- Rookie Rounds
- Posts
- ⛳️ The #1 lesson from Oakmont that will drop your scores
⛳️ The #1 lesson from Oakmont that will drop your scores
Rookie Rounds - Thursday Truth - 5 Minute Read ⏱️
Gil L
June 19, 2025
Hey Golf Friend,
We're here to cut through the noise and give you the actionable insights you need to play better golf, every single week.
This week, we're diving into some major championship lessons, a crucial gear review, and a drill that will tighten up your tee shots. Let's get to it!
Table of Contents:
⛳️ U.S. Open Recap & Thursday Truth: What the U.S. Open taught us about consistency (and your handicap)
☔️ Mike's Gear Corner: The Weatherman Golf Umbrella – Is it worth the hype (and the price tag)?
🎯 Weekly Drill: The "Fairway Finder" Drill
📖 Rule Explainer: Abnormal Course Conditions (Rule 16.1)
🚀 Weekend Motivation: Play On!
⛳️ U.S. Open Recap & Thursday Truth: What the U.S. Open taught us about consistency (and your handicap)
What a week it was at the U.S. Open at Oakmont!
If you watched any of the action, you saw golf at its most brutal. Rain delays, brutal rough, and greens that felt like putting on a glass table. It was a true test of skill, patience, and mental fortitude.
And in the end, J.J. Spaun emerged victorious, battling not just the field, but also the elements.
It was a reminder that even the best in the world face conditions that would make most of us pack up our bags and head straight for the 19th hole.
But here's a Thursday Truth that might surprise you: While the pros battle major championship pressure and extreme conditions, most of us face a different kind of battle every weekend.
Did you know that almost 80% of golfers will never achieve a handicap under 18? 🤯 That means four out of five amateur golfers consistently struggle to break 90.
It's not always about hitting the perfect shot, especially when the weather turns. It's about consistency – in your approach, your mindset, and yes, even in your gear. Just like Spaun had to adapt to the rain and wind, we too need to be prepared for whatever the course (and Mother Nature) throws at us.
This week, let's take a page from the U.S. Open playbook: Embrace the elements, don't fight them.
Instead of letting a little rain or wind ruin your round, see it as an opportunity to test your adaptability and resilience.
Focus on making solid contact, managing your expectations, and staying positive, no matter what the scorecard says.
FROM OUR SPONSORS
🏌️♂️ Mike's Gear Corner: The Weatherman Golf Umbrella – Is it worth the hype (and the price tag)?
Alright, Golf Friends, Mike here.
You know I'm not one to sugarcoat things, especially when it comes to gear.
I've seen more umbrellas collapse in a slight breeze than I've seen birdies on my scorecard.
So when I heard about the Weatherman Golf Umbrella ☔️, I was skeptical.
"Another fancy umbrella," I thought. But after putting it through its paces (and let me tell you, we've had some weather lately), I'm ready to give you my honest take.
The Good (and there's a lot of it):
Built Like a Tank (But Looks Like a Sports Car): This thing is seriously sturdy. They claim it withstands winds up to 55 mph, and I believe them. I've been out in some proper gales, and this umbrella just laughs at the wind. No inverting, no bending, just solid protection. It's made with industrial-strength fiberglass, which sounds fancy, but basically means it won't snap on you like a twig.
Dry as a Bone (and Sun-Protected Too): The Teflon-coated fabric really repels water. It's like the rain just slides right off. Plus, it has UPF 50+ sun protection, which is a huge bonus for those scorching summer rounds. So whether it's a downpour or a heatwave, you're covered.
Smart Design: It's got a large mesh pocket for storage (perfect for your glove or a snack) and a silicone-coated rib to hang your towel. Little things, but they make a difference.
Golf Digest's Favorite: It's been Golf Digest's Editors' Choice for five years running. That's not just marketing fluff; it means it's consistently performing for a lot of serious golfers.
The Not-So-Good (because nothing's perfect):
The Price Tag: Let's be honest, it's not a cheap umbrella. You're paying for quality and durability. But if you're tired of buying a new umbrella every season, this is an investment.
It's a Commitment: This is a full-sized golf umbrella, so it's not exactly lightweight or compact. You're not stuffing this into your carry-on. But for the course, it's perfect.
My Honest Verdict:
Look, I'm usually the guy who complains about everything, but the Weatherman Golf Umbrella genuinely impressed me. It's the kind of gear that just works when you need it most.
It's reliable, it's tough, and it'll keep you dry (or shaded) when others are scrambling for cover. If you play in anything less than perfect conditions, this is a serious upgrade.
Ready to weather any storm on the course?
🎯 Weekly Drill: The "Fairway Finder" Drill
This week, let's focus on control and consistency off the tee, especially when conditions are less than ideal. This drill helps you find more fairways and stay out of trouble.
What you need: Your driver or 3-wood, a few golf balls, and a target in the distance (a specific tree, a bunker, etc.).
How to do it:
Pick a smaller target: Instead of just aiming down the middle of the fairway, pick a specific spot about 10-15 yards wide.
Focus on 80% swing: Don't try to kill the ball. Make a smooth, controlled swing at about 80% of your maximum effort. The goal is solid contact and accuracy, not distance.
Finish in balance: Hold your finish until the ball lands. This ensures you're maintaining balance throughout the swing, which is key for consistency.
Track your success: Hit 10 balls. How many landed within your chosen target area? Try to beat your score each time.
Why it works: This drill forces you to prioritize accuracy and control over raw power. It builds confidence in your ability to hit a reliable shot when it matters most, just like the pros do under U.S. Open pressure.
📖 Rule Explainer: Abnormal Course Conditions (Rule 16.1)
Given the U.S. Open's weather challenges, let's clarify a common rule about abnormal course conditions, especially temporary water.
What are Abnormal Course Conditions? These include:
Temporary Water: Any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground (e.g., puddles) that is not in a penalty area and can be seen before or after you take a stance.
Ground Under Repair (GUR): Any part of the course so marked by the Committee.
Immovable Obstructions: Any artificial object that cannot be moved without unreasonable effort or damaging the course (e.g., sprinkler heads, cart paths).
Dangerous Animal Condition: (e.g., a nest of aggressive bees).
Relief from Abnormal Course Conditions (Rule 16.1b): If your ball is in or touches an abnormal course condition, or if the condition interferes with your stance or area of your intended swing, you are generally allowed free relief.
How to take free relief:
Find the nearest point of complete relief: This is the spot where the abnormal condition no longer interferes with your ball's lie, your stance, or your swing.
Drop your original ball or another ball: Drop it within one club-length of the nearest point of complete relief, not nearer the hole.
Key takeaway: Don't play from a puddle if you don't have to! Know your rights under the rules to get free relief and avoid unnecessary penalties.
FROM OUR SPONSORS
🏌️♂️ Mike's Quick Tip: Why I'm digging personalized golf gear
Hey Golf Friends, Mike here.
You know I'm all about finding those little edges that make golf more fun.
I recently stumbled upon Golftees.com, and honestly, I'm pretty stoked about it.
Being able to personalize your tees, ball markers, or even divot tools just adds a cool, unique touch to your bag.
Plus, it's a great way to avoid those 'whose tee is this?' moments on the course!
Definitely worth checking out if you want to add some personality to your game.
Ready to personalize your golf gear? Check out Golftees.com here!
🚀 Weekend Motivation: Play On!
This weekend, don't let the forecast dictate your golf plans. Whether it's sunny, windy, or a little bit of both, get out there and apply the lessons from Oakmont. Focus on consistency, adapt to the conditions, and enjoy the game.
See you on the course,
The Rookie Rounds Team
P.S. Remember that 80% statistic? Consistency isn't just about your swing; it's about showing up prepared, mentally and physically, for every round. And sometimes, that preparation starts with having the right gear.
P.P.S. Love Rookie Rounds? ❤️ Help us grow the community! Share this newsletter with a golf friend who needs a little consistency boost (or just a good laugh).
📊 Poll — How was today’s issue? |