Welcome everyone to the 2024 golf season. It’s a great time of the year. The weather is getting warmer, and golfers are getting the rust off their games. Leagues are starting and the golf course is the place to be.

Once again, this year I will be writing articles in the Sullivan County Democrat sports section. From giving tips to help your game, keeping sharp on the rules of the game, and chatting about things going on in the golf world and here locally in the county.

Let me start off by saying the PGA championship held this past week was very entertaining right up to the last putt. Xander Schauffle making a 6-foot putt on the last hole to win a pressure packed moment. Kudos to him for getting his first major championship. 

For this week’s tip I would recommend early in the season to really check your grip first and foremost. It’s the only connection you have to the club. It’s your steering wheel. Get used to the proper grip here early in the season so you don’t feel uncomfortable all year. I see many players top hand on the club not over the top of the club so you can see two knuckles.

You always want two see the second finger and third finger knuckles when getting set or addressing the ball. The bottom hand most players hands are too far under the club. It should be positioned from your wrists all the way up to your elbow from the top side of your arm is one straight line. If your bottom hand is curved under too much bring it back over to the left.

When you’re hitting balls on the driving range practice the different grip positions till you get it right. It really is the most important lesson you can get. There is once again this year PGA golf professionals in the county that can help you with your game. Bob Menges at the Roscoe Mountain Club, Geoff and Taylor Walsh at Tarry Brae and Lochmor and yours truly at the Villa Roma CC. 

Getting a lesson to start the season will definitely help your game.