RSM Classic 2025 — Live Round 2 Audio & Live Blog | GolfSolutions.club

Sea Island is heating up — and Round 2 of the RSM Classic 2025 just flipped the leaderboard on its head.

RSM Classic 2025 — Live Round 2 Audio & Minute-by-Minute Updates

We’re live with Round 2 audio coverage from the RSM Classic at Sea Island. Use the PGA TOUR audio player below while following our live updates, frequent analysis blocks, and direct leaderboard links. Expect FedExCup tension, shifting leaderboards, and course management plays that decide the week.

RSM Classic 2025 Live Coverage Thumbnail – Sea Island, PGA TOUR, ESPN+ Broadcast

RSM Classic 2025 Live Coverage • Sea Island, Georgia • PGA TOUR

LIVE AUDIO (PGA TOUR):

Tip: Keep this tab open while you follow the minute updates. We add instant quotes, scoring swings, and quick tactical notes so you don’t miss the story behind the leaderboard.

Live — Round 2 has begun
Morning wave off with light wind. Expect low scoring early; leaders tee later this afternoon.
Early low round in play
An early starter posts 31 on the front 9 — watch for leaderboard movement when the second wave starts.
Read full RSM Classic preview & predictions

Why Round 2 matters — FedExCup drama & leaderboard swings

Round 2 at the RSM Classic often separates steady contenders from weekend spoilers. Because Sea Island's coastal winds can rise in late afternoons, approach accuracy and scrambling are decisive metrics — not just raw distance. Our live blog prioritizes those moments: key approach shots, short-game saves and the holes where confident course management earns a top-20 finish. Fans searching terms like "RSM Classic live scores", "PGA TOUR Round 2 leaderboard", or "Sea Island tee times" will find the immediate context they need here.

Tactical snapshot — what to watch this hour

- Who is handling wind off the tee? Players who keep drives in play will gain strokes.
- Which players are gaining strokes: approach & around the green? Focus updates will call the SG (strokes gained) shifts live.
- Keep an eye on weather windows — calm mornings produce early birdies; gusty afternoons reward scramblers.

Fan actions — follow live like a pro

Bookmark the PGA TOUR leaderboard, subscribe to our updates, and use this live audio + blog combo to catch the narrative behind scoring swings. Use search keywords such as "RSM Classic live audio", "RSM Classic Round 2 updates" or "Sea Island golf live" to find fast results in Google & social.

Attribution: Live audio provided by PGA TOUR (https://www.pgatour.com/watch/audio). This page offers synchronized live updates and editorial context — if you plan to rebroadcast full audio or long excerpts, obtain permission from the PGA TOUR.

How to Break 90 for the First Time — Genius Golf Guide & 30-Day Practice Plan

Struggling to stay ahead of the 2026 golf season? These must-read guides will sharpen your game, upgrade your gear, and keep you ahead of every leaderboard update.

How to Break 90 for the First Time — Genius Golf Guide & 30-Day Practice Plan

One clear promise: stop practicing randomly. Use this focused plan — course rules, high-ROI drills and a mindset reset — and you’ll be significantly closer to breaking 90 within 30 days. No fluff, no expensive gear changes; just smart, repeatable steps that work for weekend golfers.

Why 90 matters — and the real barrier

Breaking 90 is a psychological milestone that proves you’ve converted flashes of skill into consistent rounds. The usual barriers aren’t swing mechanics — they’re poor course management, weak short game, and the tendency to gamble on low-percentage shots. Fix those and the numbers fall fast.

Five simple rules to play by (every hole)

  1. Play to a target, not a trophy. Aim for the safe side of the green when in doubt.
  2. Two-putt is fine. If you’re inside 30 feet for birdie, plan for a two-putt par instead of a heroic make.
  3. Limit penalty shots. Take an extra stroke via drop when the alternative risks a double or worse.
  4. Use clubbing discipline. If you need 150 yards, hit a 7-iron — don’t try to muscle a hybrid.
  5. Play forward tees if needed. Smart tee choice = shorter approach shots and fewer bogeys.
Break 90 golf tips thumbnail showing golfer practicing with a clean and modern instruction design — 30-day plan, strategy, and key tips.
Break 90 in Golf — 30-Day Practice Plan & Smart Strategy Guide

High-impact drills (do these 3× weekly)

Three drills beat a thousand meaningless swings. Do them with intent.

  • 50-yard control drill: From 50 yards, hit 20 balls and count how many finishes inside 10 feet. Goal: 12/20.
  • Lag putting ladder: From 40, 30, 20 and 10 feet, roll 5 putts each aiming to leave inside 3 feet on at least 75%.
  • Fairway accuracy simulation: At the range, pick a narrow target (tree, fence post). Hit 30 shots and keep a tally of shots inside the target corridor. Goal: 18/30.

30-day practice plan (exact schedule)

Commit 4 sessions per week: 2 range/practice, 1 short-game, 1 9-hole focus round.

  1. Week structure (repeat for 4 weeks)
    • Session A (Range): 30 mins alignment + 45 mins target practice (7-iron → driver)
    • Session B (Short Game): 60 mins — 30 mins chips (50yd drill), 30 mins putting ladder
    • Session C (Range short): 45 mins — wedges and approach accuracy
    • Session D (On-course 9): Play 9 holes focusing on rules & checklist — count fairways hit, greens in regulation attempts, and penalty shots; no hero shots.
  2. Weekly goal metrics: reduce penalty shots to ≤2/round, leave ≤5 putts outside 10ft per 9, and hit ≥60% of approaches to scoring areas (inside 30ft).

Gear & setup — what actually helps

Don’t overhaul your bag. Start with:

  • A reliable 9-iron/7-iron you can hit consistently to 150 yards.
  • A wedge setup (50°, 54°, 60°) that lets you control short shots.
  • A putter you can see and align easily — confidence > length.

Tip: if you’re tempted to buy a new driver, instead buy short-game time. Short game returns strokes faster than a flashy driver.

Mindset & in-round checklist

In-round 5-step checklist: 1) Pick a target, 2) Choose the club for that target, 3) Visualize one clean swing, 4) Commit, 5) Move on from the result.

Lower golf requires emotional control. When you make a bad hole, use the next tee as a reset — reset your breathing and commit to the safe option.

A Surprisingly Honest Truth Most Golfers Ignore

“If you want to break 90, stop searching for magic clubs — and start changing the way you think on the course.”

This isn’t just a hot take — it’s the reality behind most mid-handicap breakthroughs. Mastering decision-making, emotions, and course management consistently delivers lower scores long before any new driver ever will. It’s uncomfortable… but it’s also where real improvement begins.

FAQ — quick answers golfers search for

How long does it take to break 90?
With focused practice (the 30-day plan above) many golfers see measurable improvement in 4–6 weeks; consistent on-course play is the final accelerant.
Should I play forward tees?
Yes. Honest tee selection shortens approach distances and reduces forced carries — quicker path to breaking 90.
What’s the single most important skill?
Short game and course management. Save strokes around the green and avoid big numbers — they sink rounds.
Do lessons help?
Yes, but only if the instructor gives a focused plan (not 20 swing fixes). Ask for a short-game and course-management session first.
Want to shave 5–10 strokes this month? Grab the printable checklist or request your custom 30-day training plan. Unlock your lower scores →

RSM Classic 2025 — Full Preview: Sea Island Guide, Tee Times, TV Windows & Sleepers | GolfSolutions.club

As the PGA Tour heads to Sea Island for the final showdown of 2025, the RSM Classic delivers one last chance for players to secure status, shock the leaderboard, and rewrite the season’s finale — here’s everything you need before the first tee goes in the ground.

RSM Classic 2025 — Updated Preview: Sea Island Guide, Tee Times, TV & Sleepers

Snapshot: The RSM Classic (Nov 20–23, 2025) lands at Sea Island with official pairings live, confirmed TV windows and a $7M purse. This newsroom-style preview gives you quick facts, course strategy, sleepers, exact live links for tee times and leaderboards, embedded video highlights and the notable X post from the PGA TOUR — everything fans need before the first tee shot.

RSM Classic 2025 preview thumbnail featuring golfer teeing off at Sea Island with event branding — Tee times, TV schedule, full course guide and sleepers.
RSM Classic 2025 — Sea Island Preview, Tee Times, TV Windows & Sleeper Picks

Quick facts & what's new

Event: RSM Classic (PGA TOUR) — Hosted by Davis Love III.

Competitive rounds: Nov 20–23, 2025.

Latest: Official pairings and tee times are live on PGA TOUR and the RSM Classic site; Golf Channel TV windows are confirmed. Bookmark live pages in the Sources section.

Course notes — what wins at Sea Island

Seaside rewards precision: narrow driving corridors, small firm greens and coastal wind swings. Plantation provides slightly more bailout room but sharper green complexes. Winning formula: steady tee-to-green accuracy, elite scrambling and reliable putting on medium-speed surfaces. Late afternoon wind is the X-factor — expect leaderboards to shift when gusts rise.

Quick checklist for viewers

  • Watch approach accuracy and scrambling — they matter more than raw length.
  • Note who handles early calm scoring vs. later windy conditions.
  • Monitor tee times daily — featured groups change and TV coverage follows them.

Field snapshot & sleepers to watch

Field note: The tournament blends veterans, Sea Island regulars and late-season contenders chasing FedExCup positioning and exemptions for 2026. Expect host exemptions and a few local favorites on the initial field list.

Editor’s sleepers (actionable picks)

  • Sea Island veteran: A player with past low rounds here — often undervalued in betting markets.
  • Hot putter: Mid-tier player with top putting form over last 6–8 starts.
  • Reliable scrambler: Someone top-30 in scrambling who can survive gusts and make pars where others bogey.

Tee times & pairings — official live links

Pairings are updated daily; featured groups and times are posted by the PGA TOUR and RSM Classic. Use the official pages below for hole-by-hole scoring and exact featured groups.

TV schedule & streaming — where to watch

Golf Channel carries the primary TV windows for the RSM Classic; PGA TOUR Live (streaming) covers featured groups and offers hole-by-hole streaming. Exact broadcast windows are published on PGA TOUR TV and Golf Channel schedules — check them before kickoff.

  • Thu–Fri: Morning & midday Golf Channel windows; streaming for featured groups.
  • Sat: Daytime Golf Channel coverage + streaming.
  • Sun: Final round window on Golf Channel; network extension windows vary — check PGA TOUR TV listings.

highlights & social A bout: RSM Classic 2025

Watch this last RSM Classic Final / highlight :

And here’s the PGA TOUR social post highlighting the event:

Also here’s the @TheRSMClassic social post highlighting the event:

Predictions & smart betting angles

Need a live leaderboard embed or a printable RSM Classic fan guide? Contact GolfSolutions.club

Fan FAQ — quick answers

Where are exact tee times and featured groups posted?
On the PGA TOUR pairings page and the RSM Classic official site (links above). They update daily during tournament week.
How can I watch the RSM Classic live?
Golf Channel provides TV windows; PGA TOUR Live streams featured groups. Check your regional listings for access to Golf Channel or streaming partners.
What’s at stake this week?
Fall FedExCup positioning and exemptions for 2026 — many players are fighting to improve or secure status for next season.
Where to buy tickets and for on-site info?
RSM Classic official site has tickets, hospitality and spectator guides — check parking, shuttle and bag policies before attending.

Sources & live links

Published by GolfSolutions.club. Bookmark this page for live leaderboards and return for quick score updates during tournament week.

Golf News Highlights November 2025 — Leaderboards, Player Quotes & Tournament Results

Golf fans are in for a loaded week of headlines as the global tours deliver dramatic playoffs, season-defining titles, format shake-ups, and breakthrough victories across the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LPGA. From Matt Fitzpatrick’s playoff thriller over Rory McIlroy in Dubai, to LIV’s shift toward a full 72-hole format starting 2026, the sport is entering a fresh competitive era. This roundup highlights every major storyline with leaderboards, key quotes, and must-know takeaways to keep you fully updated for November 2025.

Fresh Golf Headlines — Nov 17, 2025

A compact, reader-first roundup: dramatic playoff finishes in Dubai, season honours for McIlroy, a format shift from LIV, and big wins on the PGA & DP World Tours. This post delivers the fast take, the leaderboards, quick analysis and practical FAQs for golf fans. .

Fresh Golf Headlines November 17 2025 — Latest Golf News, Leaderboards & Updates
Fresh Golf Headlines — November 17, 2025 (GolfSolutions.club)

Matt Fitzpatrick edges Rory McIlroy — DP World Tour Championship (Dubai)

Jumeirah Golf Estates · Final round: Nov 16–17, 2025

The moment: Matt Fitzpatrick defeated Rory McIlroy in a sudden-death playoff after McIlroy produced a breathtaking late eagle to force extra holes. Fitzpatrick’s steady playoff hole sealed a top-tier finish and a high-profile winter trophy.

Why fans should care: Playoff drama at season finales shapes headlines — it’s the kind of finish that pushes narratives into the offseason and gives broadcasters and fans memorable highlights to replay.

“Playoff wins are special — I’ll remember this one.” — Matt Fitzpatrick (post-round summary).

Dubai — Final leaderboard (selected)

PosPlayerNotes
1Matt FitzpatrickPlayoff winner
2Rory McIlroyRunner-up; late eagle forced playoff
T3Ludvig ÅbergT3
T3Tommy FleetwoodT3

Sources: Tour reports and live coverage. (Links in the sources section below.)

Rory McIlroy: 2025 Race to Dubai champion

Season-long standings confirmed Nov 17, 2025

The headline: Rory McIlroy secured the Race to Dubai title for 2025 thanks to an outstanding season run. While he did not win the Dubai event, his cumulative points secured the season crown and the associated bonus purse.

Season implications: A Race to Dubai title affects player legacy, sponsor narratives and end-of-year awards. It also influences players’ invitations to limited-field events next season.

LIV Golf expands tournament format to 72 holes (effective 2026)

Announcement: November 2025

LIV Golf announced that beginning in 2026, its events will be played over four rounds (72 holes) instead of three. The change is positioned as an alignment with traditional professional golf formats and a step toward perceived parity with legacy tours.

What this changes for viewers: more scoring swings, longer storylines across Thursday–Sunday, and potentially more TV inventory for broadcasters. For purists, it represents LIV moving closer to established tournament conventions.

LPGA & PIF: Aramco Championship at Shadow Creek — spotlight event for 2026

Announcement: early Nov 2025 — Event scheduled Mar/Apr 2026

The LPGA and the PIF Global Series confirmed a co-sanctioned Aramco Championship at Shadow Creek (Las Vegas area) in early April 2026. The event promises a high purse and top-field entries, elevating a marquee U.S. venue for women’s golf.

What to watch: field strength (will top LPGA stars attend?), purse and ranking points, and how the event affects the early-season rhythm for tour players.

Ben Griffin caps a breakout run — World Wide Technology Championship

Event: early Nov 2025

Ben Griffin recorded his third PGA Tour victory of 2025 with an explosive final round. Multiple wins in a single season signal a player to watch for majors and Ryder Cup discussions next year.

PosPlayerNote
1Ben GriffinFinal 63; third win of season
2Chad RameyRunner-up

Adam Schenk wins Butterfield Bermuda Championship — milestone victory

Event: Nov 16, 2025

Adam Schenk battled wind and course conditions to claim his first PGA Tour title in Bermuda — a breakthrough that secures exemptions and boosts his standing for the new season.

PosPlayerNote
1Adam SchenkMaiden PGA Tour win

James Morrison wins Rolex Grand Final — DP World Tour promotion

Event: Rolex Grand Final, Mallorca — recent

James Morrison sealed promotion back to the DP World Tour with a strong finish at the Rolex Grand Final in Mallorca — one of those narratives that change a career arc and excite fans of the developmental tours.

Source: Golf Monthly live coverage and tour wrap-ups.

Visitor FAQ — practical answers for golf fans

How can I follow live leaderboards during tournaments?
Use official tour sites (PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA) or trusted broadcasters. We embed and update leaderboards in our event posts — look for the Leaderboard block at the top of tournament pages.
Where can I watch the big tournaments on TV or stream?
Broadcasters differ by region. In the U.S., major events are on broadcast partners and streaming apps; internationally, check Sky Sports, Viaplay or local rights holders. We list official broadcast partners in our event posts when available.
How do season titles (like Race to Dubai) affect players?
Season titles reward consistent performance across a year, bring bonus payouts, and often grant entry into limited-field tournaments and appearance incentives for the following season.
Can I buy tickets to events mentioned here?
Yes — most tournaments sell tickets via their official sites. For marquee events (Dubai, Shadow Creek, Majors), buy early and check reseller policies. We’ll link to official ticket pages in event previews.
How often do you publish roundups like this?
We publish daily during key parts of the season and weekly recaps in the quiet weeks. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow our X feed for instant updates.
Fresh Golf Headlines November 17 2025 — Latest Golf News, Leaderboards & Updates
Fresh Golf Headlines — November 17, 2025 (GolfSolutions.club)

Sources & further reading

Published by GolfSolutions.club. If you republish, please link back to this post.

Best Golf Equipment to Start 2026 Well — The Ultimate 2026 Gear Guide

Upgrade your game before the new season! Discover the must-have golf equipment that will define 2026 — from clubs to wearables that actually improve your swing.

Best Golf Equipment to Start 2026 Well — The Ultimate 2026 Gear Guide

New year, new bag. Whether you're chasing distance, dialling in your short game, or creating an indoor practice setup that actually gets used, this magazine-style guide breaks down the best golf equipment to buy for 2026 — with real shopping advice, top picks and a printable checklist.

Best Golf Equipment 2026 — Clubs, Drivers, and Smart Gear Guide for Every Golfer

📸 Thumbnail — Best Golf Equipment to Start 2026 Well: Discover top clubs, smart tech & gear that elevate your game this year.

Why upgrade your gear for 2026?

Golf equipment evolves fast — clubs get more forgiving, launch tech improves, and affordable simulators bring year-round practice into your home. Upgrading selectively can deliver meaningful performance gains: better launch and spin from a fitted driver, tighter dispersion from modern irons, or simply more practice time with an at-home simulator. If you want evidence-based picks and buyer tips, authoritative testing sites and manufacturer fitting pages are great starting points (for example, Golf Digest publishes rigorous gear tests and hot lists).

Drivers & Fairway Woods — The Distance Engine

If you want to unlock strokes off your scorecard, start with the tee. Drivers and modern fairway woods deliver the biggest rocket effect — when matched to your swing.

What to look for

  • Appropriate loft for your swing speed (higher lofts help slower swingers).
  • Forgiveness (MOI) for mishits.
  • Adjustability for fine-tuning launch & spin.

Top picks to consider

  • Premium distance driver — excellent ball speed and low spin (try in a fitting).
  • High-MOI forgiving model — for mid-to-high handicaps.
  • Modern fairway wood— for playable long-iron replacement shots.

Pro tip: Book a short fitting session — even a 30-minute session can point you to the right head and shaft combination.

Irons & Wedges — Control the Scoring Clubs

Irons sit at the heart of scoring. In 2026 shoppers should evaluate launch, forgiveness, feel and gap consistency. Game improvement irons help launch and forgiveness; players' irons reward better contact with feel and workability.

How to choose irons

Look for consistent distance gaps, predictable spin at the moderate swing speeds, and a head shape you can align comfortably. Independent reviews (e.g., long-form lab tests at MyGolfSpy) provide data-backed comparisons if you want to dig deep.

Putters & Short-Game Tools — Save Strokes on the Greens

The putter is intensely personal. Try multiple head shapes (blade, mallet) and test toe-hang and face insert. In 2026, many golfers pair a well-chosen putter with a daily putting mat at home for consistency.

Practice tools

  • Putting ladder or gate drill mat
  • Short-game nets and alignment mirrors
  • Weighted training putters for tempo

Quick buying tip

Balance feel and forgiveness: if you miss at short range often, choose a mallet for stability; if you pride feel, consider a refined blade. Try before you buy where possible.

Home Simulators & Launch Monitors — Practice, Anywhere

Home simulators are the biggest trend as golfers invest in winter practice that actually transfers to the course. Options range from pro-grade systems (TrackMan, GCQuad) to affordable, accurate solutions (SkyTrak+, camera-based systems) that connect to simulation software.

If you’re building an indoor practice space, plan for room depth/ceiling height and pick a launch monitor that matches your budget and accuracy needs.

Rangefinders, Watches & Shot Tracking — Play Smarter

On-course tech speeds decisions and improves course management. Laser rangefinders offer quick, precise yardages; GPS watches provide hole maps and stats; shot-tracking systems record performance data automatically. For general guidance and model comparisons see major testing outlets and manufacturer pages for the latest firmware and mapping updates.

Pro tip: a rangefinder is usually the single most useful on-course purchase for immediate yardage confidence.

Balls & Accessories That Matter

Ball selection affects distance, feel and spin. For 2026, match your ball to swing speed: distance-oriented models for slower swings, multi-layer tour balls for players wanting spin and control. Accessories (good glove, practice nets, travel cover) increase value for money — don't overlook them.

Shopping tip: buy a dozen of your chosen ball and play it for a month before committing to larger packs.

Budget vs Premium — Where to Invest & Where to Save

Not every piece of kit needs a premium price tag. Invest in a driver fitting, a quality putter you love, and a launch monitor or rangefinder if you play frequently. Save on items like basic gloves, towels and budget training nets that still do the job.

  • Invest: Driver fitting, putter try-out, reliable rangefinder / watch.
  • Save: Practice accessories, bag rain covers, basic tees and markers.

2026 Golf Gear Shopping Checklist

  • Driver: fitted for loft and shaft.
  • Irons: consistent gapping and forgiveness that matches your game.
  • Putter: try multiple head shapes and grips.
  • Rangefinder or GPS watch.
  • Practice gear: putting mat, short-game net, alignment sticks.
  • Home simulator or launch monitor (if you practice indoors).
  • Quality golf balls matched to swing speed.
See gear reviews & shop guides

Further reading & trusted resources

For independent gear testing, lab data and buyer guides we recommend these trusted outlets: Golf Digest, MyGolfSpy, and manufacturer tech pages such as TrackMan for simulator and launch monitor specs.

FAQ — Quick answers

Do I need to buy new clubs for 2026?

Not always. If your current clubs still fit your game, focus on a fitting session and a few key upgrades (driver or putter). Replace clubs when technology or wear is noticeably affecting performance.

Which is more important: a launch monitor or a fitting?

A proper fitting is the best first step — it identifies the right head/shaft specs. Use a launch monitor for ongoing practice and to verify changes.

How much should I budget to meaningfully upgrade my bag?

A meaningful upgrade typically starts around $500–$1,000 (fitting + one premium club) and scales up depending on whether you buy a full set or pro-grade simulator. Prioritize based on rounds played and practice habits.

Watch — What to buy for 2026

A short video overview that pairs with this guide: top drivers, simulators and must-have tech for the new season.

Video: quick gear rundown to help you prioritise purchases for 2026.

Published November 12, 2025 • Updated November 12, 2025 • © GolfSolutions.Club

Want a printable shopping checklist or comparison table for this guide? Contact us and we’ll prepare one.

Best Golf Tips to Start 2026 Strong — Proven Drills, Mindset & Practice Plan

New year, new game. Whether you want to break 90, finally hit more fairways, or shave strokes off your handicap, these evidence-backed tips and simple drills will get your 2026 season off to the right start.

Best Golf Tips to Start 2026 Strong: Drills, Mindset & a 30‑Day Practice Plan

⛳ Read time: ~8 min Level: All golfers (beginner → mid‑handicap)

Ready to make 2026 your breakthrough golf year? Whether you're a weekend golfer or chasing single digits, this guide delivers the drills, mindset tweaks, and 30-day plan that top players swear by to start the season strong.

Best Golf Tips to Start 2026 Strong – golf coach helping player improve swing on green course
Thumbnail: Best Golf Tips to Start 2026 Strong — drills, mindset, and a 30-day practice plan for a better season.

1. Set Smart Golf Goals for 2026

Start with a clear, measurable target: not just "play better," but "reduce my average score by 3 strokes" or "hit 50% of fairways in 6 weeks." SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound) make practice purposeful and SEO-friendly — golfers search for goal-based plans in January. For goal templates and tracking inspiration, see resources like PGA.com.

Goal Drill — 4‑Week Benchmark:
  1. Week 1: Baseline round — record fairways hit, GIR and putts.
  2. Week 2–3: Apply drills (short game + putting) below and re-test after practice sessions.
  3. Week 4: Play a scored round and compare — update your SMART goal.

2. Master the Short Game First (fastest ROI)

The short game (chipping, pitching, bunker play) is the highest-return area for lowering scores. Spend 40–50% of every practice session within 30 yards of the green. If you want a deep-dive guide and practice plans, trusted coaching sites like Me and My Golf offer structured short‑game programs.

Drill — 3‑Club Circle

Place three clubs or markers forming concentric arcs at ~5, 10 and 20 yards from the hole. From each distance, play 10 shots aiming to finish inside a 3‑foot circle. Track % inside circle — aim to improve by 10% every 2 weeks.

Pro tip: Practice landing‑spot control: pick a small target on the green and focus on consistent landing, not brute force. Want wedge recommendations before you practice? See reviews at Golf Digest.

3. Putting: Speed & Lane Control

Putting is where tournaments and casual rounds are won. Two skills matter most: distance control (lag putting) and short putt confidence (3–10 ft). Build both with short daily sessions.

Drill — Ladder Putting
  1. From 3, 6, 9 and 12 feet, make 10 putts in a row at each distance (or hit 10 in a row within your target %).
  2. For lag putting, place a towel 3 feet short of the hole from 30–60 feet and practice leaving the ball on the towel.

A small daily routine (10–15 minutes) produces better results than occasional long sessions. Track putts per GIR after rounds — it's a high-ROI metric to improve.

4. Build a Reliable Pre‑Shot Routine

Under pressure, golfers regress to instinct. A simple, repeatable pre‑shot routine reduces variance. Keep it short: visualize → pick an aimpoint → breathe → small waggle → commit. Use it on every shot for consistency.

Routine Drill — Pressure Simulation:
  1. Before practice shots, set a small consequence (e.g., 10 push-ups if you miss the target) to simulate pressure.
  2. Use your 5‑step routine and note whether the routine produces the same setup and pre‑shot tempo every time.

5. Use Data Smartly: Track the Right KPIs

Data helps — but don't drown in numbers. Choose 2–3 KPIs and improve them. For most golfers these are:

  • GIR% (Greens in Regulation)
  • Putts per GIR
  • Scrambling %

Tools like a basic launch monitor, phone apps or a single fitting session can help confirm club gapping and correct loft/lie — but only after your swing is repeatable. For more on launch monitors and tech in 2025, check authoritative reviews and guides from major publications.

6. Course Management & Tee Strategy

Smart play often beats raw distance. Know the hole: if a forced carry brings big risk, play to the safe side. One trick to learn scoring is to play from the forward tees for a month. You'll learn how to manage par and sharpen decision-making.

Tactic — The Conservative Round
  1. Pick one round per month where you purposely avoid aggressive pins and play safe to the widest part of each fairway/green.
  2. Record score and note how many risk shots you avoided — most golfers save strokes this way.

7. Golf Fitness & Mobility (do this 2–3×/week)

Mobility beats brute strength for repeatable contact. Focus on hip rotation, thoracic mobility and single‑leg stability. Short 15–20 minute routines 2–3 times weekly are enough to see gains in swing speed and consistency.

Mini Routine
  • Dynamic hip swings — 2 sets of 10 each side
  • Thoracic rotations on all fours — 2 × 12
  • Single-leg balance 30s × 3

8. 30‑Day Challenge — Start 2026 Strong

This short plan bundles the priorities above into a measurable sequence so you can start the year with momentum.

  1. Days 1–7: Daily 10‑15 minute putting ladder; 3 short‑game sessions (3‑Club Circle).
  2. Days 8–14: Add one data session (range or launch monitor) to check gapping; keep daily putting.
  3. Days 15–21: Add two fitness sessions per week; practice pre‑shot routine under pressure.
  4. Days 22–30: Play two rounds using course management tactics and record KPIs.

At the end of the 30 days, re-run your baseline round and compare GIR%, putts, and scrambles. Adjust the next 30‑day block based on what improved most.

Get the printable 30‑Day Practice Tracker →

FAQ — Golf Tips to Start 2026 Strong

Q: What should I practice first if I only have 30 minutes?

A: Short game and putting. Spend 20 minutes on chips/pitches around the green and 10 minutes on ladder putting — it's the highest ROI.

Q: Do I need a launch monitor to get better?

A: No — most golfers improve faster with deliberate practice. Use a launch monitor once your swing is repeatable to confirm gaps and distances.

Q: How often should I play versus practice?

A: Aim for 2 practice sessions per week plus one round; increase on weeks you have time. Structure practice to mirror on-course situations.

A quick video to practice with

Want a short visual clinic to complement these tips? Watch this concise pro video, then come back and try the drills below.

Rick Shiels — 5 quick, practical tips to copy in your practice sessions.

Final thoughts: Start 2026 by prioritizing short game, putting and a short, repeatable pre‑shot routine. Measure a few KPIs, practice deliberately, and you’ll see lower scores quicker than you think.

For more drills, gear reviews and tournament coverage, visit GolfSolutions.Club.

Published: November 12, 2025 • Updated: November 12, 2025