed, there are things like SPEED Stick system and golfforeverprogram they are all great and I have tried them. But at times I will swing an Alignment stick or taking a 7 or 6 iron and swing them upside down. Actually learn the from Mike Bender, but you also need to get […]
Our Wrist Action
Posted on: 15 May 2023
One of the WRIST drills is to do L to L golf swing drill. This old drill is great to get student to hinge on there back swing and post impact.
Pressed to warm up
Posted on: 03 May 2023
It would be great to get to the golf course about an Hour before our tee time. Try to hit Putting Green 1st and hit a variety of different Putts. Then head off to range and begin with wedges ( 5 balls) and then get to mid irons. If not swing 2 wedges together and […]
Swing Plane!!!!
Posted on: 03 May 2023
To improve our swing plane how about we try to improve our take away. As a former student of Mike Bender to help me with swing plane we started a bit with my take away. From there we used a Medium basket with golf balls in it, I had to dump the balls out over […]
Toe hits
Posted on: 11 Apr 2023
Answer could be 2 fold, If you are a Tall person with shorter golf clubs then could be 1 issue. 2nd could be your swing direction (aka over the top), Make sure your golf clubs are the right length when getting fitted. Next take 2 baskets at the driving range place one by your lead […]
Shorter Backswing
Posted on: 29 Mar 2023
So why are we doing this? Is a golfers backswing looking a bit like John Daly and now we what to look like John Rahm? Most golfers look like John Daly because they are over flexing there Elbows so they look long on the backswing, but we also notice there hands to close to the […]
Controlling Iron shots
Posted on: 14 Feb 2023
This is a fun topic, when I work with students I ask them at times “Do you know how to it a Punch Shot”? And the answer is a BIG FAT NO. I learned 2 ways playing a Game called One Club on the golf course. The other was on the driving range with a […]
2023 training aids
Posted on: 16 Jan 2023
As an instructor, my trainings for 2023 are the same plus ONE newbie. Alignment Rods, a Hanger, a ball from Martin Chuck and the new is the the “Down Shift” board. Good luck for 2023 golf season. Will check out more training aids while attending PGA Show. If viewers are looking for training aids please […]
Which is the best?????
Posted on: 28 Nov 2022
My answer is based on what some friend have told me as well as clients, From a friend of my from the Met PGA section, when he does not have the use of CGQuad or Trackman especially outside and easy of travel the Flightscope Mevo seems to be the winner. The only I don’t know […]
Raise up (Early Extention)
Posted on: 27 Oct 2022
Early Extension where the back KNEE and Belt Line move toward the ball. 2 things that we can do!!!! One place a golf club across your chest with the club head outside your back shoulder. From your address position you should FEEL that you are tilting down toward the ball but correcting your leg/foot work […]
What is too much for a Golf lesson???
Posted on: 03 Oct 2022
I think clients need to sit down and figure out a budget just like most other things in there lives. Personally I went to Florida and spent 2 hours with Dr. Rob Neal and that cost me $400. For me it was to learn more as instructor but what I needed to work to improve […]
Making a divot
Posted on: 29 Aug 2022
2 answers to the question, if you have a practice Bunker then draw a line the Sand place the club head/leading edge in the Sand make some swing an see if you can return the club head on that same line. If not grab a towel place a golf ball 6 to 8 inches in […]
Over swinging UGH
Posted on: 11 Aug 2022
Over Swinging and how we can Fix It. 1st, if you go to a Driving Range with a Friend have them stand behind you and hold an alignment (if you have) off your back shoulder and you want to just want to touch it. At home stand against the wall make a back swing (with […]
Divot or No Divot
Posted on: 04 Aug 2022
As I teach with Trackman at Golf Galaxy and at Fox Hollow GC I see a wide variety of things. Beginners take No Divot because they Pull their arms apart, Intermediate has a tendency to do both again take No Divot or too much, Where the Advanced Player takes some to very little. If you’re […]
Putting stroke and Right Putter
Posted on: 06 Jul 2022
So what is the RIGHT Putter for me??? Over the 10 years the Mallet Style has grow the most in the golf Industry. So much so that about 75 to 80 percent of Tour Players us them. Putter to me are a personal thing, for example my wife and I use SeeMore Putters but she […]
Swaying happens in an Earthquake Not Golf
Posted on: 29 Jun 2022
Swaying is when our Back Knee/ Hip move Lateral. So What can we do to remedy this??? Here are 3 options that may help our readership: 1st place a 6 irons against your back leg if done Correctly the club will turn behind you and fall toward the Ground. If not it could ride up […]
Finding Mr. or Ms. Right
Posted on: 12 Jun 2022
Just like doctors clients should do there research on line. Then ask friends who they have taken lessons from. Go watch someone teach in person. Ask for the instructor to call you back to answer your questions and see if they have an email to ask questions. What are his or her teaching approach??
New Clubs and Fitted For The Right stuff
Posted on: 17 May 2022
When some of us started playing Golf we would walk into Caldors, Ramsey Outdoor or some type of sporting goods store and bought golf clubs off the rack. The problem was if you where to tall or short there was a problem. With proper club fitting we can find out the right Grip size, the […]
Core Elements
Posted on: 09 May 2022
Controlling the Face, knowing where the golf ball is going. Swing Direction most golfers swing over the top. Lastly, Impact Most golfers hit a couple inches behind the golf ball.
The Right Golf Ball
Posted on: 20 Apr 2022
At Golf Galaxy we ask our clients what golf ball they use when doing a fitting. All golf ball fittings are done with a Putter first, then wedges, to mid irons, then the Driver. When we watch a commercial for Titleist they start at the Greens on a golf course. If you want to stop […]
How To Supinate In Lead Hand
Posted on: 24 Mar 2022
I would have a client put a Golf Ball in there lead hand at hip high then go to impact then finish palm up so they can see ball toward finish side.
Long vs Short Bunkers
Posted on: 10 Mar 2022
Technique for Bunker distance should change but club choice should change. But like most golfers have their fears in a Bunker and they hit too far behind. 1st make sure your clubface is OPEN { picture a glass of Wine on your face) hands and grip goto the Middle of our stance, Put of weight […]
How to read greens
Posted on: 28 Feb 2022
Here in the US we have different areas that have different grasses (Bent vs Bermuda). So for example when I was practicing or caddying at a club in Florida I would look for a worn out area up at the Cup. If not I would keep in mind this grass would follow where the SUN […]
The worst advise is very broad
Posted on: 22 Feb 2022
The worst advise is very broad, most get some type of swing tip they get from a friend that is no better than they are.
Up Hill Lies
Posted on: 16 Feb 2022
When hitting from an uphill lie the best thing that golfers can do is pick out a less lofted wedge or club. When hitting from this particular lie the golf ball take off a bit higher. The best way to understand this more practice this way to find out.
Blocking your Driver sounds like a Face Control issue
Posted on: 07 Feb 2022
Blocking your Driver sounds like a Face Control issue, so put a Tee in the ground, then put an Empty Water about a foot in front of the Tee. As you make a swing up and over the bottle make sure is closing over it. Then from there start to work on your Swing Direction. […]
Everyone should have one
Posted on: 12 Jan 2022
My mentor is Mr. Dave Carazo, he was the Head Pro at The Tuxedo Club and now works for Met PGA Section office. When I started working there as a caddy then later moved into the bagroom. With his time and efforts though golf lessons I was able to play well in golf tournaments and […]
Title Back and Flip
Posted on: 16 Dec 2021
Have clients move the golf ball back to middle of the stance and have the hit punch shots with a half finish, This is only a Drill.
Move forward More
Posted on: 19 Nov 2021
Most clients who come to see me for golf lessons release the golf club to early. We try 2 things, One will placing a towel 8 inches in front of the Towel. This is 2 widths of a Iron head, if I don’t have a towel place an Alignment outside the back foot. In either […]
More 3 woods
Posted on: 24 Sep 2021
The question should be whom should be hitting more 3 woods?? As a fitter and instructor my answer would be those Golfers who are starting out in golf. They’re just out there hitting the and have NO control to what they are doing on the golf course. When I started out hitting my driver in […]
Alignment Rods
Posted on: 01 Sep 2021
When Putting or Full Swing it’s always good to us Alignments Rods. Place one along your Toe Line then place one toward the Hole with this one Tap it with your Putter Face and see if your face is Square. Then take a golf ball and see what happens.
Speed and Accuracy
Posted on: 03 Aug 2021
Can Not answer this question never ready hit the ball far to begin with, but anything is doable. Does the a student or client have the right PATH, Clubface and movements going?? How does ones body hold up??? Is there proof thru Biomachanics?? We only seem to have statics in the Modern Age, what where […]
Club fitting and new clubs
Posted on: 02 Jul 2021
Golfers just starting out need to be fitted the most, then golfers whom been playing for a while then advanced. In recent articles I have just read WEDGES need to be replaced every year to 2 years, Irons should be replaced 3 to 5 years and Drivers 5to 6 years. Grips should be replaced every […]
The grip
Posted on: 01 Jun 2021
Very simple I show my clients a picture from Ben Hogan’s 5 Fundamentals or I have them grip what are FORMED GRIPs, Simple as that!!!!!!!
Ball Postion and Chix Wing
Posted on: 10 May 2021
The 1st thing I see when teaching with video, most golfers play the ball to far up in their stance especially Irons. They have a tough time trying to find the Bottom of there Arc. The other cause I see is that Golfers Chicken Wing (or there lead Elbow Bows away from body). To find […]
I don't have golf clubs
Posted on: 14 Apr 2021
With Covid 19 and more people taking golf lessons people are showing up with no clubs. As a fitter too I recommend the box set to get people get off the ground. If working with someone for 2 years guide the client to an upgrade.
Winner Winner CHix Diner
Posted on: 06 Apr 2021
Justin Thomas hits it out there far enough, hits it High and can roll the ROCK.
Bad lies in rough
Posted on: 10 Mar 2021
As a PGA Pro that plays with alot of high handicap golfers they seem to put there hero hat on thinking they can hit their mid to high irons onto the green. Well no so much, they either hit their shots low and left or duff it. So in this take a more LOFTED club […]
PAR 3 17th at TheTuxedo Club
Posted on: 24 Feb 2021
The 17th hole is a Par 3 over a lake, but it was to be an Island Green in the middle of the lake with Tee boxes set up in the mountain the covers 16th green, 17th tee and right side of 18th par 5. This is also not the original golf course, it’s origins […]
Tee it Up
Posted on: 05 Feb 2021
Don’t worry where not playing golf on a Par 3 , Par 4 or Par 5, where going to use on the practice Putting Green. This was brought to the light by Tiger Woods. Place your Putter on the green about 5 feet from the Hole, place a Tee outside the Heel and Toe. From […]
Fairway Bunker Play
Posted on: 27 Jan 2021
If you struggle from Fairway Bunkers play to a strength hit a more lofted club and into play. Then when have time to practice start to try the following, take a Mid Iron grip down 1 inch, play the golf ball a bit back in the stance. From there focus on a spot an inch […]
Get out and Play
Posted on: 08 Jan 2021
Golf Lessons are great for everyone, but the only way to find out about Golf is to play on the golf course at the right time. For beginners start out on the fairway about 220 yards out on a PAR 4 fairway and tee the ball up. Do the same on a Par 5 hole […]
Alignment Rods
Posted on: 09 Dec 2020
If you ever attended a TOUR EVENT or just watch a Tournament more likely or not those players will have Alignment Rods in there golf bags. As a teaching pro I have least 8 of them. So what do I use mine for???1. Alignment both Full Swing an Short Game, Ball position, Putting, Swing Path […]
Hit it Low into the Wind
Posted on: 23 Nov 2020
Well in todays golf we are told to hit it as far as possible. This is great, but into the wind this is NOT GOOD. You could SPIN it too much and could be knocked out the air. So how do we improve upon this?? Take ONE Extra club, place the golf ball in the […]
Drills over the Winter
Posted on: 04 Nov 2020
There so many way to improve inside, but this one of my favorites. Get in front a MIRROR, throw a magazines on the FLOOR open. Go get your 7 iron, now take your shoes off because we are going work on your set-up. With your FEET just on the corners of the MAGAZINE hold the […]
Club Fitting for Whom
Posted on: 28 Oct 2020
So whom benefits from a club fitting?? Advanced, Intermediate, or Beginner and the answer is Beginner. By explain the benefits of having the Right Lenght, Lie Angle and Grip Size you sort of break down any barriers that a client may have. Though most in this case wait to take golf lessons I try to […]
Go to shot around the greens
Posted on: 13 Oct 2020
Most amateurs don’t spend enough time on short game but just watch what Tour Players do on television. Set up is important, so play the ball in the MIDDLE of your Stance which is about 4 inch wide ( clubhead is 4 inches), from there grab your Pitching Wedge with hands forward, make a small […]
Striking down to hit hit better
Posted on: 08 Oct 2020
Place a towel on the ground, now put a golf ball roughly 5 inches in front of it. As go to hit the golf ball your job is to MISS the towel, if you nick it or it moves NO good. Hope this helps
You're Going to Be Nervous
Posted on: 15 May 2020
Well I asked this to a 18 time major champ when I caddie for him in Florida and he told me you are going to be that way. But for myself in tournaments or qualifying I would take a deep breath and release slowly. Then have positive self talk about the shot at hand.