Play Smart w/ Zephyr Melton

Do I need to know how to hit draws and fades?

It’s great to master one shot shape, but how important is it to be able to shape the ball in both directions? Teaching professional Addison Craig explains why it’s advantageous to be able to hit both a draw and a fade while showing GOLF’s Zephyr Melton a few tips to hit in either direction.

Instruction
players hit balls on the range ahead of the 2025 masters

Masters range data shows key practice habit you should follow

In today’s edition of Play Smart, we dig into data from the Augusta National practice range that shows a key habit you should follow.
Instruction
jordan spieth swings on the range at the 2025 masters

Masters tech shows 1 key move Jordan Spieth uses to hit pure irons

In this edition of Play Smart, we use GOLFTEC’s OptiMotion technology to break down Jordan Spieth’s key swing move.
Instruction
ball teed it with driver hovering above it

Why knowing how to hit fades *and* draws is so important

In today’s edition of Play Smart, GOLF Teacher to Watch Addison Craig explains the benefits of knowing how to shape the ball both ways.
Putting
cam smith putts during the 2022 open championship at st andrews

All great putters do this 1 thing over the ball, says top instructor

In this edition of Play Smart, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Dave Phillips explains a setup trick that he sees great putters use.
Driving
jordan spieth points to the right during the 2014 ryder cup

Cure your slice for good (seriously!) with this foolproof trick

In this edition of Play Smart, GOLF Teacher to Watch James Hong shares an easy swing feel that will instantly correct your slice.
Instruction
tee boxes on golf course with ocean in background

I’m trying this genius tactic in 2025 to teach myself how to go low

GOLF.com editor Zephyr Melton explains a clever way he’s aiming to teach himself to shoot lower scores this season.
Driving
bernie najar shows zephyr melton how to properly start the takeaway

How I added swing speed with 1 easy tip

In today’s edition of Play Smart, GOLF.com editor Zephyr Melton explains how one simple tip helped him add swing speed.
Instruction
arnold palmer hits bunker shot at augusta national
Insiders Only

10 simple (& brilliant) pieces of golf advice from Arnold Palmer

With four Masters wins, Arnold Palmer is one of the greatest golfers of all time. Here are 10 swing tips from The King to improve your swing.
Driving
hal sutton hits driver before 2018 ryder cup in past captain's match
Insiders Only

Major winner shares 10 keys for splitting every fairway

Hitting your driver with accuracy can be a huge asset for your game. Here are 10 keys for splitting every fairway from Hal Sutton.
Approach Shots
johnny miller hits a tee shot during the masters
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Johnny Miller’s ‘single best tip’ for hitting pure irons

Johnny Miller once called this drill his “single best tip” for improving ball striking. Try it out and you’ll hit it better than ever.
Driving
ernie els swings a driver during the 2025 cologuard classic
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How to use a smooth tempo to generate power — just like Ernie Els

How do cultivate a smooth swing while also generating power? All you have to do is take a page out of Ernie Els’ book.
Instruction
PGA Tour pro collin morikawa hits iron shot during the 2025 arnold palmer invitational
Insiders Only

This is the magic number of greens you need to hit to break 80

Breaking 80 requires that you average eight greens in regulation per round. Here’s how to hit that target goal.
Instruction
johnny miller swings during the 1983 masters
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Johnny Miller: How to keep your swing healthy as you age

Back in 1981, Johnny Miller joined GOLF Magazine to share some of his tips for keeping his swing healthy as he aged.
Instruction
chris dimarco hits a tee shot during the 2015 puerto rico open
Insiders Only

Tour winner has 4 big tips for becoming a lethal money-game golfer

Chris DiMarco shows you how to be a better money-game player with smart tee shots, deadly short-iron accuracy and clutch putting.
Bunker Shots
golfer hits shot from bunker with sun shining through the trees in background
Insiders Only

This common mistake kills your bunker game. Here’s how to fix it

Having trouble escaping the sand? You might be hitting too far behind the ball in the bunker. Here’s how to fix that flaw.
Fitness
motion analysis from proscreen with student next to it
Insiders Only

How high-tech mobility analysis diagnosed this golfer’s swing flaws

In this edition of Shaving Strokes, Top 100 Teacher Tom Stickney explains how he used Proscreen AI to help diagnose a student’s flaws.
Instruction
One move great players make around the greens
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This sneaky ‘toe tap’ move will improve your chipping instantly

Want to boost your short game? This simple drill will teach you to properly shift your pressure on delicate wedge shots around the green.
Instruction
golfer in yellow shirts celebrates on green
Insiders Only

Simple course-management tips for breaking 100, 90, 80 and par

Want to break through a scoring barrier this season? Follow these simple tips from GOLF Top 100 Teacher Joey Wuertemberger.
Driving
aldrich potgieter hits a tee shot

Want to hit longer drives? Use this drill to increase your attack angle

Hitting longer drives can be achieved by increasing your attack angle. Here’s an easy drill to practice that.
Instruction
scottie scheffler hits tee shot at torrey pines during the 2025 genesis invitational

What a consistent golfer *really* looks like, according to data

What does consistent golf *really* look like? GOLF Top 100 Teacher Trent Wearner shows us — and explains how you can achieve it.
Instruction
eric cole hits balls on driving range at the sentry
Insiders Only

4 key ways Tour pros practice smarter than weekend warriors

Tour pros don’t just play better than amateurs, they practice better, too. Here are four key ways they do it.
Instruction
an aerial view of the 1st hole of augusta national golf club
Insiders Only

5 holes that will decide the Masters (hint: not on the back 9)

Everyone knows the saying that the Masters doesn’t start until the back nine on Sunday, but the first five holes are pretty important, too.
Instruction
Expert golf tips for fast improvement
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8 simple tips for improving your golf game

These expert tips will boost your golf IQ, elevate your game, and lay a solid foundation for long-term success.
Bunker Shots
golfer hits shot from bunker with sun shining through the trees in background
Insiders Only

This common mistake kills your bunker game. Here’s how to fix it

Having trouble escaping the sand? You might be hitting too far behind the ball in the bunker. Here’s how to fix that flaw.
Short Game
nelly korda hits a wedge during the 2024 solheim cup
Insiders Only

Follow these 6 keys for better contact with your wedges

Looking to make more consistent contact with your wedges? Follow these six keys from GOLF Top 100 Teacher Kellie Stenzel.
Short Game
wedge on ground next to ball with white shoes in background
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5 reasons you chunk chip shots — and how to fix them

No one likes to chunk a chip shot around the greens, so he’s a quick fix that will help make sure you never do it again.
Instruction
jerry king demonstrates swing drill
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Stop straightening your trail arm before impact for better contact

A move to avoid for every player is straightening your trail arm before impact. Here’s a drill to help avoid it.
Instruction
What causes a slice and how to fix it
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4 top teachers explain what causes a slice — and how to fix it

These top teachers can help you better understand why you’re missing shots to the right and even help you fix it.
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Latest Instruction Videos

Masters Secrets: 7 Major Champs Reveal Augusta National Prep

As golf fans we LOVE talking about the Masters. We LOVE talking about Augusta National. But guess what: Top pros do, too. We’ve noticed while filming episodes of Warming Up that everyone lights up when the Masters comes up.

This tip will help your warmups be more effective and enhance your range practice

Bridges Cup competitor Jonathan Bale shows golf analyst and coach Simon Holmes a great stretch to do before warming up on the range. He also explains what you should be doing before you arrive to the course for the most effective warmup.

Crazy hooks and slices with Bubba Watson | Pros Teaching Joes

Master’s Champion Bubba Watson is the king of hitting massive hooks and slices, working the ball in any direction he desires. But can he help us do the same thing? Sean Zak finds out.

Do I need to know how to hit draws and fades?

It’s great to master one shot shape, but how important is it to be able to shape the ball in both directions? Teaching professional Addison Craig explains why it’s advantageous to be able to hit both a draw and a fade while showing GOLF’s Zephyr Melton a few tips to hit in either direction.

How to perfectly grip the golf club every time

GOLF Top 100 Teacher Debbie Doniger shows GOLF’s Zephyr Melton the basics of the golf grip and provides a few checkpoints to ensure you have a solid grip.