What we'll cover this week

• Putter Style - What do the pros actually prefer?

• Nuts - He dead?

• Lessons - 10 signs you need one right now

Estimated read time: 7 minutes

This Week I Learned

Rescue Clubs from Fairway Bunkers.

For way too long, I just assumed the “correct” shot from a fairway bunker had to involve a sand wedge. Turns out, that assumption was completely wrong.

This week, my coach had me hit every club in the bag (except driver and putter) out of a fairway bunker. Eye-opening stuff—especially the hybrid. It launched. Clean, high, and long.

Apparently, with the right setup and mindset, there’s no reason you can’t pull off longer shots from the sand. That whole “wedge only” idea? Forget it. Rescue clubs are officially in play.

Useless golf videos we’ve watched this week, so you don’t have to:

19 = 201 minutes saved

Blade vs. Mallet

I started out with a blade putter. Hated it. Switched to a mallet, and my putting got way more consistent. Still, every now and then I think: maybe it’s time to give blades another shot now that I’m (slightly) better.

Before making the switch back, I found this short video that breaks it all down.

Video length: 5:12

TL:DW

• Porsche vs. SUV – Blades feel every movement, like a sports car. Mallets give you a smoother, more stable ride.

• Off-Center Impact – Mishit a blade and you’ll lose speed and distance immediately. Mallets are more forgiving and keep your line better on misstrikes.

• Forgiveness – Think of it like drivers: blades = players irons. Mallets = game improvement. They’re not magic, but they help.

• Face Awareness – Some mallets give clearer feedback on face angle. That’s a feel thing—and what works for me might not work for you.

• Easier Alignment – Mallets usually come with a longer, clearer alignment line. Matching it to your ball’s line makes setup much easier.

• Tour Trends – 22 of the top 30 PGA putters use a mallet. That says something.

• Confidence is King – If a blade gives you confidence, use it. If it makes you question your existence, maybe don’t.

Bottom line: If you’re not putting well with a blade, try a mallet. If you’re not putting well with a mallet, maybe try a lesson. Either way, this video helps make the decision clearer.

Nuts be clubbin’

Poor stance, swaying off the ball, lousy weight shift, weak grip, playing in shorts, and wearing a stepped jacket simultaneously. Can’t say he didn’t deserve it but you gotta feel for a brother who just lost a ball. Good thing his golf ball didn’t fly far.

Deals for the Feels

One bucket list giveaway, one solid offer, and one very stylish new drop. The season is heating up.

Takomo Bucket List

• Takomo is giving away $20,000 to help someone cross a dream off their bucket list. The only catch? You can’t use it to buy a competitor’s clubs. Other than that—anything goes. Submit your entry and let’s hope one of us gets the call. (Let me know if it’s you.)

Titleist Free Dozen at TGW

• TGW just released their matching Titleist loyalty offer. Pick up three dozen and get one on the house. Great time to stock up if you’re a ProV1 player.

New Jordan Golf Shoes

• Nike just dropped a new line of Jordan golf shoes - and they look incredible. I might need to “accidentally” add them to the shoe rack before my wife does a headcount. Worth a look if you're in the market for a fresh pair.

* Please note: none of these are affiliate links. These are genuinely great finds that we recommend without compensation.

You Need A Lesson

No surprise here—I’m a big fan of taking lessons. Outside of pros themselves (and sure, they’re a bit biased), I might be the biggest advocate for getting professional help as soon as possible.

So of course I liked this video. It gives 10 clear signs that it’s time to book a session:

Video length: 16:45

TL:DW

• Topping Shots – Consistently topping the ball is tricky to self-diagnose. If it’s happening more than it should, a pro can spot what your camera or gut instinct won’t.

• Slipping Grip – If your grip feels loose during the swing or your gloves keep wearing out faster than usual, that’s a red flag.

• No Iron Compression – No divots after iron shots? That might mean you’re not compressing the ball properly.

• The Drive is Right – If your drives consistently go right—even worse when you try to adjust your aim—it’s time to get help.

• Losing Balance – Struggling to hold your finish? Multiple swing faults could be to blame, and a coach can help break it down.

• Distance Drop – Losing a few yards over time is normal, but if you’ve lost significant distance, especially with irons, it’s worth investigating.

• Sand Struggles – Can’t get out of bunkers reliably? You’re bleeding strokes. Fix it with one or two short game lessons.

• Chipping Yips – The longer you wait to fix bad chips, the harder they are to unlearn. Get help early.

• Sudden Shot Shape Change – If your draw suddenly becomes a hook (and stays that way), that’s your cue.

• Brand New to Golf – Lessons are the most valuable when you’re just starting. You’ll build good habits and avoid grooving bad ones.
  

  The biggest sign that you need a lesson: You play golf. Every regular player can benefit from a periodic tune-up. Pros have coaches. We should too.

Quick Bites for the Road

Quiz

If you liked this newsletter, refer it to a friend. If you hated it, send it to the ONE person you desperately want to beat (on the course).

Quiz answer

Michael Phelps, you know… the Olympic swimmer, made a 159-foot putt during a Pro-Am event at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in 2012.

Sincerely, your Magic Rabbit.

Leader through the rabbit hole. Nearly froze to death on his last round. Thanks, sudden return of freezing temperatures! Not cool.