PXG

For many of us, the onset of winter weather shuts down our favorite golf courses for the season. But if you aren’t interested in waiting until spring brings warmer weather and your local fairways reopen, there are plenty of golf destinations that are well worth the trip. Team building, market research—call it whatever you want. But don’t miss the chance to make a winter golf trip to one of these outstanding courses. Better yet, get yourself in for a custom golf club fitting and embark on your golf excursion with a set of cutting-edge clubs. Instead of waiting for your go-to course to thaw out, try one of these top-tier winter golf destinations this year. Reynolds Lake Oconee: Great Waters Since opening in 1992, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Great Waters has garnered high praise for its outstanding architecture. The layout is superb, and the scenery makes for one of the most immersive rounds of golf you’ll ever play. The back nine at Great Waters offers a distinctive ex...

Finding the ideal holiday gift for the person you care most about can be a challenge, especially if that person is passionate about golf. Fairway Woods After all, everyone has their own unique playing style and preferences. Plus, it can be tough to figure out what they might like as a holiday gift without spoiling the surprise. But if you want to give them a gift they’ll cherish, you’ve got to take a swing at it. To find the best gift for the golfer in your life, start with this list of the top four gifts every golfer is hoping to unwrap this holiday season. A Personalized Golf Club Fitting For ages, golfers have contented themselves with off-the-rack clubs. But the truth is that one-size-fits-all gear doesn’t really fit anybody—not perfectly, anyway. And certainly not well enough to help your favorite golfer take their game to the next level. That’s why, for golfers in pursuit of a premium experience each time they hit the links, there’s no gift quite like a custom fitting. Surpri...

Whether you just started golfing this year or you’ve been on the course for decades, setting goals is a great way to improve your skills and work towards something. The start of a new year is perfect for setting some resolutions for your favorite sport. From cutting down on mishits with your golf irons to learning a new shot, here are four goals every golfer should set this upcoming year. Reach a New Personal Distance Record Improving the distance on your shots is one of the best goals you can set. It’s easily trackable, affects your overall performance, and there are plenty of different ways to achieve the goal. You can find a driver that uses the latest technology and advanced materials to channel more power into every shot. Or you can schedule a custom club fitting with a brand that will build a set to maximize the distance of your shots. Along with focusing on your form and the small details of your swing, a custom driver is a surefire way to boost your distance. Have Fewer Mi...

The bunker shot: Even the pros fear it. Hitting your ball into the sand trap can be a death sentence if you don’t know how to handle it. But, with the right strategy, you can escape the bunker and land the ball on the green, keeping your scores right where you want them. Make sure you have the right wedge in all your golf club sets , and use these tips to go from sand to grass in one shot. Dig in with a Wide Open Stance Like any other shot, start your bunker escape by focusing on your stance. First, widen your stance. Place your feet just outside of shoulder-width. This helps add stability to your swing and lowers your club so you can hit the sand underneath the ball. Then, open your stance by pointing your feet just to the left of your target if you’re right-handed and to the right if you’re left-handed. This will help line up your shot so the clubface is more in line with the flag. Finally, dig your feet into the sand. This will add stability to your shot and bring you even clos...

The holidays are here, and you have a golfer on your list. While you know they love to spend their weekends on the course, you’re not sure what to get them. That’s ok. Whether you know much about golf or not, there’s a way to ensure you get a gift they’ll love from the best golf store Chicago , Houston, or anywhere else has to offer. Here are some things to remember when shopping for your favorite golfer. They Value Performance on the Course Performance is important for every golfer, even if they say they just like to play for fun. They want clubs that shoot further, control the ball better, and cut down on mishits. If the club can help them play better, it’s probably on their wishlist. So, when you’re shopping for gifts, remember that performance is king. Are they in the market for a new driver? Go to the best golf store Houston or Chicago has to offer and look for a high-quality driver that leverages next-level materials and advanced technology to add distance to every shot. Are ...

Trees are a great addition to any golf course. They provide shade and a great aesthetic. But your feelings toward trees can quickly change when your shot lands behind one. Then, they become an obstacle that stands between you and par.  But all hope isn’t lost. There might be a birdie somewhere between those branches. Whether you pull out hybrid golf clubs or your favorite iron, here’s how you can escape the trees and get back on track. Punch It Underneath the Branches There are three different strategies for playing from behind the trees. If you decide to shoot underneath the branches to escape the rough, you can balance risk and reward as you shoot for the green. With this strategy, the goal is to keep the ball flight low while still producing enough velocity to get out of the rough and near the green. Start by picking a lower lofted club. If you’ve had a custom golf club fitting , you might have some mid-irons with a lower loft, or you can grab a hybrid. Then, put the ball ...

Still mastering the mechanics of your golf swing? Looking for a way to hone your game even further? Do you wish you could get more distance on your shots? All of these can be improved by working on your shoulder movement. Yes, your shoulders. By perfecting the shoulder mechanics of your swing, you can take your game to the next level. Suddenly, your shots with drivers and fairway woods will feel much stronger and smoother. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help elevate your game. Turn, Don’t Tilt A lot of golfers tend to fake their way through shoulder movement. Instead of using their shoulders to build power, they tilt their spine on the backswing. When you do this, you’re relying entirely on your arms for strength and losing accuracy because your posture is out of balance. So, instead of tilting your spine, turn your shoulders. At the end of your backswing, your chest should be facing backward with your shoulders perpendicular to the ball. Complete the rest of your swing in ...

You’ve been golfing for a while now, and the course is basically your second home. And while you’ve refined your mid-range game, it still feels like your irons are missing something. Well, it might be time to make the switch from game-improvement irons to players irons.  Golf Irons Players golf irons can provide you with maximum control and the best feel in the game. It might be time for you to upgrade your irons if any of these four signs sound familiar. Your Handicap Is Getting Lower and Lower Your handicap is one of the biggest indicators that it’s time to make the jump from game-improvement to players irons. The lower your handicap, the more experience you have and the better you’ll be able to control players irons. While your scores are still in the 80s, 90s, and 100s, you’ll want to use the most forgiving irons you can to cut down on mishits and improve your score. But, once you reach the 70s and 60s, and especially if you start to plateau around those scores, it’s time...

Golfing in the wind is bad enough. Throw in rain, freezing temperatures, and clouds, and you’ve got yourself some classic winter golfing conditions. You’re not going to let some chilly weather keep you from the sport you love, though. These tips will help you make the most out of your fall and winter rounds. While USGA handicap rules don’t allow posting scores during winter months, you can still make this season a fun and productive one. From layering high-quality golf apparel to protecting your clubs, here’s what you should know. Layer Up When it comes to fall and winter golf, what you wear matters even more than during the summer. Specifically, layers are the name of the game. Start with a base layer polo that’s soft to the touch and features moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric so you stay cool and dry underneath all your layers. Then, add on some outerwear. What you choose depends on the weather. A vest is a good choice when it isn’t too cold, while you’ll want a pullover or full...

You have no problem bundling up and golfing all winter long, but sometimes you might not have the option—local courses decide it’s time to close up shop for the season. With winter approaching, you need to plan for the off-season. Thankfully, you can still work on your game without stepping foot on the course. From getting fit for custom golf clubs to fine-tuning your swing, here’s how to level up your golf game this winter.  Work on Your Form You can practice your golf swing practically anywhere. Inside, outside, with a club, without a club—this is the perfect way to swing away those winter blues. Simply grab a club, a club-like stick, or an imaginary club and set up in your stance. Preferably in front of a mirror or somewhere you can record yourself. Then, slowly go through every step of your swing. It should feel robotic at first, and remember every cue to maintain perfect form. Make sure your elbows stay together at the top of your backswing. Keep your trailing arm straight...

Playing with 20mph wind gusts on the golf course might feel impossible at first. But there are some strategies you can use to combat the wind and still enjoy a solid 18 holes. Whether you’re hitting your drivers and hybrid golf clubs out of the tee box or trying to chip it onto the green, here are five tips to help you adjust to playing in heavy winds. Check the Wind on Every Hole The wind is always changing, especially on big, hilly, or coastal courses. Take a second before you drive to check the wind. Compare the wind from the tee box to the green—the hole’s flag will help with that. Depending on the difference, you can adjust your approach from the fairway. Swing Easy When It’s Breezy This is a common expression for a reason. The more a ball spins, the higher it goes, and the more the wind will catch it. So, instead of trying to ‘cut through’ the wind, relax those shoulders and take a bit off your swing speed. This keeps spin to a minimum and can increase your consistency. H...

One of the best ways to shave strokes off your handicap and level up your golf game is by adding distance to your tee shot. Getting those extra 10, 20, or even 30 yards to start the hole sets you up for success and gets you even closer to the green. Whether you’re using your driver or even teeing off with fairway woods , here are a few tips to help you gain extra distance. Increase the Tempo of Your Backswing A faster clubhead speed is one of the most important parts of adding distance to your drives. And while speeding up your downswing can help, increasing the tempo of your backswing is a hidden tactic you might not have tried. Like a spring being compressed or a high jumper quickly bending down before launching upwards, a fast backswing creates more energy as your muscles gear up to hit the ball. Plus, a more intense backswing can help you rotate your hips and shoulders more, bringing them into the equation for more power. Try increasing the speed of your backswing and see how m...

All golfers, from newbies to Tour players, should spend plenty of time on the range. There’s no better place to hone your skills and work out the kinks in your game. With that said, if you spend your entire range time trying to slam the ball as hard as possible with your driver, it’s no wonder you struggle with your in-between game when out on the course. The key is to practice a variety of shots with every club, from your golf irons to your hybrids, fairway woods, and driver. To help break up the monotony while improving your skills, try any of these four games the next time you hit the range. Distance Challenge Chances are, you’ve played this game with your friends before. Even if you didn’t say it out loud, you all know everyone is trying to outhit the others. Now, it’s time to add some rules. Put a limit on the balls you can hit—3, 5, or 10 shots—and have the winner of each round picks the next club. Then, all you have to do is see who can hit the furthest. Focusing solely on ...

Where do most golfer spend their time outside the fairway or the range? That’s right—a golf store. Whether you’re a rookie golfer or have decades of experience, finding the best golf store Chicago , Houston, or another city has to offer feels like a love story. It starts out normal, but suddenly, you feel like you’ve found your soul mate, and you never want to leave. These are the features the best golf stores have in common and the signs that you’ve finally found “the one.” Your Shopping Trips Are Fun and Productive Some golf stores offer a wide selection of products. Others are an experience all their own. The best golf stores are a little bit of both. You know you’ve found your favorite golf store when you walk out with a smile on your face and new clubs, accessories, or balls that you know will improve your game. These stores offer game-improving services such as innovative fitting bays and expert fitters who help you design custom clubs matched to your swing. On top of that, ...

Picture this: you hit a less-than-perfect drive on a par 5 hole, and you can’t decide between a long iron and a 3 wood for your next shot. Why not have the best of both worlds? Hybrid golf clubs take that spot in your bag right between your 3 wood and 4 iron while offering some unique benefits you can’t find with any other club. It’s a must-have in any golfer’s bag for a few reasons. A Good Hybrid Is Easier to Hit Than Traditional Long Irons You might instinctively reach for a long iron when lining up a long shot off the fairway. But consider your previous attempts with these clubs. If they aren’t exactly your forte, you don’t want to risk a mishit and shank a ball into the rough while still 200 yards away. That’s why you have a hybrid. Hybrids offer more forgiveness and are easier to hit than traditional long irons. A hybrid with a high loft and forgiving features like a larger high-speed face will have you putting on the green in no time. Get More Distance Out of Shots From t...

As much as you’d like to be on the golf course 24/7, it’s just not possible. But, even when the nearest driving range is miles away, there are still ways you can practice your golf skills while daydreaming of hitting the links for a full 18. Whether it’s pulling out your putter in the hallway or scheduling an expert golf club fitting , here are a few ways to level up your game off the course. Putt Whenever and Wherever The hallway. Your backyard. At the office. In the garage. These are the great hidden greens of your life. Even if you’re far from the course, you can pull out your putter, a couple of balls, and a makeshift target for your personal practice hole. If you’re putting on material similar to the green—like a short carpet or your freshly mowed backyard—you can practice practically every aspect of your short game. On different floors—like hardwood, cement, or longer grass—focus more on your pace and ball contact because the ball will react differently than it will the next t...

Your clubs are important to you. And, when you use them as often as you do, they get dirty too quickly. If you don’t stick to your cleaning schedule, your golf drivers , irons, wedges, and putters could look dull and could even start to deteriorate. The good news is that maintaining your clubs doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, it can be pretty easy and even fun. So, here are four tips to help you keep your clubs looking brand new. Keep Them Clean on the Course First and foremost, you’ll want to clean your clubs as you play—especially your golf wedges and irons. Every time you dig into the dirt to pull a ball out of the rough or graze the grass for a low shot, clumps of debris can attach to your clubs. To combat this and keep your clubs in top shape, keep some simple cleaning supplies in your bag. A double-sided golf brush is great for cleaning materials out of your clubs’ grooves. Use the brass side for irons and wedges, and save the softer nylon bristles ...

Whenever you hear about golf irons there are two main types to know: players irons and game-improvement irons. And while you’re a player and definitely want to improve your game, there are distinct differences between the two, which is why it’s crucial you pick the right set. Here are the differences to consider when deciding which type of irons to choose. Golf Irons Players Irons When you hear someone talking about blades, they’re referring to players irons. Players irons are much thinner than other options and are typically designed with a smaller head and a narrower topline Players irons are designed to work best for low-handicap players who can consistently hit the middle of the club's face. They offer little forgiveness but compensate for it with pinpoint accuracy and workability, which means you can hit some awe-inspiring shots from anywhere on the fairway. A players iron delivers a soft feel and sound and helps you control the ball's trajectory so you can draw or fa...

A good driver is the foundation of your golf bag. Confidence and performance with your driver set you up for success on every hole. So, when it’s time to upgrade, you need to know what to look for, and finding the best driver is about asking yourself the right questions. So, the next time you head to your favorite golf store Chicago , Houston, or another city has to offer, use these questions to help guide you to the right driver. What Are My Goals with This New Driver? It’s important that you specify what you want to accomplish with your new driver. Not every driver is designed to do it all, so it helps to have your priorities in order to narrow down your initial options. Do you want a driver that’s going to deliver the most distance? Maybe you’re fine with sacrificing distance if it means your drives are consistently straight. Do you just want the latest technology available? Whatever your goal is, make sure to define it clearly. When comparing clubs, you can ask yourself, “Which ...