Alright, let’s not delay this promise any longer — 2026 is definitely, almost certainly, absolutely going to be the year you finally get better. There are a ton of ways to do that — reading GOLF Magazine, watching our videos, booking a lesson, and getting fit for clubs — but you can also learn a lot just by reading this website. So in an effort to get you started toward your 2026 goal, we’re rolling out five key tips to focus on next year. Now read up and get to work.
No. 1 — Instantly make more putts
No. 2 — Fix your chipping
No. 3 — Add speed to your swing
5 key tips for 2026: Find more fairways
If your golf game is anything like mine (let’s hope it’s not), you need to find the fairway a lot more.
Rory McIlroy said that one of his biggest keys for amateur golfers to lower their scores is for them not to try to hit shots that they are incapable of pulling off. The need to try the “hero shot” normally arises when you are out of position. If you find yourself in the fairway more, the need to attempt shots that you shouldn’t attempt should decrease.
So, what’s the key to putting the ball in the short grass more often in 2026? GOLF Top 100 teacher Kellie Stenzel says that finding the fairway comes down to a few things.
“Finding the fairway, like most solid golf shots, comes from a fundamental setup and being in balance throughout the swing,” Stenzel said. “Something as fundamental as a good grip, so that the club face is square at impact and this makes it so much easier to aim correctly and encourages a proper swing path. Being in balance at address and throughout the golf swing is certainly key to making solid contact and ending up in the fairway.”
According to Stenzel, there’s a simple practice drill to help fine-tune your balance and grip and ensure you’re finding more fairways in 2026.
“A great practice technique is to hit balls with your feet close together as this will force you to be efficient and stay in balance,” Stenzel said. “Extend this practice to the tee shot and attempt to hold your finish until the golf ball lands. If you are balanced to start and throughout your swing to finish your odds of hitting the fairway are very high.”
So, when you’re grinding this winter in preparation for the 2026 golf season, work on your balance and your grip and find more fairways in the New Year.
