Acing Your New Year Golf Goals

It has been said that "everything old is new again." With this in mind, we thought it fitting to bring back some classic pointers from the legendary Harvey Penick – "one of the country's best golf teachers" – as we settle into a new season at The Club at Olde Cypress. While most golf-game advice is better when it's custom-tailored to an individual golfer, we think the insights from Penick's Little Red Book below are remarkably universal – and they just might make their way into your New Year's resolutions. 

I. Don't Relax 

Perhaps you've heard a friend or instructor tell you to "relax" while taking your stance. While it might sound counterintuitive, New York Times Magazine writes, "Penick cautions against being too languid. 'Be at ease. If you are at ease, you are relaxed — but ready,' he writes." Luckily, being at ease is something that feels natural on the many golf courses in Naples FL. Being with friends helps too so you might want to kick off 2025 with an Olde Cypress social golf mixer or tournament!  

II. Get A Grip

Once you're feeling more at ease, you'll likely find it easier to perfect your grip. And grip is something that shouldn't be overlooked! Most golfers know the importance of having their clubs fitted, and the same goes for your grips. Penick's longtime student Ben Crenshaw remembers, "Penick said, 'If you don't have a good grip, you aren't gonna play good golf.' It can't be more clear than that." If you have thought about your strong vs weak golf grip, you might be looking to change it up a bit; consider taking a lesson with our team or scheduling a tune up with a pro. 

III. Go Back To Basics  

While we're talking about the less glamorous parts of the game, a basic element like ball position just might set you up for your first eagle in golf or even the coveted golf albatross. A golf.com article summarizes Penick's foolproof tip, "start at your lead heel for the driver and 3-wood and move back a fraction of an inch for each club until you reach your 9-iron."

IV. Ace Your Aim 

Next, it's time to see where you're aimed and what adjustments you might need to make before sending the ball sailing down the fairway. Rather than relying on the common alignment stick method of checking aim, Penick advised: "Take your stance and hold a club shaft along the front of your thighs. Look where the club is pointing, and you will see where you are aimed." 

V. Putt to Perfection  

Penick reminds us that "just as many putts are missed behind the hole as short of it." While a strong shot can be a great way to achieve a good golf score, sometimes a light touch is best! Think about it this way: while each hole is always the same physical size, "the cup is only one inch wide for a putt that is struck too hard. The cup is four inches wide for a ball that dies at the hole."

Now go get out there! 

Interested in learning more about golf membership at Olde Cypress? Click here to contact Director of Membership and Marketing Melissa Hansen today.