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Golf Swing Tips


Scoring Mindset: How I Coach Golfers to Think Like Champions on the Course
This post breaks down how I help players develop the Scoring Mindset—a system of routines, reflections, and mental triggers that work when it matters most.

Eric J. Mac Donald
Jun 292 min read


Transforming Practice: How I Help Golfers Lower Scores With Data, Drills, and Real-World Application
Too many golf tips online sound like this: "Keep your head down." "Swing easy." "Don't overswing." While these phrases are common, they rarely create lasting improvement. As a PGA Professional and Lead Assistant Golf Professional at The Old Course at Broken Sound, I’ve found that meaningful progress comes from data-driven training, customized drills, and real-world scenarios.

Eric J. Mac Donald
Jun 212 min read


Why You Chunk or Blade Your Wedges—and How to Fix It
If you’ve ever stood over a wedge shot just yards from the green and ended up chunking it short—or worse, blading it across the green—you’re not alone. These frustrating misses are common even for seasoned golfers. The good news? They’re usually caused by a few identifiable—and fixable—mistakes.

Eric J. Mac Donald
Jun 152 min read


Building a Yardage Book System: How to Make Smart Decisions on the Course
Every golfer has faced that moment of hesitation: you're standing over the ball, unsure of the wind, the pin position, or which club to choose. That indecision often leads to a poorly executed shot. But what if you could take the guesswork out of the game?
Enter the yardage book system — your personal playbook for success.

Eric J. Mac Donald
Jun 62 min read


Tempo and Timing: The Unsung Heroes of a Consistent Golf Swing
When most golfers think about improving their swing, they focus on mechanics—grip, posture, clubface, and path. But there’s a hidden ingredient that separates great ball-strikers from the rest: tempo and timing. These elements are the glue that hold your mechanics together under pressure, creating repeatability and rhythm in your swing.

Eric J. Mac Donald
May 182 min read


Dialing In Distance Control: The Secret to Better Wedge Play
When it comes to lowering your scores, wedge play is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. While distance off the tee gets the spotlight, it’s distance control with wedges that sets up birdie chances and saves pars. Whether you're facing a 50-yard pitch or a 100-yard approach, mastering your wedge distances can transform your scoring game.

Eric J. Mac Donald
May 112 min read


The Art of the Pre-Shot Routine: Building Consistency and Confidence
In golf, consistency isn’t just about mechanics — it's about mindset. One of the most overlooked but powerful tools for building both consistency and confidence is a pre-shot routine. Every top golfer in the world uses one, and if you want to elevate your game, it’s time to develop your own.

Eric J. Mac Donald
May 32 min read


Trouble Shots 101: How to Escape the Trees with Confidence
Every golfer finds themselves in trouble at some point—behind a tree, in the rough, or boxed into a tight corner. The key to turning these moments into momentum isn’t luck; it’s strategy, control, and a cool head.

Eric J. Mac Donald
Apr 261 min read


Reading Greens Like a Pro: How to Improve Your Putting Vision
When it comes to lowering scores, few skills are as critical as reading greens effectively. Whether you're a weekend warrior or an aspiring

Eric J. Mac Donald
Apr 112 min read


The Secret to Hitting More Fairways: Mastering the Fairway Finder Tee Shot
Enter the Fairway Finder Tee Shot, a reliable shot designed to maximize accuracy while still maintaining solid distance.

Eric J. Mac Donald
Mar 233 min read


Practice Under Pressure: How to Simulate On-Course Stress in Training
One of the biggest challenges golfers face is bringing their best game from the practice range to the course. When you’re on the range, ther

Eric J. Mac Donald
Mar 162 min read


The Art of the Punch Shot – Controlling Ball Flight in Windy Conditions
Golfers often face unpredictable conditions on the course, and one of the most challenging is wind. A strong breeze can send your ball saili

Eric J. Mac Donald
Mar 72 min read


The Secret to Distance: How Ground Force Can Add Power to Your Swing
Every golfer wants more distance off the tee, but most focus on swinging harder rather than using their body efficiently.

Eric J. Mac Donald
Feb 242 min read


The Mental Game: How to Stay Focused and Confident on the Course
Golf isn’t just a test of skill and physical ability—it’s a mental challenge as well. Whether you’re playing in a tournament or a weekend ro

Eric J. Mac Donald
Feb 173 min read


The Importance of a Proper Golf Grip: Foundation for a Consistent Swing
A solid golf swing begins with the fundamentals, and one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects is the grip. How you hold the club

Eric J. Mac Donald
Feb 102 min read


The Role of Mental Imagery in Enhancing Your Golf Swing
Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. While hours are spent perfecting swing mechanics and honing physical skills, the powe

Eric J. Mac Donald
Feb 32 min read


Practice Smarter, Not Longer – The Secret to Short Game Mastery
When it comes to lowering your scores, your short game is the key to success. Shots around the green often determine whether you’re saving p

Eric J. Mac Donald
Jan 162 min read


How to Warm Up Like a Tour Pro – The Right Way to Prepare for Your Round
Every golfer knows the feeling—arriving at the course, rushing to hit a few balls, and heading straight to the first tee.

Eric J. Mac Donald
Jan 52 min read


Breaking 90: The Key Habits Mid-Handicappers Need to Develop
For many golfers, breaking 90 is a major milestone that separates casual players from more skilled enthusiasts. If you’re consistently scori

Eric J. Mac Donald
Dec 29, 20242 min read


Course Management 101: Making Smart Decisions to Lower Your Scores
Golf isn’t just about swinging a club—it’s about making strategic decisions that play to your strengths while minimizing risks.

Eric J. Mac Donald
Dec 22, 20243 min read


How to Practice Like a Pro: Turning Driving Range Sessions into Game-Ready Skills
Every golfer dreams of playing like a pro, but many fall into the same trap at the driving range—mindlessly hitting balls without a clear pu

Eric J. Mac Donald
Dec 15, 20243 min read


Understanding Ball Flight Laws: What Your Shots Are Telling You
Every golfer has experienced it—watching their shot sail left, right, or far shorter than planned, leaving them wondering, What went wrong?

Eric J. Mac Donald
Dec 8, 20243 min read


Mastering Uneven Lies: Adjusting Your Swing to the Terrain
Golf is rarely played from perfectly flat lies. Whether you’re on a hillside, in a valley, or on a rolling fairway, uneven lies are a consta

Eric J. Mac Donald
Dec 1, 20243 min read


Putting in the Work: How SAM Putting Analysis Improves Your Game
Putting is often referred to as "the game within the game," and for good reason. It accounts for nearly 40% of all strokes in a round

Eric J. Mac Donald
Nov 24, 20243 min read


Speed Training for Amateurs: Is It Worth the Effort?
In the world of golf, distance is power. It’s no secret that professional players are hitting the ball farther than ever before.

Eric J. Mac Donald
Nov 17, 20243 min read


Finding the Right Challenge Point in Golf Practice: A Path to Real Improvement
When it comes to improving your golf game, finding the right level of challenge in your drills, games, and activities is crucial. This...

Eric J. Mac Donald
Nov 3, 20244 min read


The Solution Is in the Task: Understanding Golf Drills for Swing Improvement
When it comes to golf lessons, the phrase “the solution is in the task, the task is not the solution” resonates deeply.

Eric J. Mac Donald
Oct 27, 20242 min read


The Power of Variability in Golf Practice: Simulating Play, Enhancing Learning, and Engaging Your Game
Discover the game-changing benefits of incorporating variability into your golf practice. Enhance learning, simulate play, and engage.

Eric J. Mac Donald
Oct 19, 20243 min read


The Power of a Positive Mindset in a Golf Lesson
Golf is a game of precision, focus, and mental toughness. Whether you're just starting out or working on perfecting your swing, one of the m

Eric J. Mac Donald
Oct 13, 20243 min read


Mastering the Short Game: The Key to Lower Scores in Golf
When we think about golf, it’s easy to get caught up in the allure of hitting long drives and the excitement of powerful swings. However,...

Eric J. Mac Donald
Oct 6, 20243 min read


Choosing the Right Golf Equipment: Eric J. MacDonald, PGA’s Recommendations for Beginners
Golf is a sport that requires precision, skill, and the right equipment in order to excel. As a beginner, navigating the vast world of golf

Eric J. Mac Donald
Sep 29, 20242 min read


Understanding the rules of golf etiquette
Golf is a game that is built on tradition and respect, and one of the ways that players can show these qualities is through their...

Eric J. Mac Donald
Sep 22, 20242 min read


5 common mistakes beginners make on the golf course with out a golf lesson
Golf is a game that requires skill, patience, and practice. For beginners, it can be a daunting task to navigate the 18 holes on a golf cour

Eric J. Mac Donald
Sep 14, 20242 min read


Master Your Golf Strategy and Course Management: Take Your Game to the Next Level with These Proven Tips and Strategies!
If you're a golfer looking to elevate your game and master the art of golf strategy and course management, you've come to the right place!

Eric J. Mac Donald
Sep 8, 20242 min read


The Importance of a Solid Setup: Building a Consistent Process When Addressing the Golf Ball
In the game of golf, precision and consistency are the pillars of success. While much attention is often given to the intricacies of the swi

Eric J. Mac Donald
Aug 31, 20243 min read


The Importance of Proper Alignment in Your Golf Swing
For many golfers, achieving the perfect swing can seem like an elusive goal. However, one key element that can greatly improve your game is

Eric J. Mac Donald
Aug 22, 20242 min read
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