Tip of the Week

Tip of the Week: February 16, 2026

Small Things That Make Golf Easier

Most people think golf improves only through lessons and hours on the driving range. Those things help, but a lot of improvement actually comes from understanding the little parts of the game that no one explains. New golfers often learn by trial and error, and that can take years longer than it needs to.

Golf has many unwritten habits. They are not complicated, but they make the game smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful for you and the people you play with. When you understand pace of play, club selection, simple etiquette, and how to manage your round, the course stops feeling intimidating and starts feeling familiar.

This page is meant to help with that. These are practical tips you can use immediately during a round. None of them require a perfect swing. Most of them simply help you think about the game in a way experienced golfers already do.

You do not have to memorize everything at once. Just pick one or two ideas each time you play. Over time, these small adjustments add up. You will move through a round with more confidence, fewer surprises, and a much clearer understanding of what is happening around you.

20 Helpful Golf Tips

Tee your ball lower on par 3s
Most beginners tee the ball high on every hole. On par 3s, tee it just barely off the ground. You want to strike the ball first, not sweep it like a driver.
The putter is your best friend around the green
If the grass is short and you have a clear path, use your putter instead of a wedge. Many chips can be replaced with a simple putting stroke and you will save strokes immediately.
Watch someone else’s shot from your position
When you are waiting to hit, pay attention to how far other players’ balls actually go from the same area. It teaches distance judgment faster than the range ever will.
Take more club than you think
Most new golfers under-club. If you are between two clubs, choose the longer one and swing easier.
Do not rush your setup
You can play fast golf without hurrying your swing. Step in, set your feet, aim the clubface, then swing. A rushed setup causes more bad shots than a rushed swing.
Bring an extra glove
Sweaty hands or a damp glove will ruin your grip. Changing gloves mid-round can instantly improve control.
You are allowed to pick up
If a hole is going badly, pick up and move to the next tee. This is normal in league play and keeps pace moving. No one expects beginners to grind through 12 strokes.
Mark your ball before cleaning it
Always mark your ball on the green before lifting it. Cleaning is encouraged. Just place it back exactly where it was.
Aim the clubface first, then your feet
Your feet can be perfect but if the clubface is pointed wrong, the ball goes wrong. Set the clubface at your target, then align your body.
Use the scorecard for yardages
Many scorecards list distances to hazards and the center of the green. It is a free course guide most players never read.
Stand behind the ball before putting
Before you putt, step behind the ball and look at the slope. Your brain reads lines better from behind than from the side.
You do not have to swing hard to hit it far
Solid contact beats power. A smooth swing with balance will outdistance a fast, off-balance swing almost every time.
Replace or fill your divots
If you take a chunk of grass, replace it or use the sand bottle. Courses notice this, and players who do it are always appreciated playing partners.
Keep one ball in your pocket
Always carry an extra ball so you are not searching in your bag after a lost shot. This alone speeds up play.
The cart should go to the next player’s ball
Park the cart between two players when possible. It prevents unnecessary walking back and forth and keeps the group moving.
You can ask what club someone used
Golfers do this all the time. It is not cheating and it helps you learn distances.
Fix your ball mark plus one more
When your ball lands on the green it often leaves a dent. Repair yours and another nearby one. Greens stay smooth and you become a favorite playing partner.
Take practice swings beside the ball, not behind it
Practice swings behind the ball slow everyone down and damage the grass. Step to the side, rehearse once, then step in and hit.
Do not stand directly behind someone putting
Stand to the side where you are out of their line of sight. It helps concentration and is proper etiquette.
After you finish a hole, write your score at the next tee
Move off the green first. Clear the area for the group behind you, then record scores. This small habit greatly improves pace of play.

Tip of the Week -- June 15, 2025

From Range to Tournament: A Smarter Way to Train

Golf is all about consistency, strategy, and adapting to different situations. Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your game, here are some tips for practicing effectively, taking lessons, and preparing for tournaments:

When and How to Practice

Set a Schedule: Practice regularly, but vary the focus—dedicate some days to driving range work, others to short game drills, and some to playing full rounds.
Warm-Up Properly: Start with light stretching and then ease into practice with putting and chipping before moving to full swings.
Quality Over Quantity: Instead of hitting endless balls, focus on specific skills. For example, one session might be all about improving your iron accuracy or bunker shots.
Simulate Course Conditions: Try different lies, wind conditions, and obstacles so you can adjust more easily during actual rounds.
Short Game Mastery: Spend at least half of your practice time on chipping, putting, and bunker shots—this is where strokes are saved.
Track Progress: Use a notebook or a golf app to document your strengths and weaknesses so you can improve strategically.

Taking Lessons

Find a Qualified Coach: Look for a PGA-certified instructor or a coach with experience helping players at your level.
Commit to a Plan: Lessons work best when you have a clear goal—whether it's increasing driving distance or sharpening approach shots.
Ask Questions: Engage with your instructor by asking about technique, mental strategies, and how to structure your practice efficiently.
Practice Between Lessons: Reinforce what you've learned by spending time on drills instead of just playing rounds.
Consider Video Analysis: Some instructors offer swing analysis to pinpoint flaws and suggest corrections.

Playing in Tournaments

Stroke Play Tips

Consistency is Key: Every shot counts, so avoid unnecessary risks—focus on fairways and greens instead of aggressive plays.
Course Management: Study the layout beforehand to strategize the best approach for each hole.
Stay Mentally Tough: If a hole doesn't go your way, move on—don't let a bad shot affect the next one.
Manage Your Pace: Play efficiently but avoid rushing—being too fast or too slow can mess with your rhythm.
Track Your Stats: Keep an eye on fairway hits, greens in regulation, and putting averages to identify areas for improvement.

Scramble Tips

Choose the Best Strategy: Work with your team to decide whether to play conservatively or take aggressive shots, depending on your group’s strengths.
Play to Strengths: If someone in your team is a great putter, let them take more putts. If another player has the longest drive, rely on their tee shots.
Encourage Teamwork: Communication is key—discuss each shot and cheer on teammates.
Relax and Have Fun: Scrambles are less stressful than stroke play, so enjoy the team environment and play confidently.

Tip of the Week -- June 1, 2025

Sunscreen is a crucial part of skin protection,

and here’s why:

Importance of Applying Sunscreen

Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer by blocking harmful UV rays. Studies show that regular use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and melanoma by 50%.
It prevents premature aging, including wrinkles, sagging, and age spots.
Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate the clouds, making sunscreen necessary year-round.
Indoor exposure matters too—UV rays can pass through windows, and even fluorescent lights emit some ultraviolet light.

How Often Should You Apply Sunscreen?

Every day: Sunscreen should be part of your daily routine, even if you’re indoors.
Every two hours: When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours to maintain protection.
More frequently if swimming or sweating: Water and sweat can reduce sunscreen effectiveness, requiring reapplication every 45 minutes to an hour.
Apply generously: Use about one ounce (a shot glass full) for full-body coverage.

Effectiveness Based on SPF

SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98%.
Higher SPF numbers don’t provide double the protection—the difference between SPF 50 and SPF 100 is minimal.
Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, making them the best choice.

The key takeaway? Sunscreen is essential for skin health, and applying it correctly and frequently ensures maximum protection. Need recommendations on the best sunscreens to use? Reach out to Linda Prince-Johnson, Director of Golf Education & Player Development.

Tip of the Week -- May 25, 2025

Preparing properly for your golf game can make a

big difference in your performance.

Here are some key tips to get ready before hitting the course:

Arrive Early – Give yourself plenty of time to check in, warm up, and get mentally prepared.
Respect Clubhouse Rules – Many courses don’t allow golf clubs inside the clubhouse or pro shop, so be mindful of their policies.
Stretch & Warm Up – Loosen up your muscles with dynamic stretches and a few practice swings to avoid stiffness.
Practice Your Short Game – Spend time on the putting green and chipping area to get a feel for the course conditions.
Hydrate & Eat Well – Staying hydrated and having a light, energy-boosting snack can help maintain focus and stamina.
Check Course Conditions – Be aware of weather, wind direction, and course layout to adjust your strategy accordingly.
Develop a Pre-Shot Routine – A consistent routine before each shot helps with focus and confidence.
Stay Relaxed – Keep a positive mindset and don’t let nerves take over—golf is as much a mental game as it is physical.

For more expert advice, you can check out this guide or these tournament preparation tips. ⛳️🏌️‍♀️

Tip of the Week -- May 18, 2025

Golfing in the Texas heat requires preparation and

smart strategies to stay cool and perform your best.

Here are some key tips:

Hydration is Key – Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your round. Electrolyte drinks can help replenish lost minerals.
Dress Smart – Lightweight, breathable clothing and a wide-brim hat can help keep you cool. Opt for light-colored attire to reflect the sun.
Use Sunscreen – Apply a high-SPF sunscreen before heading out, and reapply every couple of hours.
Timing Matters – Play early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the peak heat of midday.
Find Shade When Possible – Take advantage of shaded areas, whether under trees or covered cart paths, to cool off between shots.
Adjust Your Game – Heat can affect your endurance and focus, so pace yourself, take breaks, and manage expectations for your performance.

By staying hydrated, protecting your skin, and timing your round wisely, you can enjoy the game without overheating. Stay cool and play strong!

Tip of the Week -- May 11, 2025

Here are some key golf cart etiquette rules to follow:

Stay off par-3 holes: Many golf courses prohibit carts on the fairway of par-3 holes to protect the turf.
Follow cart path rules: Some courses enforce a "cart path only" rule, meaning carts must stay on designated paths at all times.
Respect signage: Pay attention to signs that indicate restricted areas, such as near greens, bunkers, and water hazards.
Avoid sharp turns and sudden stops: These can damage the turf and create ruts in wet areas.
Keep a safe distance: Stay at least 30 feet away from greens and tee boxes unless on a designated path.
Be mindful of other players: Avoid driving in front of someone preparing to take a shot.
Follow the 90-degree rule: If allowed on fairways, drive at a right angle from the cart path to your ball to minimize turf damage.

These rules help maintain the course and ensure a smooth experience for all golfers.

Tip of the Week -- May 4, 2025

Golf scoring can seem a bit tricky at first,

but once you understand the basics, it becomes second nature.

Here’s a breakdown:

Basic Golf Scoring Terms

Par: The expected number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole. Courses typically have holes rated as par-3, par-4, or par-5.
Birdie: Completing a hole one stroke under par (e.g., finishing a par-4 in three strokes).
Eagle: Completing a hole two strokes under par (e.g., finishing a par-5 in three strokes).
Bogey: Completing a hole one stroke over par (e.g., finishing a par-4 in five strokes).
Double Bogey: Two strokes over par.
Triple Bogey: Three strokes over par.

Counting Penalties

Penalties add strokes to your score and can significantly impact your round:

Water Hazard: If your ball lands in a water hazard, you take a one-stroke penalty and drop the ball at the designated drop zone or where it last crossed into the hazard.
Lost Ball: If you can’t find your ball within three minutes, you must take a one-stroke penalty and replay the shot from the original position.
Out of Bounds (OB): If your ball goes out of bounds, you take a one-stroke penalty and replay the shot from the original position.
Unplayable Lie: If your ball is in an unplayable position (e.g., deep rough or under a tree), you can take a one-stroke penalty and drop the ball within two club lengths or return to the original spot.
Whiff: If you swing and miss the ball completely, it still counts as a stroke.

Tip of the Week -- April 27, 2025

When you reveal to someone that you are a golfer,

the first question that they will usually ask is…

What’s your handicap?

Here’s what you need to know about a golf handicap.

WHAT IS A GOLF HANDICAP?

A golf handicap or handicap index is a numerical score that measures a golfer's playing ability. In the United States, the United States Golf Association (USGA) oversees the calculation and evaluation of golf handicaps. Handicaps help level the playing field and allow players of different skill levels to compete fairly against one another. The handicap system enables golfers of all abilities to play together and have a good time.

A golf handicap represents the number of strokes a player is expected to take above or below the course's par score. The higher the handicap, the more strokes a player is allowed to subtract from their actual score to determine their net score. A lower handicap indicates a more skilled golfer who is expected to have a lower net score.

DO YOU NEED TO KNOW YOUR GOLF HANDICAP?

Do you need to have a golf handicap to play a round of golf? Definitely not. In fact, when you first start playing, you won’t have a handicap at all. If you’re a casual player and you don’t really care about keeping score, you don’t necessarily need to worry about your handicap.

However, calculating your handicap is fairly straightforward, and it’s handy to know if you ever play with a group of mixed-level players because it levels out the scoring at the end of the round. Additionally, your handicap is a great way to mark your progress as a golfer. You can enjoy watching that number go down as you improve as a golfer.

WHAT IS A GOOD GOLF HANDICAP FOR BEGINNERS?

A “good” handicap is fairly relative for beginner golfers. Before we can answer that, however, you need to understand the categories of golf handicaps: low, medium, and high.

Low handicap: 0–10
Mid-Handicap: 11–18
High handicap: 19+

A good handicap for a beginner would be anything under 20, but that’s certainly not the norm. It's not uncommon for beginners to have handicap indexes in the range of 20 to 36 or higher. However, your handicap can vary greatly depending on your progress, dedication, and how much time you invest in learning and playing the game.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM GOLF HANDICAP?

A recent change in the USGA handicap index system makes this question a bit difficult to answer. Before 2020, the maximum handicap index was 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women. However, the rules changed to establish 54.0 as the maximum handicap for all players, regardless of gender. These rules were updated to make golf more inclusive and accessible to players of all levels while also incentivizing players to calculate their handicap index.

Source: https://stix.golf/blogs/rough-thoughts/golf-handicap-explained-a-beginner-s-guide