AI is being used creatively by numerous companies, but Aircast.Tech aims to improve fan experiences at golf tournaments and other sporting events.

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Penn. — Startup founders, technology experts and golf industry insiders from around the world gathered in a hospitality tent perched above the 17th tee at Aronimink Golf Club on Tuesday to not only catch a glimpse of the players as they practiced on the long par 3, but also participate in the third-annual Golfweek Tech Lab.

Did you know that it’s impossible to get maximum performance on the golf course without mastering the mental side of golf?

Many beginners may not realize that golf is just as much a mental game as a physical one. That being said, you don’t want to be on information overload while standing on the tee box.

Though there are plenty of golf coaches that teach swing mechanics, there just isn’t much information available regarding golf psychology. To help with this problem, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best golf books that address the mental side of the game.

Pick up a few to start shooting better scores and hitting longer drives!

1. Mastering Golf’s Mental Game: Your Ultimate Guide to Better On-Course Performance and Lower Scores

This masterpiece is written by a sport psychologist named Dr. Michael Lardon, who works with a ton of PGA Tour professionals. Lardon helped Phil Mickelson win the 2012 Open Championship by giving his mental game a much-needed tuneup. You’ll get the same tips that helped Mickelson become one of the best left-handed golfers of all time.

In this book, also available as an audiobook, golfers can learn about Lardon’s Pre-Shot Pyramid and Mental Scorecard. Both of these tools have helped countless amateurs and professionals. This is simply a must-read for any serious golfer.

Rating on Amazon: 4.6 (over 270 reviews)

2. Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

This book has been around for 20 years and was written by another highly respected golf psychologist named Dr. Joseph Parent. Vijay Singh has credited Dr. Parent with helping him have clear thought on the golf course. Parent is not just another PGA coach but also a Buddhist instructor.

Zen Golf will help golfers deal with frustration, which can be an unwelcome distraction during a round. Many folks are shocked at how much more enjoyment they experience on the course after learning to deal with this one negative emotion. Having more fun and shooting lower scores is every golfer’s dream, and this book will help achieve both.

Rating on Amazon: 4.7 (over 1,500 reviews)

3. Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect

This book from Dr. Bob Rotella gives golfers some fabulous tips to improve their mental game. Learn how obsessing about your swing mechanics can keep you from shooting your best score. Dr. Rotella provides practical info on how to put more joy into your golf game.

PGA Tour fans will especially appreciate the Foreward of this book, written by 2011 Open Championship winner Darren Clarke. Some folks think this is the best golf book on the market for improving their mental habits on the course. We can see why because Dr. Rotella is one of the best sports psychologists in the industry.

Rating on Amazon: 4.7 (over 3,300 reviews)

4. The Mental Game of Golf: Strategies for Improving your Confidence, Focus, Stress Levels, Resilience & More

Here’s a new option for folks that want to improve their mental approach to golf. The Mental Game of Golf was released in January of 2022 and was written by a mental game coach named Jermaine Harris.

Harris teaches golfers how to deal with nagging mental issues such as low confidence, nerves, anger, and fear. The Mental Game of Golf will show you how to shoot low scores even if your swing isn’t quite right. This is a massive advantage on the course!

Rating on Amazon:  4.6 (20 reviews)

5. The Little Black Book on the Mental Side of Golf: 41 Mental Tips From a Golfer Who Regularly Shoots His Age!!!

Are you not much of a reader but still wanting to improve your mental approach to golf? This book is the perfect fit for you! It’s only 67 pages, but it is jam-packed with great information to help you shoot lower scores and gain more confidence.

Dr. Len Fellez authored this short book and has helped players on four tours (PGA, LPGA, Champions, Nationwide). Learn the importance of staying positive in between shots and how writing out goals can improve your game. Golf is a game of confidence, and this quick read will help you pick yourself up mentally after a big miss.

Rating on Amazon:  4.8 (9 reviews)

6. Fearless Golf: Conquering the Mental Game

In Fearless Golf, Dr. Gio Valiante will teach you the same principles that Davis Love III and Justin Leonard used to become world-class PGA players. This book will teach you how to overcome all of your fears on the course. You’ll even get never before seen quotes from PGA legends like Jack Nicklaus and Ernie Els.

Fearless Golf teaches golfers how to reach their full potential by letting go of an obsession with results. This will free up your mind and your swing, resulting in lower scores.

Rating on Amazon: 4.4 (over 350 reviews)

7. Mental Toughness Training for Golf: Start Strong Finish Strong

To play your best golf, you need a certain amount of mental toughness. Dr. Rob Bell will teach you all of the dos and don’t of mental toughness in this book. Learn how to add some pressure to your practice sessions so that you aren’t in shock when it happens during an actual round.

Dr. Bell has worked with PGA Tour pro Scott Stallings and has led a ton of different research studies on “the yips”. This book is only 132 pages, but it’s packed from cover to cover with helpful information. Both amateurs and professionals will benefit from this nice and easy read.

Rating on Amazon: 4.3 (over 110 reviews)

8. Golf: The Ultimate Mind Game

This book will help you block out all distractions and increase your confidence on the golf course. Rick Sessinghaus is an expert in performance psychology and he teaches golfers how to embrace pressure instead of caving under it. By reading this book, golfers will learn how to incorporate pressure into their time on the driving range.

Sessinghaus will help you rediscover why you play golf so that you can get the maximum amount of enjoyment out of it. You’ll also learn how to set goals and properly motivate yourself before your rounds and practice sessions.

Rating on Amazon: 4.5 (over 100 reviews)

9. Fore the Mind – The Mental Program for Golf

Out of all the golf books on our list, this one probably has the catchiest title. Troy Bassham tells a compelling short story about a golfer named Kevin, who mysteriously starts getting golf lessons in his golf bag. It’s kind of neat that Bassham uses this unique story-telling approach!

Bassham’s Mental Management System has helped some of the top PGA Tour pros, including Jerry Kelly and Fred Funk. Fore the Mind is a must-read for golfers who want to improve their mental approach to the game. We can’t say enough good things about this no-fluff page-turner.

Rating on Amazon: 4.6 (over 50 reviews)

10. The Four Foundations of Golf: How to Build a Game That Lasts a Lifetime

This book isn’t exclusively about the mental aspect of golf, but it has several chapters that address various mental techniques that golfers can use to increase their performance. Jon Sherman will teach you how to manage your expectations so that you can shoot lower scores and have more fun. Sherman is a player-coach who knows how important it is to swing without thinking.

If you’re tired of your poor mental approach keeping you from playing your best, this may be the ideal book for you. Sherman will teach you how to remain calm on the course, even during the most pressure-packed situations. Get a much-needed confidence boost by reading this book!

Rating on Amazon: 4.8 (over 460 reviews)

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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The best golf balls of 2026 aren’t just about performance; they’re also about fit. Golfers generally fall into two categories: those who prioritize precision and spin, and those who value distance and durability. Coincidentally, this choice typically boils things down to two categories: urethane-covered multilayer balls and non-urethane alternatives. Once you identify the ball type that suits what you’re longing for, finding the best golf ball for your needs becomes significantly easier.

Golf ball types, explained

Urethane-covered golf balls generally are favored by better players who are looking for workability and responsiveness. They offer higher spin, a softer feel and exceptional greenside control, enabling golfers to effectively attack pins.

Non-urethane balls, typically made with Surlyn or ionomer covers, excel in a different way. They provide longer distance, greater durability and affordability, making them ideal for budget-conscious golfers

Both golf balls types offer significant advantages. The crucial factor is determining which one best aligns with your game.

Urethane-covered golf balls we really like

BEST FOR: Players seeking maximum control and spin. While there are urethane-covered golf balls marketed as distance golf balls, even those still generally spin more on shorter shots compared to non-urethane-covered golf balls.

Bridgestone Tour B RX

A Tour-level ball for players with moderate swing speeds who want more distance and consistency without sacrificing feel. It comes with Bridgestone’s VeloSurge core and mantle system to boost ball speed and carry, while the Reactiv iQ urethane cover adapts at impact for reduced spin off the driver while preserving shotmaking control on approach shots. With a lower compression profile, it’s optimized for players swinging under 105 mph who still want premium performance. Comes in white or yellow.

1 thing we really like: The easy launch and low spin with a driver.

All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team.
If you buy a linked product,
GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.

Bridgestone Tour B RX

A softer, lower-compression tour ball built for distance and accuracy with moderate swing speeds.

Bridgestone Tour B RXS

Made for players with swing speeds under 105 mph who want maximum feel and added spin without giving up distance. Its VeloSurge core technology helps generate faster ball speed and longer drives, while the Reactiv iQ urethane cover stays on the face longer to increase spin and control on approach shots and around the greens. A new 320-dimple pattern promotes a more penetrating, consistent flight.

1 thing we really like: It gives you noticeably more spin around the greens while still being a cinch to launch high off the tee.

Bridgestone Tour B RXS

A soft, low-compression tour ball built for feel, spin, and control at moderate swing speeds.

Bridgestone Tour B X

The Tour B X is designed for players with faster swing speeds who want maximum ball speed off the tee without sacrificing control. It comes with a new VeloSurge core and mantle technology that helps unlock faster velocity and longer drives, while the Reactiv iQ urethane cover stays on the clubface longer to generate spin and precision on approach shots. Just be aware, this is a high-compression ball optimized for players swinging over 105 mph. Comes in white or yellow.

1 thing we really like: It’s a powerhouse off the tee but still spins when you need it around the greens.

Bridgestone Tour B X

A high-compression tour ball built for fast swing speeds, delivering explosive distance off the tee with “hit-and-sit” performance into the greens.

Bridgestone Tour B XS

This is the Bridgestone ball built for players who prioritize feel and control. The B XS features Bridgestone’s Reactiv iQ urethane cover, which adapts to impact, meaning it has a softer feel and increased spin on approach shots and around the greens, while still maintaining solid ball speed off the tee. The core construction helps promote a more controlled flight and consistent distance, making it a great fit for players who want to work the ball. Like the B X, it’s best suited for higher swing speeds, but leans more toward feel and greenside performance. Comes in white or yellow.

1 thing we really like: The soft feel is quite noticeable compared to the Tour B X, especially on chips and putts.

Bridgestone Tour B XS

The Bridgestone Tour B XS golf ball offers soft feel with high greenside spin for players who prioritize control.

Callaway Chrome Tour

Engineered for Tour-level performance, the Chrome Tour delivers a strong blend of speed, consistency, and greenside control. A new Tour Fast Mantle helps generate faster ball speeds, while the Advanced Seamless Tour Aero design promotes a stable, consistent flight. The urethane cover provides the soft feel and spin needed for precise shots around the greens.

1 thing we really like: Checks every box that a skilled player will want in terms of distance and control. The seamless Tour Aero design looks and feels great.

Callaway Chrome Tour

Engineered with new speed technology for players who want outstanding performance, exceptional speed, consistent flight and greenside control.

Callaway Chrome Tour X

For players who want maximum speed and ultimate control, the Chrome Tour X delivers exceptional distance, workability, and tee-to-green performance. A new Tour Fast Mantle helps increase ball speed through an optimized core and layer system, while the Advanced Seamless Tour Aero design promotes a strong, consistent flight. The urethane cover adds the feel and spin needed for precise wedge play and shot shaping.

1 thing we love: It’s fast and workable, making the Chrome X ideal for players who want to control trajectory and shape shots without giving up distance.

Callaway Chrome Tour X

Engineered with new speed technology for players who want maximum speed and ultimate control, outstanding distance, workability, spin and tee-to-green performance.

Srixon Z-Star

The Z-Star is designed for players who want maximum greenside spin and precise control. Its thin premium urethane cover, enhanced with durable, plant-based materials, generates exceptional feel and stopping power. Also, the FastLayer DG Core 2.0 offers a soft feel with strong spin on approach shots. Spin Skin+ coating increases friction for added bite on wedges, while a 338 dimple pattern ensures stable and efficient flight even in windy conditions. Comes in white or yellow.

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One of my favorite ways to get better at golf is to practice with drills.

Drills narrow down one or two skills and give you a way to focus your practice. If you are a golfer that struggles with hitting down on a golf ball, there are some great drills to help make this considerably easier on you.

I’ve not only tried each of these drills but have also tweaked them a bit to work much better.

Why Hitting Down on The Ball is Important

Hitting down on the golf ball will allow for the full loft, power, and spin of the golf shots you are trying to hit. The golf ball must be struck first, with the divot coming after the ball. In order to do this, you must hit down on the golf ball.

Of course, there are swings with fairway woods and your driver where the ball will be hit more on the upswing. However, for excellent iron play, amateur golfers need to hit down and through their golf shots to get the best possible results.

4 Best Drills to Hit Down on a Golf Ball

1. Hit The Line

The hit the line drill is simple but helps players visualize exactly what impact looks like and how to make your golf swing more efficient. When working on hitting the line, the best way to do this drill is to purchase a can of white spray paint and make sure you have the permission of the driving range to complete the drill.

Step 1: Draw A Line On The Ground 

Set up to hit a golf shot and make a small mark with a tee where the golf ball would be. Once you have this mark, take the paint and draw a straight line of paint on the ground extending out a foot or two to the target. Make sure the line is straight.

Step 2: Set Ball Up

Next, you will set a ball up at the start of the line. When you hit the ball, you are going to attempt to hit the ball first and then clip part of the line.

Step 3: Keep Working down the line 

As you work through your entire practice session, set the ball up this way each time, and have your visualization be that you need to clip a piece of the line each time. When you get really good at this, you won’t need the line there anymore.

Many golfers will hit golf balls on the range like this because it’s good for the turf to grow back as well.

2. Left Hand Dominance Drill

One of the major reasons that golfers have trouble hitting down on the ball are those that try and get their right hand a bit too involved in the swing. The right hand is not the hand that develops the most consistency through the golf ball.

If you want to hit solid shots with tremendous power, the left hand dominant swing is the way to go. Here are the ways to do it.

Step 1: Grip The Club with Your Left Hand Only 

First, you will want to grip the club with just the left hand. Some players will try to take an entire backswing and downswing using the left hand only, but this will take some strength. Most golfers do the best working on this golf swing drill and then make a transition into a full regular swing.

Step 2: Take a Partial Backswing

This drill is all about getting the feeling down. Take about a half to ¾ backswing with your iron in your left hand. Leave the right hand off the club.

Step 3: Create Resistance with Right Hand 

On the downswing, you will want to create an angle of attack that feels like the left hand is pulling the club down through impact. Hold the center of the shaft with your right hand to create a bit of resistance, and the left hand should feel as though it’s pulling down through impact.

Step 4: Try a Full Swing 

Try this a few times, then switch to taking a regular golf shot. Make sure that you are still focusing on rotation in your swing. Your weight should transfer as you never want the upper body to take full control of the swing.

Here’s a video breakdown of this drill:

3. Two Ball Takeaway Drill

The takeaway drill is my favorite drill to fix quite a bit of problems that you can come across in your golf swing. One of those issues is lifting the club too far off the ground on the takeaway. If you lift the club up and alter your spine angle, returning the golf ball to the proper impact position is very hard.

This two ball takeaway drill works well for beginners as well as experienced golfers that need a little pick-me-up and refresher in their golf game.

Step 1: Take Your Typical Stance

The first part of this drill is to take your traditional golf setup. Since this is a drill in which you hit a real golf ball with a full swing, make sure that both your left foot, right foot, hips, and spine angle are correct before you start.

Step 2: Keep The Club Low and Take It Back Slow

I like to do this drill with something like an 8 iron or 9 irons; they are typically forgiving and make the learning curve just a little easier. I put one golf ball in front of the clubface and one golf ball about six inches behind the back of the club head.

The goal is to take the golf club back very low and slow so that it knocks this other golf ball out of the way. When you keep the club low and slow, it makes it much easier to return it to the ground at impact.

So many amateur golfers pick the club fight up at the start of their swing, which creates some performance issues.

Step 3: Ensure a Proper Weight Shift

To make a proper weight shift, you must feel as though weight is moving back to your right foot at the start of your swing, and on the downswing, the weight needs to transfer back to the left foot. This efficient weight transfer creates a ton of power and impressive trajectory.

Step 4: Transfer to a Full Finish

One of the things that I always found most impressive about this drill is that I’m able to compress the golf ball considerably better. I actually get more distance with this drill, even though I’m tapping another golf ball on the back swing.

In addition, when I struggle with poor tempo or feel like my timing is off, I like to use this two ball drill.

4. Golf Alignment Stick Drill

Golf alignment sticks are some of the most effective practice aids that we have to work with. Alignment sticks can be used to work on backswing angles, alignment, angle of attack, coming over the top, and more.

Essentially if you know how to use them, they are one of the most effective training aids golfers have to work with. To have more luck hitting down on a golf ball, I like to use this chipping drill with a golf alignment stick.

P.S. If you don’t yet own a set of alignment sticks, here’s our favorite:

Step 1: Grip Club and Alignment Stick

The first part of this drill feels a little awkward, but you can get used to it rather quickly. Simply grip your golf club and an alignment stick at the same time. The golf club head will be on the ground as it always is, The alignment stick will run in the opposite direction, and it will come up high enough that you have to tuck it under your left armpit.

Step 2: Use a Pitching Wedge or Sand Wedge

I highly recommend using a pitching wedge or a sand wedge here. We are only going to take little swings with this drill to try and learn how hitting down on a golf ball around the green can help you create more spin.

Step 3: Small Swings, Don’t Let Shaft Hit You

The backswing of this shot will feel pretty standard to you. However, for golfers that don’t hit down the ball, the alignment stick’s shaft will likely hit you on the left rib. Do this at a slow pace so you can feel it. The idea is to rotate and turn through the ball so the alignment stick never hits your side.

You may have to make some adjustments to your mindset here as well. I like to start focusing on hitting the back of the ball on the downswing. The alignment stick gets in the way for players that try to lift or flip the golf ball by scooping it.

Step 4: Let Go of the Alignment Stick, Try Full Swing

Once you have done this a few times and you get the concept down, go ahead and put the alignment stick down. At this point, you can start taking full swings and getting that same feeling of hitting down and through the ball as opposed to trying to lift it up out of the grass.

You will notice that your chip shots fly higher, and they stop on the green considerably closer.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children. Current Handicap: 1

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As part of an exclusive new series focusing on the next generation of young talent in the south-east, Golf News introduces James Herne, a three-year-old from West Sussex who is already attracting national attention for both his precocious talent and his sheer love of the game

While golf has seen its fair share of prodigies – Tiger Woods shot 48 on a 9-hole course aged three, and Rory McIlroy was filmed chipping balls into his mum’s washing machine on a TV show as a nine-year-old schoolboy – it is still pretty rare to find someone who has only just learned to walk demonstrating a preternatural talent for a sport as technically demanding as golf.

That is what makes James Herne’s story so compelling. The youngster from Worthing in West Sussex has only just celebrated his third birthday, but he is not only already able to swing a golf club with impressive consistency, but he’s already driving balls 40 yards down the fairway and registering ball speeds of more than 45mph on a simulator.

INSPIRED BY WATCHING THE PROS ON TV

The spark that ignited James’s love of the game was first lit watching golf on television while visiting his grandparents. James’s dad, who is also called James, remembers the moment clearly. “One day we were round my in-laws and they had the golf on the telly,” explains James Snr. “He was immediately drawn to the TV and started to mirror the swing of the golfers.”

From there, his interest only deepened. James’s grandfather, John Black, a keen golfer himself, first took him down to the putting green at the local club shortly after his first birthday and bought the youngster his first set of clubs.

“He was hitting the ball properly, even at that young age,” Black recalls. “Every time we ask him what he wants to do, he says he wants to play golf.”

Now a junior member at Worthing Golf Club in West Sussex – where he could well be the youngest member in the country – James practices three or four times a week on the range and out on the club’s par-3 course, where he regularly plays alongside kids two or three times his age.

KEEPING IT FUN

To help guide this early promise, James is being coached by former tour player, and Worthing Golf Club’s resident PGA Head Professional, Peter Tarver-Jones, who has introduced many young players to the game, but has never taught anyone quite so young.

Tarver-Jones, who joined Worthing when he was just 12, is unequivocal in his praise for his youngest ever pupil. “James’s enthusiasm and his understanding of the game are great,” he says. “Difficult things like his putting pace control – he’s got it. For such a young age, his co-ordination is exceptional. I’ve never heard of anyone as young as James doing this well. It’s really impressive.”

Despite the attention, both coach and family are determined to keep things in perspective. Tarver-Jones emphasises that the priority is enjoyment: “You just want to make sure he has fun and enjoys it at the moment. It’s not all about golf, we also working on his balance, jumping, agility, even throwing and catching. It all helps develop the physical skills and the co-ordination required to swing a club.”

James’s father echoes that sentiment. “There is no ‘Project Tiger Woods’ at work here – we’re just supporting a child doing what he loves. Initially, my wife and I thought his ability was normal, but then every time someone would see him, they would say ‘wow’.

“With kids these days everything now is with a mobile phone or a games console – but I’d like to keep him away from that for as long as possible. The main thing is that he enjoys it, it keeps him outside, and it keeps him loving golf.”

Whether James becomes a household name to rank alongside Tiger or Rory, or even matches the talents of home-grown Worthing Golf Club stars such as Marco Penge and Gary Evans, remains to be seen, but for now, his story encapsulates exactly what the Next Generation series hopes to celebrate: a genuine passion for the game, fostered in the right environment, and grounded in fun, family and fresh air.

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Latest Darrell Survey Confirms Overwhelming Trust in Bushnell Among the World’s Best Golfers 

Overland Park, KS – Bushnell Golf, the #1 rangefinder in golf, once again proved its dominance on the PGA Tour according to the latest findings from The Darrell Survey, the industry’s leading independent equipment tracking authority. At the 2026 PLAYERS Championship, an overwhelming 98.3 percent of players surveyed relied on a Bushnell Golf laser rangefinder for accurate yardages.

In a survey of 121 players, 119 confirmed Bushnell as their preferred distance-measuring device during the tournament. Since the Darrell Survey began tracking rangefinder usage on the PGA Tour in 2006, Bushnell has maintained the No. 1 position every year, reinforcing its reputation as the trusted choice of the game’s best players.

“These Darrell Survey results continue to validate the Bushnell Golf laser rangefinder performance story,” said Derek Schuman at Bushnell Golf. “Our laser rangefinders continue to deliver the precision Tour players need to perform at their highest level week in and week out.”

Building on its legacy of innovation and performance, Bushnell Golf has the Pro X3+ LINK, the most powerful and precise rangefinder in the company’s lineup. Featuring LINK-Enabled Technology, the Pro X3+ LINK seamlessly integrates Foresight Sports launch monitor data with Bluetooth-enabled Bushnell Golf rangefinders, giving golfers real-time, personalized course management insights. By combining advanced environmental adjustments with industry-leading compensated distances, the Pro X3+ LINK delivers a new level of accuracy, intelligence, and performance designed to help golfers make more informed decisions on every shot. 

Key Features of the Pro X3+ LINK:

• MyBag Technology – Provides real-time, personalized club and “Play As” recommendations
• Slope with Elements Compensation – Adjusts for home elevation to deliver precise distances
• Dual Display Technology – Optimized visibility in all lighting conditions
• Patented Locking Slope-Switch – Quick and easy slope function toggling
• PinSeeker with Visual JOLT Technology – Confirms target lock with vibration and flashing indicator
• Integrated BITE Magnetic Cart Mount – Offers convenience to mount your device right on the cart bar
• IPX7 Waterproof & Rugged Design – Built for durability in all weather conditions
• Ranges 600+ Yards to a Flag – With 7x magnification for enhanced clarity
• Bluetooth Connectivity – Syncs with the Bushnell Golf Mobile App for seamless integration
• Wind Speed & Direction – Syncs with the mobile app for enhanced shot planning
• Premium Carry Case & CR2 Battery Included

 With the Pro X3+ LINK, Bushnell Golf continues to advance rangefinder technology, delivering a powerful combination of precision, intelligence, and performance for golfers seeking greater confidence in every distance they measure.

The new Pro X3+ LINK is available at select golf retailers and BushnellGolf.com.

About Bushnell Golf

Bushnell Golf is the #1 electronic measuring device choice of golfers and offers a full array of laser rangefinders, handheld and wrist worn GPS, audio GPS and the Launch Pro and LPi personal launch monitors. All Bushnell Golf products continue to change and improve the way golfers assess distances, ultimately improving performance. For more information on the Bushnell Golf family of products, visit the company’s website at www.bushnellgolf.com.

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Armitage stresses the importance of keeping your stroke short and efficient.

“If your stroke gets long, it’s wrong,” Armitage says. “Because then you have to manipulate the face too much or you slow down.”

In the video above and below, he says you can use your toes as a guide on 3-footers. Simply take the putter back, stopping at your trail toe. Then, on the follow-through, finish at your front toe. 

“Now that putter is moving efficiently,” Armitage says. “You don’t need a long stroke for a 3-footer, unless you’re playing on greens that are very, very slow.”

This simple guide will help you produce a short, efficient stroke that keeps the face stable and prevents any decelerating through the ball.

Listen for the ball to go in

One of the most common mistakes amateurs make on short putts is picking up their head to watch their putt drop. However, Armitage offers a simple alternative that, when mastered, will improve your performance on these short, pressure-packed putts: listen for it to go in.

“That sound, for me, is something that I want to hear,” he says. “And the key is if I don’t hear that sound, I missed it. So, I don’t need to look up to know if I missed it or holed it.”

This approach can look different for every player. Armitage notes tour pros who have won tournaments by keeping their eyes closed over putts. To practice listening for your putts, you can find a spot on the green just in front of the ball to focus on, or even keep your eyes closed. Whatever you decide, the key takeaway is the same — keep your head still and trust your stroke.

Expect to make these putts

The final key to making pressure-packed putts, is to expect to have to make them.

“Always expect to have to hole this putt,” he says. “Always look forward to holing it. Want to hole it.”

It doesn’t matter whether you’re playing alone or in a tight match with a friend. By expecting to have to execute these putts, you face the pressure head-on and become more comfortable under it. No matter the outcome, this will help you build confidence that carries over to every round.

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Dundonald Links’ status as a firm favourite among the world’s best golfers has been further enhanced with award success at the Ladies’ European Tour (LET) 2026 season launch.

Home to the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open – was presented with the coveted ‘Best Course Condition’ award in recognition for its exceptional course condition during last July’s event.

Voted for by both players and staff of the LET, the award recognises the work and effort from the dedicated greenkeeping team at Dundonald Links, led by golf course superintendent Rob Wooddisse, who worked tirelessly to ensure the golf course was presented superbly during tournament week.

Taking place from July 24-27, the 2025 ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open saw England’s Lottie Woad emerge victorious on her professional debut, fending off a star-studded field which included world number one Nelly Korda making her first appearance at the event.

The tournament saw record crowds gather to watch the star-studded field battle it out over Kyle Phillips’ acclaimed links course, with 11,000 spectators attending across a week – the highest in the event’s history.

Wooddisse said: “We are extremely grateful to receive this award, especially as it’s voted for by the players and LET staff themselves.

It’s a real honour for the entire team. The build-up to tournament week involves countless hours of preparation and during the event our staff and volunteers work tirelessly from early morning until late in the day to ensure the course is presented at its very best.

“To hear such positive feedback from the players – who compete on the finest courses around the world – is incredibly rewarding and makes all of that hard work worthwhile.”

This July, the venue will welcome the tournament back for the 2026 ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, extending the resort’s long-standing association with one of the marquee events on the global women’s golf calendar.

The tournament will be the only LPGA Tour event held in Scotland and will mark the eighth time in 12 years that it has been held at Dundonald Links – and the fifth straight year in a row.

David-Ross Nicol, director of golf at Dundonald Links, said: “Rob and his team set the standard year after year, and this award is a fitting recognition of the care, expertise and sheer hard work that goes into presenting the course at the highest possible level.

Tournament week demands an enormous amount behind the scenes and the condition of the course this year was nothing short of exceptional. We’re incredibly proud of what the team has achieved.

“With the 2026 ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open on the horizon, there’s already a real sense of excitement building across the resort. We’re looking forward to welcoming the world’s best players back to Dundonald Links and delivering another unforgettable championship.”

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When I was a kid, one of the first boxes of golf balls I was ever given was the Top Flite brand. Back then, it was a bit more about the price of the golf ball vs. the actual performance. I was young, learning the game, and the Top Flite was cheap.

The golf ball was a Top Flite XL, something that has been a standard for them for a long time. I didn’t think too much about this golf ball and whether or not it was high quality because I was new to the game and just happy to be playing.

One day my uncle tossed me a Maxfli ball and said, “try this.” It was an entirely different experience, and there began my interest in how different one golf ball brand can be from another.

I’ll share some of my experience with Top Flite through the years and try to help you decide if this is a good golf brand you should be using when you play.

Quick Facts About Top Flite

• At one point, Callaway golf owned Top Flite
• Top Flite has always been known as being a value brand
• Dick’s Sporting Goods currently owns Top Flite
• No professionals use Top Flite
• Beginners and high handicappers can often find solutions from Top Flite

My Thoughts on Top Flite Balls and Clubs

Before we get into the details and specifics of the Top Flite balls and clubs, I should be upfront about the fact that some players will benefit from this equipment and others that should stay away.

Top Flite is not the most premium golf brand in the industry, and that creates solutions for some and headaches for others. The key here is to find out what Top Flite does a good job with and see if you fit into that player profile.

Golf Club Sets

Golf club sets are one of the most popular sellers for Top Flite. These are complete sets built for beginner players, occasional golfers, or even high handicappers. The great thing about the sets is the value.

The bad news here is the feel and longevity.

Putting something like a Top Flite Gamer club in your hand has a completely different feel than something from Cobra or Cleveland. The main differences here are advances in technology and materials.

The research and development that Top Flite puts into its gear is nothing like what Titleist or Callaway does. This is because Top Flite knows its target market. They know that an affordable golf club that is easy to hit is all that their customers are looking for.

Individual Clubs

In addition to golf club sets, Top Flite offers individual clubs that you can purchase. The best deal is the complete set, as it comes with everything, including the bag. However, if you are in the market for just a driver or a wedge, the Top Flite equipment is some of the cheapest you can find.

I like the idea of the individual clubs for new player that wants to test out the game before they commit to a big spend. In addition, for teens and young adults, this also creates a good option from an affordability standpoint.

Expect average distance, good forgiveness, and a decent feel.

Women’s Golf Clubs

The women’s golf clubs come both as a complete set and as individual club selections. This set is specifically for a newer player or a woman golfer who only plays occasionally. It’s very lightweight, has graphite shafts, and encourages a higher ball flight.

Women golfers looking into beginner golf sets have a few options to choose from, and this one should likely be considered in the mix from a value standpoint. Most of the clubs are only sold at Dick’s Sporting Goods as this is their brand.

If you have been in the game a while, and are used to the feel and precision of Callaway, Cobra, or TaylorMade, don’t switch to the Top Flite golf club sets.

Junior Club

The junior clubs are probably my favorite thing about the Top Flite brand. With kid’s golf clubs, it’s important to stay with something affordable. Kids grow out of clubs quickly, and unless your child is playing in tournaments and events, the specifications and technology of the club doesn’t matter all that much.

What does matter is the fitting and the height ranges for Top Flite junior clubs make it easy to choose a set for your kid?

Each one comes with a golf bag, and it’s certainly enough to get any young child ready and excited about playing the game.

Golf Balls

The golf balls are probably where Top Flite is most well known. However, many golfers will tell you that Top Flite golf balls are hard and unforgiving. From personal experience, I can tell you that was absolutely the case for many years.

Golf balls from Top Flite were put on the market for players that lose several balls in a round.

However, through the years, they have grown their golf ball product line and tried to appeal more to the average golfer looking for a mix of quality and value.

The golf balls are good, not great, and the three piece models like the Gamer are much better than the value two piece models.

Forgiveness

Top Flite golf clubs forgive because they are offset and have a large sweet spot. However, when it comes to technology like tungsten weighting or AI-optimized center of gravity, Top Flite can’t compete.

Feel

Feel is my least favorite thing about the Top Flite brand. If your main concern is to play with a club that has that buttery smooth feel when you make contact, the Top Flite is not the best choice for you.

These clubs feel a little harsh, and it mostly has to do with the material selection and manufacturing. These are not forged golf clubs, and premium metals are not being used. This is not a big concern for a golfer who plays once a month.

For the golfer that plays every day, I would recommend going with something a bit more refined.

Distance

Top Flite has good distance technology. Will the driver fly as far or have as high of a ball speed as something like the TaylorMade Stealth? Probably not. However, many golfers are comfortable with certain distance ranges, and for the most part, Top Flite is not going to cause you to fall out of those ranges.

Combining the Top Flite clubs with one of their distance balls will probably give you the best chance for lots of roll and long distance. This combination, however may be difficult to get a ball to stop on the green where you want it.

Longevity

Top Flite golf clubs can last for a long time, but chances are this is a set you will replace in a few years. In most situations, the technology in the Top Flite sets becomes outdated quickly, and the resale value is not very high.

Top Flite golf clubs will not break or become damaged after a few rounds; they have much better quality than that. Just be careful about how often you play and whether or not you expect to keep these in the bag for the long haul.

Value

The initial costs of the Top Flite golf clubs are very fair. In fact, some of the fairest in the industry. If your primary concern is the total cost of the golf clubs you purchase, the Top Flite brand is worth looking at.

In addition, it feels that you get what you pay for with Top Flite.

Who Should Play Top Flite?

Golfers that are occasional players, new to the game, or just need a backup set of clubs when friends come to visit should consider the Top Flite clubs.

Some high handicappers may enjoy the style of the club head and feel as though it encourages forgiveness, but it’s not always the best fit for higher handicappers.

As far as the Top Flite golf balls are concerned, you may want to consider the three-piece options like the Gamer to get a bit more feel.

Not all Top Flite golf balls are considered “Rock Flight” anymore.

My Favorite Golf Club Brand

As you have seen, the Top Flite brand is not my favorite for high-quality and impressive golf equipment. From a value standpoint, I can’t say that Top Flite is a poor choice. However, my favorite golf club brand is still Titleist.

Titleist has some of the more premium golf clubs on the market, with an impressive feel, high-quality materials, and advanced engineering and design. However, in addition to golf clubs, Titleist also makes the best ball in the game.

Titleist also manufactures Scotty Cameron putters. The depth of their product line and the quality of each of the individual products help this stand out as my favorite golf club brand.

Although I don’t always play Titleist, they are my hands-down favorite.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children. Current Handicap: 1

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Do you remember the days when a premium golf bag was $100?

Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. Along with most other things in the sport, golf bags are getting more expensive. A lot of this comes down to the type of golf bag you choose, the brand, and the features you are looking for.

We have put together a guide to help you understand how much to pay for a golf bag and a few of our favorite picks for the best golf bags on the market.

How Much Does a New Golf Bag Cost?

A new golf bag can cost anywhere from around $50 to well over $500. The average golf bags are in the $150 to $300 range. One of the biggest indicators of golf bag pricing is the details of what you are looking for in the bag.

Value Bag

A value-priced golf bags are those in the $50-$100 range. The things you will quickly notice about these golf bags are that they are not feature-rich, and they are typically smaller.

Many Sunday golf bags fall into this category. They are low in price but won’t even have enough storage for all 14 of your golf clubs.

You can expect that with a value bag, the color will probably fade, and there will be issues with fabric and zippers at some point that cause you to need a replacement. However, for those on a budget or golfers looking for an extra bag, this is a good choice.

The value bag is also smart for beginners that are not sure they plan to stick with the game.

Average Bag

The average golf bag ranges from around $100 to $200. At the higher end of this range, you may see some premium bags that are a year or two old, and their pricing is starting to drop.

In this price range, you will notice that the cart bags are more expensive than the stand bags. Most cart bags are bigger and have some extra features that the stand bags don’t have. This makes them a bit more expensive.

Although this is not a cheap price range for bags, it is where most golfers will end up when they decide on something to purchase.

Premium Golf Bag

Premium golf bags are for golfers that are not willing to sacrifice features and functionality. If you want magnetic pockets, a place to store all of your valuables, and a removable ball pocket that can be customized, this is the category you will end up in.

Premium golf bags are known to last for a long time and often have fabric that does not fade or rip.

These golf bags are made by some of the best manufacturers in the game, and they often come with warranties. Expect the costs here to be over the $200 mark, with most getting closer to $300.

Luxury

A luxury golf bag will have many of the same features as a premium golf bag, except the fabric will typically be a bit more advanced. Many of these bags are leather or hand sewn and are ordered more as specialty items.

Although we consider this category to be in the $400-$500 range, there are some bags that can go into the $1000 range.

With luxury golf bags, you typically get something that is more of a one-of-a-kind piece. You will

also notice that many tour-style golf bags can be considered more of a luxury item.

The 2 Main Types of Golf Bags

There are two main types of golf bags a stand bag and a cart bag. Although you can use a stand bag for various purposes, using a cart bag for anything other than riding on a cart can be a bit of a nuisance.

Stand Bag

A stand bag is meant for walking the golf course. Most of these will come with a strap on the back that allows you to carry the golf bag almost like a backpack. The stand bag is typically sleek looking and a bit more lightweight than a cart bag.

One of the best things about stand bags is that if you choose not to walk the course and you want to ride for one round, the stand bag can work for you.

Most of the time, stand bags are a bit lower in price than cart bags.

Cart Bag

A cart bag is a golf bag designed specifically for a golf cart. When you put the golf cart bag into the cart, it straps in tightly and won’t move much as you play. Cart bags are great for protecting your golf clubs as well as allowing you to store all of your golf gear.

One thing that you have to watch out for with cart bags is that they are a bit heavier, and they can also be more money.

If you are a player that does not have much gear and doesn’t want much gear, you may not need a cart bag.

What You Should Expect to Pay for a Golf Bag (Based on Skill Level)

Another factor that comes into play when looking for a golf bag is how your skill level will impact the bag you choose. Of course, it’s fine for any player to choose a bag that they love; there are some things here to keep in mind.

Remember also that regardless of your handicap, you must consider whether you like to walk or ride the golf course. Walking the course with a big heavy cart bag is not fun at all!

Beginner/High Handicap

Beginners and high handicappers should look for golf bags that are lightweight and cheap. If golf ends up being a sport that you don’t stick with, there is no sense in owning a $400 golf bag. Stay in the $75 to $150 range.

If you go for a stand bag, walking becomes an option, and that can save some money as well.

Mid Handicap

The mid handicapper makes up the majority of the golfing population. This is the group of players that typically spend between $100 and $250 on a golf bag. If you play golf on a cart, most of the time, tour cart bags are a great solution; tour bags are not necessary at all.

With mid handicappers, make sure to have full-length apparel pockets to be able to fit golf in all year long and have the proper equipment with you.

Low Handicap

Low handicap players tend to look for golf bags that have a few extra features. Things like a cooler pocket, full length dividers to protect golf gear, premium shoulder strap, and easy lift handles. Low handicap players are often the most particular of golfers and spend $250 and up on new golf bags.

The type of golf bag that works best for low-handicap players will vary depending on whether you prefer to walk or ride the course.

Our Top 3 Golf Bags to Consider

Here are some of the best golf bags on the market in various price ranges. New bags come to the market every year, and they offer technology that you may not have even known about.

Things like swivel tops and magnetic pockets have been some of the more recent additions to golf bags in the last few years.

Best Overall for Beginners/High Handicappers: Snake Eyes Golf Ultra Premium Cart Bag

Pros

• Velour lined valuables pocket
• Rangefinder pocket
• 2 Full length garment pockets
• 14 Way top

Cons

• Not the best choice for the beginner that likes to walk the course
• Limited color selection

For a beginner golfer who is new to the game but wants to feel well-equipped to spend some time out on the golf course, the Snake Eyes Golf Ultra Premium Cart Bag is a great option to consider.

This 10” top has 14 full-length dividers making sure that all of your clubs are adequately protected as you ride around the course. This bag also works well on a push cart for those that want to walk and push their clubs.

There are a total of 9 pockets to accommodate a wide variety of your gear. In addition, an insulated hydration pocket makes sure you are always feeling hydrated before you swing.

Best for Golfers on a Budget (Izzo Ultralight Stand Bag)

Pros

• Customizable ball pocket
• Dual strap carry system
• 3.2 pounds total weight

Cons

• The bag will fade over time
• Full-length dividers are not all that durable; not very many of them

With 6 different colors to choose from and some of the more lightweight technology on the market, this is a great budget golf bag. With budget golf bags, players have to be willing to give up a feature or two, and with the Ultra Lite Stand Bag, you won’t have to sacrifice much.

The bag is made of high-strength polyester, and it only weighs 2.3 pounds. The dual carry strap works well to balance the weight between your two shoulders. If you are walking the course, the Izzo Ultralight Stand Bag has enough room to accommodate everything you need.

Best Premium Golf Bag: Sun Mountain C-130 Cart Bag

Pros

• One water-resistant pocket
• Ventilated cooler pocket
• Separate putter compartment
• More than 8 colors to choose from
• Fourteen individual club dividers

Cons

• Sun Mountain has always made some of the higher-priced golf bags on the market

Sun Mountain makes some of the most premium golf bag choices on the market. With the Sun Mountain C-130, expect fourteen individual club dividers, a dedicated putter compartment, and velour-lined valuables pockets for all of your belongings.

The Sun Mountain brand always seems to tap into exactly what players are looking for. They break down the things that matter most for golfers, like organization and ease of use, and build premium quality golf bags that touch on all of these points.

There are a total of 13 pockets in this golf bag, making it incredibly easy to put all of your gear where it belongs. In addition, players of all levels love the dedicated putter compartment that holds your most used golf club.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children. Current Handicap: 1

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