What we'll cover this week

• Iron Fists - What does a good grip actually look like?

• Full Swing - IT’S BACK!

• 7 Signs You’re Better - It’s not just about the score.

Estimated read time: 7 minutes

This Week I Learned

Don’t Forget Your Keys in the Locker.

Pulling up to your house, reaching for your keys, and realizing they aren’t there is a special kind of frustration.

Ever since I got a locker at my club, I’ve had a solid routine—wallet, phone, and car keys go straight into my bag’s valuables pocket. The problem? This time, my house keys were in my pocket, and I helpfully put them in the same spot. Then, like a genius, I locked my bag in the locker and drove home keyless.

One time was definitely enough to learn that lesson.

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

21 = 252 minutes saved

You’re Too Soft. And Too Strong.

"Hold the club like you're holding a bird." Heard that one before?

It was one of the first things my coach drilled into me because, apparently, trying to crush an iron grip like a soda can isn’t ideal. These days, I’d say my grip pressure is a solid 3/10. Turns out, that might not be quite right either.

Mr. Shortgame breaks down how pros actually grip the club—and it’s a lot more dynamic than I thought.

Video length: 11:32

TL:DW

• Trail Hand – This one should be light. Think “holding a bird” light.

• Lead Hand – Here’s where it gets interesting: the lead hand grips MUCH tighter—up to a 10/10 at key points in the swing. I always thought both hands should have equal pressure… I was wrong.

• Grip Pressure Changes Throughout the Swing – The max tension actually happens just before the top of the backswing. Then, it loosens slightly during transition, tightens again, and finally loosens just before impact (but still firmer than at the start).

• Grip Affects Ball Flight – If your pressure is wrong at the wrong time, say hello to slices and hooks. Mr. Shortgame has some fantastic visuals in the video to make it all click.

After watching, I experimented with tightening my lead hand while keeping my trail hand relaxed. The results? Not perfect yet, but my swing felt way more controlled—might actually be onto something here.

Full Swing Returns

February 25th is the day when I’ll have to lock myself in and binge the new season of Full Swing on Netflix.

The announcement trailer got me SO HYPED!

Deals for the Feels

Stocking up on golf balls and gear never felt better.

TP5 & TP5X Buy 4, Pay 3

• Buy four dozen TP5s or TP5Xs and only pay for three—that’s a 25% savings. Applies to logo balls too. Just add at least four packs to your cart, and the discount applies automatically.

  (Also spotted this deal at other retailers, so if you’d rather shop elsewhere, check around.)

Valentine’s Day Sale RockBottomGolf

• Use code “HEART” at checkout to get 15% markdown + an extra $5 savings or free shipping. The deal applies to almost everything in the store.

Footjoy Last Season Sale

• Not looking to drop $100 on a single polo? 40% price cut on polos, pants, and more—solid deal if you need to refresh your golf wardrobe. Sizes are moving fast for the best items, so don’t wait too long.

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

You’re Getting Better

When scores don’t drop, it’s easy to feel stuck—like all the practice isn’t paying off. But the truth is, there are plenty of signs that your game is improving, even if the scorecard isn’t showing it yet. Recognizing these can take some pressure off, and before you know it, the lower scores will follow.

Video length: 14:38 (watch at 2x speed for a quick boost

TL:DW

• Fewer Lost Balls – If you keep more balls in play, that's a massive win. Less OB, fewer penalties, and fewer emergency reloads mean you control your shots better. Fewer doubles and triples will follow (and you don’t have to buy as many balls anymore - win-win)

• More Greens in Regulation (GiR) – Tracking GiR is a good indicator that your approach play is improving. Putting still needs to hold up, but lower scores are inevitable if you're hitting more greens.

• Less Self-Hate – Remember when every bad shot made you rage? If you’re starting to cut yourself some slack and stay calmer, that’s growth. Less frustration = better decisions = better golf.

• A Real Process – If you have a system for picking targets, a consistent pre-shot routine, and a way to absorb feedback, you're playing smarter. Golf isn’t just about mechanics—it’s about consistency.

• Long-Term Perspective – Good golfers don’t spiral after a bad hole or round. They zoom out and focus on the bigger picture. Progress isn’t linear, but if you’re trending in the right direction, you’re doing it right.

• Better Practice Habits – Time on the range isn’t enough. Are you practicing with intent? Are you setting targets, refining your routine, and actually learning from each shot? That’s what matters.

• More Gratitude – If you feel lucky just to be out on the course, you’re doing something right. “When you’re playing golf, a lot of other things in your life are going great.”

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

The Green Zone Golf Course is located on the Finland-Sweden border and has holes in both countries. I wish there were border guards checking your passport when you cross borders to give “slow play” a whole new meaning.

Sincerely, your Magic Rabbit.

Leader through the rabbit hole. HYPED! FULL SWING!