⛳️ You drive for show, but you putt and chip for dough

Hey Golf Friend,

Welcome back to another edition of Rookie Rounds!

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 the crucial world of the short game, Mike's latest gear obsessions, a drill to sharpen your touch around the greens, and a rule explainer that's key for putting. Let's get to it!

Table of Contents:

John Deere Classic Recap & Thursday Truth: Why the short game is where scores are made (and lost) ⛳️

Weekly Drill: The "Ladder Drill" for chipping 🎯

Mike's Gear Corner #1: Cobra Golf Putters – Game-changer or just another flatstick? 🐍

Rule Explainer: Ball on the Green (Rule 13.1) 📖

Mike's Gear Corner #2: The Thermacup – Your new best friend on the course? ☕️

Weekend Motivation: Short game focus! 🚀

John Deere Classic Recap & Thursday Truth: Why the short game is where scores are made (and lost) ⛳️

What a week at the John Deere Classic! 🏌️‍♂️

While the big hitters were launching bombs, if you looked closely at the leaderboard, you'd see that the real magic happened around the greens.

The top contenders weren't just driving it long; they were consistently getting up-and-down, making crucial putts, and saving pars from tricky spots.

It's a timeless lesson that the pros remind us of every single week, and it brings us to this week's Thursday Truth: You drive for show, but you putt and chip for dough. 💰

Think about it. How many times have you hit a perfect drive, only to chunk a chip or three-putt, completely negating that great shot?

Or perhaps you've struggled off the tee, but managed to scramble a par thanks to a brilliant up-and-down.

The short game is where you can save strokes without needing a perfect swing. It's where you turn bogeys into pars, and pars into birdies.

This week, let's shift our focus from the long game to the crucial shots within 100 yards. Mastering your chipping, pitching, and putting is the fastest way to lower your scores and truly enjoy the game more.

🎯 Weekly Drill: The "Ladder Drill" for chipping

This drill is a classic for a reason: it builds incredible feel and distance control around the greens, which is crucial for saving strokes.

What you need: Your pitching wedge or sand wedge, 5-10 golf balls, and an open space (a practice green, your backyard, or even a carpet).

How to do it:

1. Set up your "ladder": Place markers (or even just golf balls) at 5-yard intervals, starting from 5 yards away from you, up to 25 yards. So, markers at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 yards.

2. Chip to each rung: Start by chipping all your balls to the 5-yard marker. Focus on landing them softly in that zone.

3. Move up the ladder: Once you're consistently hitting the 5-yard target, move on to the 10-yard marker, then 15, and so on. The goal is to land the ball in the correct "rung" of the ladder.

4. Vary your targets: Once you've gone up and down the ladder, try chipping to random distances. Call out a distance (e.g., "12 yards!") and try to land the ball there.

Why it works: This drill forces you to vary your swing length and tempo to control distance, rather than just hitting hard. It builds the touch and feel you need to get your chips close to the hole, saving you precious strokes.

FROM OUR SPONSORS

🏌️‍♂️ Mike's Gear Corner #1: Cobra Golf Putters – Game-changer or just another flatstick? 🐍

Alright, Golf Friends, Mike here. You know putting is where rounds are won or lost, and I'm always on the hunt for anything that can help me sink a few more. Cobra has been making some serious waves with their putters lately, so I had to get my hands on one to see if they live up to the hype.

The Good:

• Feel & Stability: The first thing you notice is the feel. They've got a really soft, yet responsive feel off the face, which is great for distance control. And the stability, especially on the larger mallet models, is impressive. Mishits don't go nearly as far offline as you'd expect.

• Technology (3D Printing!): Cobra's using 3D printing in some of these, which sounds wild, but it allows them to optimize weight distribution in ways traditional manufacturing can't. This translates to higher MOI (Moment of Inertia) and more forgiveness.

• Alignment Aids: Many models feature clear, effective alignment lines that really help you set up square to the target. For those of us who struggle with aiming, this is a big plus.

The Not-So-Good:

• Looks (Subjective): Some of the designs, especially the more futuristic ones, might not appeal to everyone. If you're a traditionalist, they might take some getting used to. But hey, if it sinks putts, who cares?

• Price Point: Like most premium putters, they're an investment. You're paying for the technology and performance.

My Honest Verdict:

Cobra has really stepped up their putting game. These aren't just pretty faces; they're packed with tech that genuinely helps with consistency and forgiveness on the greens. If you're looking for a new putter and want something that feels great and helps you roll it true, definitely give a Cobra a try. It might just be the flatstick that finally gets you putting for dough.

Ready to drain more putts?

Check out Cobra Golf Putters here!

📖 Rule Explainer: Ball on the Green (Rule 13.1)

Since we're focusing on the short game, let's clarify a fundamental rule about your ball on the putting green.

What is the Putting Green? It's the area of the course specially prepared for putting, including any collar or fringe around it.

Your Ball on the Putting Green (Rule 13.1a):

• You must not deliberately touch your ball or ball-marker on the putting green, except as allowed by the Rules.

• You must not deliberately touch the putting green surface or remove loose impediments or sand/loose soil on the putting green, except as allowed by the Rules.

Marking, Lifting, and Cleaning (Rule 13.1b):

• You may mark the spot of your ball and lift it. You must use a ball-marker or hold a club on the ground just behind or next to the ball.

• You may clean your ball when lifted from the putting green.

Replacing the Ball (Rule 13.1c):

• You must replace the ball on its original spot. If you don't, you get a one-stroke penalty.

Key takeaway: Always mark your ball correctly before lifting it, and remember you can clean it on the green. Knowing this rule helps you avoid unnecessary penalties and keeps the game fair.

☕️ Mike's Gear Corner #2: The Thermacup – 3-Week Test & Exclusive Discount!

Alright, Golf Friends, Mike here again. You know I'm all about practical gear that makes our rounds more enjoyable. For the past three weeks, I've been putting the Thermacup through its paces, and I've got some solid takeaways – plus a little something special for you.

Week 1: The Morning Round Savior My first few rounds with the Thermacup were chilly morning tee times. I filled it with hot coffee before heading out. Even after 4 hours on the course, that coffee was still warm enough to enjoy on the 18th green. No more lukewarm disappointments! The insulation is seriously impressive.

Week 2: Durability & Daily Use I started using it off the course too – in the car, at my desk. It's robust. It's taken a few tumbles (don't ask!), and there's not a scratch. Cleaning is straightforward, just a quick rinse, and it's ready for the next brew. It fits most standard cup holders, which is a big plus.

Week 3: The Verdict & Discount After three weeks, my verdict is clear: If you enjoy a hot beverage on the course (or anywhere!), the Thermacup is a fantastic investment. It delivers on its promise of keeping drinks hot for extended periods, and its durability makes it a reliable companion. It won't fix your swing, but it will definitely make your rounds more comfortable and enjoyable.

And here's the best part: The awesome folks at Thermacup are offering Rookie Rounds readers an exclusive 15% discount!

To get your 15% off, use code “SIPSMARTER15” at checkout!

Grab your Thermacup here and sip smarter!

🚀 Weekend Motivation: Short game focus!

This weekend, as you head to the course or the practice green, remember the John Deere Classic.

The pros showed us that while driving is fun, the short game is where scores are truly made.

Dedicate some time to your chipping and putting, and watch your handicap drop!

See you on the course,

Gil - Rookie Rounds

(Mike says: "And don't forget to mark your putts with style!")

P.S. Remember, you drive for show, but you putt and chip for dough. Focusing on your short game is the fastest way to shave strokes off your score, starting this weekend!

P.P.S. Enjoyed this week's dose of "Thursday Truth"? If you know a golf friend who needs a short game boost (or just a good laugh from Mike's gear reviews!), why not share this newsletter with them? They can sign up for free right here:

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