What we'll cover this week

• Break 85 - Breaking 90 only better

• Gators & Shoei - A chaotic double feature

• Clubface Awareness - Get your hands under control

Estimated read time: 8 minutes

This Week I Learned

It’s OK to hit into slow groups.

I’m not exactly famous for my patience, but I usually manage to stay calm when things get slow.

Last weekend tested that. After just three holes, we were already 30 minutes behind, thanks to the group ahead. There was no intention of letting us play through, no urgency, nothing.

So we made a call: no more generous buffer. I hit a drive that stopped 2 feet from them (after a loud “FORE!” that got zero reaction). It didn’t start a fight, but it did finally move things along. We caught the group ahead of them by hole 8.

Extreme circumstances? Yes. But sometimes, it’s the only way to get the message across.

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

25 = 280 minutes saved

Break 90 Was Yesterday

My first few rounds this year were mixed but promising. I’ve got a good feeling that breaking 90 will happen at least once this season.

Fitting then that Golf Sidekick’s "Breaking 90" was the most-clicked video of the year in 2024. So ,why stop there? Let’s talk about breaking 85.

Five fewer strokes sounds easy (it’s not), but this video gave me a smart additional framework to get there:

Video length: 8:07

TL:DW

• Go-To Club – What changed everything for me this season is my TSR Hybrid. It’s not perfect, but I can rely on it to hit consistent shots when I need to. That’s precisely the advice in this video: Find one club that gives you confidence and lean on it whenever you’re unsure. Control beats distance, especially when the ball stays in play.

• Play Away From Danger – This has been a game-changer. OB, ponds, bunkers, just aim away. I’ve stopped hoping to carry hazards and started playing to safe areas. Leaving the ego in the parking lot saved me at least 3-4 strokes per round (which I can subsequently then fumble on the green).

• Don’t Take Tough Shots - Tough shots = anything above your pay grade. Most of us aren’t Jordan Spieth, who can land short chips 100% of the time. We’ll likely chunk or skull a chip of the fringe, and we can say hello to at least a double bogey. A putter from the fringe is often better than a bladed chip that rolls off the green. Ask me how I know.

• Forget Green Reading (Mostly) – Harsh but true: stop obsessing over the line and focus on pace. When my speed is off, everything falls apart. A good roll at the right speed gives you a chance for a two-putt, even with a mediocre read. This season, pace is my #1 priority on the green.

• Focus on Short Putts – These are the only putts you should really overthink. Take your time, aim properly, and don’t just "tap it in." I’ve been in the "missed the gimme" club for years and might be up for reelection as president. No more lazy short putts for this rabbit.

This video felt like a friendly slap in the face and a solid reminder that good strategy still beats swing thoughts. Bring on the 80s.

Golfers & Alligators = ❤️

“... and that, kids, is how Daddy was almost killed by an alligator instead of declaring a ball unplayable.”

Shoei, ONE OF US!

Because I’m in an extra good mood today, let’s feast our eyes on Shoei playing golf and sucking just as bad as we do.

Deals for the Feels

Deals are getting harder to come by, but a few nuggets are still to be had.

JuCad 10% Special Offer

• Let’s be honest: JuCad carts are in a league of their own. The build quality is top-tier, and they roll like a dream. Sure, the price tag is steep, but JuCad is offering 10% savings across their lineup right now. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to make the jump, this might be your moment.

VICE Heritage Collection

• VICE just launched its new Heritage collection, and it's a thing of beauty. Inspired by Augusta-style tradition, this drop has everything from classic balls to one of the slickest putters I’ve seen from them. That green-and-white towel is calling my name; how can I tell my Pinehurst edition towel?

Titleist Loyalty Rewards

• A quick reminder: the Titleist loyalty promo is still active. Buy 3 dozen ProV1s, get 1 as a gift. This deal has been running longer than expected, and I wouldn’t count on it sticking around much longer.

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

Clubface Awareness

Where your ball ends up depends on one thing above all: where your clubface is at impact. We talk a lot about swing paths, but you’re just guessing without clubface control.

Padraig Harrington gives one of the best short lessons I’ve seen on building that awareness—especially if you struggle with hooks, slices, or general inconsistency.

Video length: 12:16

TL:DW

• Hands > Body - “Your hands control your body, not the other way around.” We obsess over posture and shoulder turns but forget that hand action dictates clubface position. If you’re fighting big misses, your hands are likely the culprit.

• Hand Awareness - Just one focused range session can build awareness. Pay attention to your hands throughout the swing, and make that your only goal for the day.

• Exaggerate - Want to understand what you’re doing wrong? Do it more on purpose. Deliberately overdo your hand movements to feel what open vs. closed really means.

• Hooks & Slices on Demand - Without changing your grip, setup, or swing path, try hitting controlled hooks and slices using only your hands to manipulate the clubface at impact. This isn’t about getting it right—it’s about learning what it feels like.

• Still Confused? Padraig shows how to do it in seconds much better than I could write. Watching him is way easier than trying to figure it out in your garage. Watch the drill and try it on your next range session.

Try it right now. Just mimic a mini swing and think about what your hands are doing. Even that small shift in awareness can start building consistency.

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

Our good old friend Bryson made the most money for winning the U.S. Open in 2024. He made a solid $4.3 million, closely followed by Scottie with $4 million for winning the Memorial Tournament just a week before the U.S. Open.

I think that means I have to turn pro now and win the U.S. Open to get rich quick. Easy.

Sincerely, your Magic Rabbit.

Leader through the rabbit hole. Hasn’t played Golf once this week but isn’t sick. Something is terribly wrong in this world.