My colleague, Johnny Wunder, recently joined Jake Knapp at Scottsdale National to hit every iron in the PXG lineup, and they came away with some really cool findings about ball speed. This is a wonderful metric for every golfer to look at when they’re picking out new irons, and I want to talk about how to use ball speed when choosing what irons you want to put in your bag.

What’s the “target” ball speed?

The PGA Tour average for a 7-iron is right around 123 mph of ball speed. The “average” golfer is closer to 115 mph if they’re swinging between 75-80 mph. Tour players, like Knapp, obviously swing faster but also are aided by single-piece irons, whereas most amatuers use an iron that provides a little bit more help.

The truth is, there really is no “standard” speed that fitters try to achieve for every golfer. Instead, we try to match up speed, peak, height and spin to dial a player in. Remember, though, speed creates spin and height. Regardless of loft, which is where most golfers get tripped up, having something with a lower CG that produces a higher ball speed will inherently spin the ball a touch more and launch the ball higher.

An important metric to think about here is smash factor or efficiency. You typically want your irons to live in the 1.35 realm. Even up to 1.40 is completely usable. Many golfers may think that trying to get a set of irons close to the legal limit of 1.51 would be the most useful, but you’ll start to run into playability issues.

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PXG 0311T GEN8 Custom Irons

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What we want to try to find is a set of irons that still have a usable level of control built into them. That’s where having a “baseline” speed to target in a fitting can actually help.

The best example I can provide is a good ball-striker who’s losing speed. I know plenty of senior-aged golfers that still strike the ball out of the middle, but their 7-iron has lost 15 to 20 yards over the years, and they want to bring back their “old distances.” This is where the difference between a PXG CB and a PXG Gen8 T can be useful — but going to something like a P or an XP could be too much.

Good ball-strikers still want control with their clubs. They want to be able to shape shots, change windows and feel like a shot-maker. The faster ball speeds we produce, with less spin and more height, the more control gets lost. So for a player who can still hit the ball out of the middle but may be on the lower end of swing speed, something like the T would be a perfect compromise. Even a combo set of CB in the bottom and T in the top could make these players feel very comfortable.

Speed throughout the set

Speaking of combo sets, with PXG’s Gen8 lineup being very combo set-friendly, we need to discuss the concept of ball speed gapping in a set of irons, and why a combo set could be necessary.

Typically we’re looking for about 5 mph of ball speed in between irons. If you notice in the video with Johnny and Knapp, he hit each 7-iron iron with about a 5 mph gap in speed, while hitting the ball higher with each progressive model getting more forgiving. He started with about 135 mph in his ST irons, as a super-high-speed player, and up to 154+ in the better-player XP irons toward the end.

This speaks to loft and CG packages, but it’s also a great way to look at your entire set. If you find a really comfortable 7-iron at 115 mph of ball speed for example, you’d want your 5-iron to live around 125 mph. If you go to hit the same iron model in the 5-iron and you find yourself being a couple miles an hour short, that’s when it’s logical to move up into the next model.

PXG 0311P GEN8 Custom Irons

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My favorite combo sets are actually for higher-handicap players at lower speeds. Something like the Gen8 P and the Gen8 XP would be a great option for players who can still strike the ball well, and who don’t want to jump into hybrids or fairway woods too soon.

By playing a set of P in the bottom of the set and maybe switching over to the XP at the 6- or 5-iron could be a great way to ensure consistent speed gaps through the set. This will usually result in about 10-12-yard carry gaps between irons, but the beauty of focusing on speed is that the speed wont change with loft. So if you need to bend the irons 1º weak or strong for the sake of height and carry, you’ll still be getting everything out of those irons that you’re looking for.

If you’re looking to get fit for a new set of PXG irons and see what ball speed you’re comfortable living at, head over to our friends at True Spec or find a PXG fitting center near you.

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A tight lie occurs when the golf ball comes to rest at a part of the course where there is very little grass underneath it. When there is little to no grass underneath the golf ball, the golfer cannot take his normal divot while swinging. A lot of folks also refer to a tight lie as a thin shot or a bare lie.

Golfers of every skill level often struggle to hit shots from a tight lie because the margin of error is so slim. Tight lies make it difficult for the golfer to make solid contact because the ball isn’t sitting up. This is why specific clubs for tight lies, from companies like TaylorMade and Adams Golf, have risen in popularity over the years.

There are several common places where tight lies may occur on a golf course. The most common of which is on the fringe around the greens where the grass is extremely short. Tight lies can even occur while in the fairway, especially in the winter months when the grass doesn’t grow as well.

Most golfers, especially high handicappers, are more comfortable with the golf ball up on the tee or at least sitting up nicely on a patch of grass. This is because, in their minds, it is much easier to get the ball in the air when it is elevated.

However, it is possible to still strike the golf ball well even from the tightest of lies. Here are a few tips from various pro golfers.

5 Pro Tips to Hit a Tight Lie

Hale Irwin’s Tips for Hitting Chip Shots with Tight Lies

Hale Irwin was one of the best short game players on the PGA Tour during the prime of his career. Irwin won 20 PGA Tour events including 3 major championships. Here are some of Irwin’s best tips for hitting chips out of tight lies.

• “Never try to lift the ball when chipping out of a tight lie. If you do, you’ll either hit it too thin or too fat.”
• “Hit down on the ball to make it go up. You want to have a descending blow.”
• “Open the clubface a little to add 1 or 2 more degrees of loft on your low-bounce wedge. This will make for a softer landing on the green.”

Phil Mickelson’s Tips for Hitting Chip and Bump and Run Shots

Mickelson has been a fan favorite on the PGA Tour for several decades. The 6-time major champion has won 45 PGA Tour events which is tied for 8th on the all-time list. Here are some of Mickelson’s best tips for hitting chips or bump and run shots from tight lies.

• “Keep the shaft as vertical as possible during your setup. This will help to get rid of the bounce and allow you to make solid contact with the ball first.”
• “While addressing the golf ball, stick the toe of the club into the ground. This will help the shot come out like a normal chip.”
• “As crazy as it sounds, you want to eliminate the sweet spot of the club to keep the ball from coming out too hot.”
• “When chipping from tight lies, use the same stroke as you would with your putter.”

Moe Norman’s Tips for Pitching Out of Tight Lies

We’ve talked at length on this blog about Moe Norman’s incredible ball-striking ability. Most people don’t know that Norman was a master at hitting shots from tight lies.

Norman learned to play golf in Canada on a municipal course with lots of tight lies called the Rockway. Here’s how to execute Norman’s Rockway Move that he used when hitting out of tight lies. These tips come from Tim Graves, who is known for teaching Norman’s best golf techniques.

• “When pitching out of tight lies, focus on keeping your back foot flat on the ground at all times.”
• “Play the golf ball in the middle of your stance with your feet slightly open.”
• “Make contact with the ball with your back foot still flat on the ground. The hips won’t turn since these shots are only a short distance to the green.”
• “Remember, there’s no forgiveness when hitting out of tight lies. That’s why it’s so important to keep your head down and completely still. Any type of peeking will cause the shoulders to shift forward and will limit your accuracy.”

Xander Schauffele’s Tips for Hitting Out of Tight Lies

Schauffele is one of the PGA Tour’s brightest young stars, as he has already won four events. The 28-year old is an excellent ball striker and he has some good tips for when hitting out of tight lies. Here is some of Schaffele’s best advice.

• “You want to make sure you hit the back of the ball. ”
• “Play the ball off of your right foot.”
• “Keep the hands ahead of the golf ball.”
• “You want your hands to return to where they started.”

David Leadbetter Shows How to Hit Fairway Woods from Tight Lies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr8ZkHn3eL0

When most golfers hear the term tight lie, they automatically think of shots that they’ll have to hit with their pitching wedge or sand wedge. However, tight lie shots with a fairway wood or a hybrid can also be very intimidating.

David Leadbetter may not have played on the PGA Tour, but he did play pro golf on both the European and South African Tours. Leadbetter is one of the most famous golf instructors in the world and has coached the likes of Nick Faldo, Lydia Ko, and Michelle Wie. Here are Leadbetter’s top tips for hitting a fairway wood with a tight lie.

• “Never try to lift the ball. You want to swing down and try to make a small divot in the ground.”
• “Play the ball toward the middle of your stance just as if you were hitting an iron.”
• “Be sure to complete your backswing. Too many golfers have a tendency to rush through it.”

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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The distance you hit your 4 iron will vary depending on your ability to hit the center of the clubface, your clubhead speed, and the club you’re playing. Some 4 irons are designed for distance, while others are designed for higher ball flight and forgiveness.

The numbers below are reflective of the skill level and have the most to do with a golfer’s ability to strike the ball solidly. If your swing speed is high or low, expect to see some differences in total distance.

Beginner

Beginner golfers typically have slightly slower swing speeds, as they often try to learn and perfect the different positions of the swing. Most beginner golfers will hit a 4 iron around 155 yards.

Of course, there will be times that a beginner will get distances closer to the 160 or even 165 yard mark. But this is often rare.

Many beginners like the 4 iron because it has a lower, more penetrating ball flight, and it increases the total roll that you get. This seems like a positive when you first learn the game, but eventually the golf ball needs to go up in the air if you want to improve.

High Handicap

High handicap golfers tend to struggle with many of the same inconsistency issues that beginners struggle with. Expect to see the 4 iron anywhere in the 165 range for higher handicappers.

If you start to strike the center of the clubface, and you are playing with a more game improvement golf club set, the distances could be closer to the 170 yard range.

Again, it’s important to remember that not all higher handicappers have slower swing speeds. If you go after the ball and have high swing speeds, these numbers will be a little higher.

Mid Handicap

Mid-handicap golfers often consider their modern 4 iron as the 170 yard club. As a general reference, if you use your 7 iron for a 140 to 145-yard shot, your 4 iron should be about 170 yards.

If you notice that your 4 iron is traveling the same distance as your 5 iron, it may make sense to consider using a 4 hybrid instead. When we see distances max out, it often has to do with the golfer’s swing speed and ability to make consistent contact with the ball.

Low Handicap

Low handicap golfers hit a 4 iron around 180 yards. Some will hit it closer to 190 or even 200, but this is typically when they have higher clubhead speeds. Low-handicap players can benefit from hitting the center of the clubface often.

When you strike the center of the face, expect a higher launch, better overall spin rates, and more control of the shots as well.

Low handicap players are typically not just looking for distance from their iron shots but also some accuracy and workability.

PGA Players

A PGA Player can have an average distance on their 4 iron anywhere from 200 to 250 yards. Even though nearly all PGA Tour players are considered faster swinging golfers, they don’t all have the same distance capabilities.

Most PGA Tour players are looking for a launch angle and spin rate that matches what they’re trying to do on the golf course. Most players are using the 4 iron for accuracy on a longer par 3 or an approach on a par 4.

These golfers want to ensure they can get the ball to stop close to the pin.

Many PGA Tour players tend to avoid hybrids, as they don’t have the same workability. You’re more likely to find a 4 utility club in the bag of a PGA player than a 4 hybrid.

Tips for Hitting Your 4 Iron Further

Now that you have a better idea as to how far a 4 iron is supposed to go, let’s take a more in-depth look into how you can hit your 4 iron further.

Distance on a 4 iron can be a little misleading. You are going to want to focus on how long you can keep the ball in the air and how long it carries, not just how long the ball rolls.

Adjust Your Stance

Many golfers take a wider stance with their 4 iron to try and create a more stable base of support. This can be a good idea, but it can also slow your swing. If you feel as though you are having a hard time getting to your left side in the golf swing, narrow the stance a bit.

You will know that it’s too narrow if you lose your balance or feel as though you are getting stuck when you get closer to the ball. Overall, I’ve found that a slightly narrow stance has helped me gain a lot of distance.

Move The Ball Up In Your Setup

When the golf ball is a little further up in your stance, it can be easier to make clean contact with the 4 iron. Golfers will find that this ball position encourages better rotation and makes it so golfers have to accelerate through the ball.

The 4 iron is a longer club and it takes a little more effort to hit it cleanly at impact, so don’t be afraid to go after it a bit.

Complete The Backswing

The 4 iron can cause golfers some anxiety (I know it always did for me). The longer length of the iron combined with the lower loft makes it a tough choice for those that are struggling to make solid contact.

One of the first mistakes golfers make when struggling with a club is to shorten their backswing. When the backswing gets quick, we don’t have time to transition weight or positions in our swing, and the result is a shot that does not fly very far.

If you want to get more distance out of your 4 iron, make sure you bring the club to parallel with the ground on the backswing.

When the club gets to this parallel position, you can get more distance, a higher flight, and the performance that justifies keeping this club in the bag.

Get Fitted For The Right 4 Iron

Did you know that some golfers will have steel shafts in all of their golf irons, but they put graphite in their 4 iron?

This is not uncommon.

The 4 iron can be heavier than the other clubs in the bag simply because it is longer. In addition, the extra length can make it harder to generate the clubhead speed you want. If you can put a graphite shaft in the 4 iron, the overall results should improve.

Work On Increasing Overall Clubhead Speed

Finally, if you work on increasing your overall clubhead speed, you will hit your 4 iron further. To increase your clubhead speed, make sure that you are working on upper body strength as well as stability in your lower body.

Many golfers find that working out in a gym can help, and so can cross-training by playing other sports.

There are also weighted golf clubs and other devices that will help you gain some extra distance. If your club instantly feels lighter because you have increased your strength, you should be able to swing it faster.

Are There Any Hybrids That Replace a 4 Iron?

The 22-degree hybrid is intended to replace the 4 iron. However, this does not mean that all 4 irons will have 22 degrees of loft.

If your 4 iron and your 4 hybrid are both 22 degrees, you may still hit the 4 hybrids further. The 4 hybrid has a higher launch, graphite shaft, and plenty of ball speed. In addition, with the way the clubhead of the 4 hybrid is designed, it is much more forgiving out of the rough.

If distance is your main concern, look into a hybrid, as it will often be easier to get the numbers you need. In addition, ball flight can be higher, making it easier to stop a golf ball on the green.

I’ll be honest – I’ve enjoyed switching to a 4 hybrid and can’t really see myself making the change back anytime soon.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children. Current Handicap: 1

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The key to powerful shots is knowing where and, more importantly, when to create pressure in your swing.

I have an easy way to explain both by using a homemade training aid (a streamer wrapped around the hosel of my driver) to explain.

At the start, the takeaway, the clubhead moves back, away from the target, and by the end of the backswing, it has traveled back toward the target. The secret to applying pressure to create power is moving your pressure with the clubhead. So, as you take the club back, away from your target, your pressure (or, if you prefer, your weight) should do likewise.

In the photo above, you can see (with the help of the streamer) that the club is moving away from the target and that I’ve matched this move by shifting my pressure away from the target, into my trail leg.

As soon as your club reaches parallel to the ground in your backswing, however, the clubhead actually starts its journey toward the target, culminating at the top of your backswing. So it’s at this point — the first time the club gets parallel to the ground — when you need to begin shifting forward.

This might be earlier than you’ve ever imagined. Timing this pressure shift (from back to front) turns on the jets on your down-swing. Bombs away!

Dom DiJulia is director of instruction at Jericho National GC in New Hope, Pa.

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Learning how to hit a fairway wood could transform your golfing game in par-five or particularly long par-four holes. Gaining the ability to reach the green in just a couple of strokes is a hugely significant advantage, and mastering the required technique could result in your handicap shooting down.

But it’s not easy. If you find yourself topping your fairway woods or struggling to get them off the ground, this guide is for you. Who knows – getting to grips with one of the trickiest clubs to use could be the key to moving to the next level.

Where to use a fairway wood

The first thing to understand when learning how to hit with a fairway wood is when to use it.

A fairway wood – particularly a 3-wood – is primed for use once you’ve teed off and have found yourself in the middle of the fairway on par five holes. Or even par four holes, which are particularly long. The aim of the game with a fairway wood is to fire yourself within touching distance of the green, rather than getting all the way there.

This makes them especially useful for these longer holes.

You can also tee off with a fairway wood; however, the technique required differs slightly from when it’s used off the ground on the fairway.

How do you hit a fairway wood?

Once you’ve recognised that you’re in the correct position to use the fairway wood, it’s time to get out your club – and it’s a long one. There’s a high chance the fairway wood is the longest club in your bag, and this is part of what makes the technique so challenging.

Instinctively, you might want to swing upwards and lift the ball to maximise the height and distance of your shot. But striking the ball upwards could result in you hitting the ground before the ball or topping the ball.

Instead, you want to be hitting down into the ball. And the first step to getting this right is practising the correct stance.

The stance

When using a fairway wood, a wide stance – with your feet a little wider than shoulder width – will help you hit down on the ball.

The ball should be positioned slightly forward in your stance, approximately one ball length to the left of centre. This will also help you achieve the downward angle of attack necessary to get the most out of the club.

Your sternum should be positioned in line with and over the top of the clubhead so that your stance is nice and straight. You don’t want to lean back, as this will make it harder to hit down on the ball.

The ideal contact

Because it’s such a long club, correctly gauging how the club is going to make contact with the ball can be one of the trickiest parts of using a fairway wood.

Try placing the clubhead on the floor behind the ball to help you do this. You’re going to be making contact with the ball first, before following through to make a little divot in the ground after you’ve hit the ball.

You’ll notice that the fairway wood is quite flat. This prevents the club from digging into the ground and making a much larger and more noticeable impact on the turf.

Now you know what to expect when the ball makes contact, it’s time to think about the swing.

The swing

You can compare the swing of a fairway club to that of a 7-iron. The most important thing is to let the club do the work. There’s no need to attack the ball really quickly, because the club is already weighted towards the back. A nice, consistent and smooth swing is going to help you maximise the distance of your shot much better than just hitting the ball as hard as you can.

What you don’t want to do during your swing is lean back. You instead want to move your bodyweight to the left so that you’re moving with the swing and allowing the club to work for you instead of the other way around. Aim to shift your weight onto your left foot by pressing it into the ground.

While you’re hitting down towards the ball, you want to keep your club low. You’ll know it’s a good shot when you’ve made that small divot in the ground just after contact, or if you’ve just scuffed the grass.

A good drill to help get to grips with this idea of keeping the club low and making your divot only after the ball has been hit is to put a tee peg all the way into the ground, a little over an inch in front of the ball. After you’ve made contact with the ball, focus on trying to bring that tee peg up.

How to hit a fairway wood off the tee

From the tee, your technique with a fairway wood is different because the ball is above the ground. This gives you more freedom to drop your right shoulder and hit the ball more upward.

In this case, position the ball slightly further to the left so that it’s closer to your left foot than the centre of your stance. From tee, you don’t need to worry about creating that divot in the floor either.

The key points to remember

When using a fairway wood in the fairway, don’t let its length deceive you. You might instinctively want to place the ball really far in front of your stance, but the length of a golf ball is all that’s really required.

Keep your stance relatively neutral. Don’t lean back – you’re not trying to hit up on the ball. Instead, hit down on it. And after making contact with the ball, aim to make a small divot in the ground.

Don’t rush the swing or try to hit the ball too hard. Let the club do the work, shift your weight, and focus on a consistent swing. 
That’s how to hit a fairway wood and really shoot yourself towards the green on those longer holes.

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Now you know how to hit a fairway wood correctly, you may want to consider protecting yourself and your golf equipment with specialist golf insurance. Get a quote online today.

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When used correctly, a hybrid can be one of the most versatile weapons in your armoury. They’re great tools to help you navigate tight lies, edge yourself closer to the green on longer holes, escape the rough or even tee off on shorter holes.

But they’re very much the Marmite of golf clubs. Some swear by them, whereas others rue what appears to be an inconsistency of outcomes. If you find yourself in the latter category, constantly wondering how to hit a hybrid, you’re in the right place. Here are six tips to get to grips with hybrids and add another string to your golfing bow.

What are hybrids?

A hybrid golf club is a combination of a long iron and a fairway wood, designed to replace the former and offer a simpler technique.

Hybrids were first released in the late 1990s and are particularly useful if you struggle with long irons. They really gained popularity when TaylorMade introduced its ‘Rescue’ clubs in 2003, which are all but synonymous with the clubs to this day.

Though they look like woods with their seemingly open club faces, hybrids are really irons and are generally used in their place. That said, you can tee off with them instead of your trusty drivers, and it’s versatility like this that has made them popular with pros and amateurs alike.

6 essential tips for using a hybrid

Keep reading, and you’ll see the steps necessary to maximise the effectiveness of these jacks of all trades.

1. Treat ball positioning a little like an iron 

First things first, the position of your ball is going to have a big impact on how well you’re executing your shots with hybrids.

Imagine where your ball would be if you were using a mid-length iron. Your feet are shoulder-width apart, and the ball is about as central as it can be. Now, move it ever so slightly forward – but not quite as far as if you were using a driver.

This is where it’s easy to go wrong with hybrids. Just because it bears the resemblance of a wood while largely having the characteristics of an iron doesn’t mean you can treat it as either club. A hybrid is an iron – you’re trying to compress the ball to maximise distance, so you don’t want to position the ball as you would for a wood. A sweeping swing might initially feel natural, but you risk hitting thinner shots.

So, your ball is located slightly further forward than a mid-length iron, but not so far as a driver.

2. Get your body positioning right 

As already mentioned, your feet should be shoulder-length apart. Your grip on the club itself should be neutral, and you should lean forward slightly so your sternum is a little in front of the ball.

The point of this is to create as steep an angle of attack as possible. This is a really versatile stance too – wherever your ball is on the course, it’s an appropriate and effective way of preparing for your shot.

3. Compress the ball

As you would when striking the ball with an iron, the best way to maximise the strengths of a hybrid is to compress the ball. In layman’s terms, this means using the ground as a third party in your shot.

This is why the correct technique is to hit down on the ball, not to sweep it. By delofting the clubface and hitting down (first the ball, then the ground), you’re squeezing both surfaces against the ball and compressing it, so it shoots off and travels farther. There are few feelings in golf quite as satisfying as getting this right and watching the ball rocket off into the distance.

If your technique is correct, you’ll make a divot in the ground.

4. Trust the clubface

Though the clubface of a hybrid looks quite open and lofted, it’s important to let the club’s design serve its purpose. Your goal is to compress the club, so even though a hybrid doesn’t entirely look like an iron, you should still trust it to behave in a similar way.

5. Perfect the swing

Like with any golf club, you’re not going to reap the benefits of using a hybrid if your technique in the swing is incorrect.

A smooth, consistent swing is necessary to get the maximum out of your hybrid. It’s important to keep the speed and power the same throughout your swing, but don’t rush it.  

Really commit. Get that clubhead down and compress the ball.

6. Know where to use your hybrid

The rough, the fairway, or tight lies. You name it. If it’s outside the green, a hybrid will likely be a viable option.

There’s a reason TaylorMade called their hybrids ‘Rescue’ clubs. After all, even if you’re in a fairway bunker, a hybrid offers you a way out and back into the game.

Additionally, teeing off – particularly on a shorter course – is an option with a hybrid, though it’s important still not to treat the club like a driver.

In many ways, a hybrid is best at setting up the shot, which will get you into the green, not necessarily getting you there itself. In some cases, rushing your way to the green from miles out can have negative consequences, so a methodical extra shot with a more forgiving club like a hybrid can pay dividends – even if it’s not quite as exciting.

Ultimately, these clubs were designed for fairways, and that’s where they’re particularly effective. That said, one of the great things about hybrids is that they can be used just about anywhere except on the green itself.

Key takeaways

If you remember to treat your hybrid like an iron and not a wood, you’re already making steps in the right direction. Swinging down, maximising that angle of attack and really compressing the ball are the keys to making hybrids work for you.

But, like everything, practice makes perfect. Hybrids may have been designed as an easier option than a fairway wood or long iron, but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to thrive with them from the word go. Spend time practising, perfect your technique, and you might never have a bag without a hybrid ever again.

Specialist golf insurance through Golf Care

Whatever type of golf club you have, you may want to consider protecting yourself and your golf equipment with specialist golf insurance. Get a quote online today.

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Do you have a golfer in your life that’s about to retire? If so, you’re probably searching for the perfect gift for their retirement party.

We’ve compiled a list of the 7 best retirement gift ideas for every type of golfer. Each of these retirement gifts will surely bring a smile to any golfer’s face.

1. Funny Golf Ball Set

This golf ball set from CybGene gets our vote for the best golf gift for retirees. Each set comes with 3 golf balls, each with a different funny saying printed on it. The retiree in your life will love the hilarious slogans like “Let’s Par Tee” or “My Retirement Plan is On Course.”

Another nice thing about these golf balls is that the logo and inscriptions won’t fade over time like other brands. CybGene didn’t just design these balls as a novelty, either. Each golf ball has a center core that is built for maximum speed and distance off the tee.

CybGene also offers a Money-Back Guarantee, which only a few companies do nowadays. Oh, and folks will also appreciate the great price of this golf ball set.

2. Retirement Embroidered Golf Towel with Clip

This may be the most practical of all the unique golf gifts on our list. Every golfer needs a quality golf towel to clean their clubs during their rounds. Blupark made this highly durable golf towel with a nice carabiner clip that’ll easily fasten to a golf bag or belt loop.

Retirees who are avid golfers will love the funny but true saying on the front of the towel. It says, “Ahhh, Retirement, Golf Yesterday, Golf Today, Golf Tomorrow!”

Most golfers will use this towel to clean their irons or golf balls. However, this towel is soft enough for wiping sweat off as well. The price point isn’t too bad either.

3. Bushnell Tour V4 Rangefinder

What’s the perfect retirement gift for a golfer? One that’ll actually help them shoot lower scores! The Bushnell Tour V4 will do just that by giving them an accurate yardage reading for every single shot.

Of all the rangefinders on the market, the Tour V4 is our favorite. We did a full review on it in a previous article if you want a full rundown of this gift idea. The Tour V4 comes with a 2-year warranty, and the Pin Seeker feature makes it easier than ever to lock in on a target.

This rangefinder also comes with a Slope Mode, which is very helpful when playing on a course with lots of hills. If your loved one happens to be a pro-golfer, don’t worry, they can turn the Slope Mode off and still use this rangefinder during tournaments. The Tour V4 is pricey, but in our opinion, it’s well worth it.

4. My Retirement Plan Golf Hat

Here’s another fantastic retirement gift that can be worn on any golf course. This unique and funny hat was designed and embroidered by artists at the Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company in Michigan.

These folks have been making quality items for quite some time. They’ve hit a home run with this classy hat that features a golf ball on a tee with the words “My Retirement Plan” above it. That’s a perfect saying because golf and retirement go together like peanut butter and jelly.

This hat has an adjustable buckle on the back, so it’ll fit most folks just fine. This hat’s also very durable, so people can throw it in the washing machine without any worries about it getting damaged. Some reviewers have raved about how comfortable this hat is, which is also a definite plus.

5. Golfer’s Best Tool All-In-One Multitool

This is one of the handiest golf items we’ve seen in quite some time, and it’d make a great retirement gift for a golfer. This little handheld multitool has a club groove cleaner, stroke counter, cleat tightener, divot repair tool, cleaning brush, and a ball marker in it.

The golfer in your life will get good use out of this tool on both the golf course and the driving range. This tool is only 5 inches long and 3.5 inches wide, so it’ll easily fit in a golf bag or even a pocket. It also has a clip on the back for folks that want to fasten it to their belt.

Heck, we forgot to mention one of this tool’s best features. It also comes with a bottle opener, which is perfect for when it’s time to crack open an ice-cold adult beverage!

6. Engraved Beer Glass

Beer, golf, and retirement go hand in hand. This beer glass would make a great retirement gift for any type of golfer. It has a hilarious inscription that says, “This beer tastes a lot like I’m not going to work tomorrow.”

This saying is not only funny, but it’s true. How much better does a beer taste when you aren’t having to get up and go to work the next day? If you get this for your golfer, it’ll probably end up being their favorite beer glass!

The glass will hold 16 ounces of your favorite beverage, and the saying on the side is engraved with a specialty laser. This means that the inscription won’t fade no matter how many times you use it or run it through a dishwasher.

7. Retirement Golf Ball Marker Gift Set

Here’s a nice retirement gift that’s inexpensive, funny, and useful. Every golfer needs their own signature ball marker, and this one is perfect for any retiree. It has the words “Retirement Is Now In Full Swing” etched on it.

The ball marker also comes with a magnetic clip that will snap onto the side of any golf hat. Both items are made out of stainless steel, so you won’t ever have to worry about any rust. The material is also very scratch resistant, which is an added benefit.

Every time your golfer is on the green and goes to mark their ball, they’ll get to enjoy this thoughtful gift. The clip and ball marker comes in an elegant gift box that’ll wrap easily, and the price won’t break your budget either.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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The stinger is a shot you turn to when precision matters most. Low, piercing and built for control, this ball flight cuts through the wind, stays under trouble and rolls out. While many pros can hit the stinger, few have made it a signature shot quite like Gary Woodland — as we saw this week at the Texas Children’s Houston Open.

“The stinger has been a huge shot for me really my whole career,” Woodland said in 2023.

The origin of the shot, Woodland said, dates to his college golf days. As he told GOLF Top 100 Teacher Chris Mayson, the stinger became a solution when distance wasn’t the problem — control was.

“I’ve always hit the golf ball a long way, but when I was in college I had no idea where it was going,” Woodland said. “I was working with Randy Smith at the time and he’s like, ‘We got to find some way to get it in the fairway.’”

Let’s break down Woodland’s 3 keys for hitting a stinger.

1. Open stance, ball back

When hitting a stinger, Woodland says his priority is trapping the ball — and that starts with setup. He begins by opening his stance slightly to the target. Then Woodland moves the ball back in his stance.

According to Mayson, those adjustments work together to shape the proper path into the ball.

“He’s moved the ball back in his stance which actually gets the club coming to the inside,” Mayson says. “That’s why he’s moved his alignment more to the left to kind of offset that ball position.”

2. Glove logo at the target

“The biggest key for me is I want to hold the back [of my lead hand], so I want that Crown C logo at the target as long as I can,” Woodland says. 

Keeping the back of his lead hand — or his glove logo — at the target allows Woodland to control his clubface through impact, which is key to trapping the ball. When he does that, the result is exactly what he’s after: a shot that comes out hot, low, and piercing.

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Distance is important for your tee shots, but all those yards are worthless if you can’t keep the ball in play. That’s why spurning accuracy in the pursuit of distance is such a dangerous game. You need a healthy dose of both skills to be truly effective.

Controlling the clubface is crucial in the pursuit of accuracy. While a face that’s a few degrees open or closed might not hurt you too much with the shorter clubs, with a driver in your hands it can be quite detrimental.

Sometimes when you’re really trying to get after it with a driver, your hands and wrists will get very active during the swing. And while this can generate some extra mphs on the radar, it can make controlling the clubface through impact difficult.

If this sounds like you, there’s an easy fix, courtesy of GOLF Top 100 Teacher Joe Hallett.

Use a split-hand grip

When you’re standing on the tee box and are staring down a tight driving hole, don’t make your practice swing as you normally would. Instead, grab the club and take a split grip and then make a practice swing.

It’ll feel weird at first, but you’ll notice that as you go back and through, the clubface is much more stable.

“It’ll be really hard to overly flip your wrists and hand through impact,” Hallett says.

Instead of relying only on your hands and wrists to generate speed, the split grip forces the club to get in sync with your body. Now, the big muscles are doing the work — and keeping the clubface much more stable through impact.

“Split the grip, and you’ll split the fairway,” Hallett says.

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