👀 The Three-Putt: 3 Golf Picks You Can't Miss

📰 Must-Read: Have you checked out Trackman’s latest update? From “map my bag” to impact videos, your next sim session just got an upgrade.

⛳ Must-Try: Summer just got a little bit sweeter. Top Golf’s Summer Fun Pass is on sale for only $225. What’s included? Oh, just all you can play golf for you plus five friends. Check it out here. 

👀 Must-See: Does this dog have a better putting game than me? Honestly, maybe. Check out Sky’s trick shots! 

🔥 Sim Steals and Golf Deals

🏌️‍♂️Data Talks on the Tee: Launch Monitor Practice

The weather’s heating up, and chances are, you’re swapping the sim for the driving range. But just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you should ditch the data. Bring your launch monitor along—and let the numbers do the coaching.

Here are two driving range drills designed to help you turn swing thoughts into measurable progress.

Drill #1: Shirt Buttons & Belt Buckle — Add Driver Distance

Club: Driver
Setting: Driving Range + Launch Monitor
Frequency: 25–50 balls weekly

The Goal: Learn to generate effortless power by syncing your body rotation—then use your launch monitor to track if it’s actually working.

The Drill:

• Take practice swings focused only on rotating your shirt buttons and belt buckle together. Keep your backswing short, feet flat, and head steady.

• Hit 25–50 balls with that same controlled, connected swing.

Use Your Launch Monitor To:

• Track carry distance vs. swing effort. If your carry is within 5–10 yards of your full swing average, you’re creating power efficiently.

• Watch clubhead speed and smash factor. Look for increases in smash factor (1.48+ is a great goal), even if your swing speed doesn’t spike.

• Monitor side spin. Slices = shirt buttons outracing your hips. Hooks = hips rotating faster than upper body. Use spin numbers to spot these imbalances.

Over time, layer in a slightly fuller backswing—but only if your efficiency metrics (smash factor, ball speed, side spin) stay tight.

Drill #2: Ball Position & Setup — Optimize Your Hybrids

Clubs: 2–5 Hybrids
Setting: Driving Range + Launch Monitor
Frequency: 15 balls per club weekly

The Goal: Find your ideal ball position for each hybrid and use your launch monitor to confirm better contact and consistency.

The Drill:

• Use alignment sticks or markers to test a few ball positions—from center stance to just inside your front foot.

• Hit 15 shots per hybrid, keeping everything else consistent.

Use Your Launch Monitor To:

• Monitor launch angle. You’re aiming for ~12–18°—too low = ball back; too high = ball too far forward.

• Check spin rate. Around 4,000–5,500 RPM is ideal for most hybrids. Low spin = topped shots; high spin = weak flight.

• Compare carry distance. Your best ball position should give you high launch and consistent carry without sacrificing accuracy.

Once you find that sweet spot, take a photo for future sessions.

Got some data-backed driving range drills of your own? Let us know in the comments! 

‼️ Is the Square Launch Monitor Worth the Hype?

The price tag might say "entry-level," but the Square Golf Launch Monitor is anything but basic.

Designed specifically for indoor use, this compact, camera-based launch monitor delivers the kind of data you'd expect from models 3–5x the price. It gives you accurate readings on ball speed, launch angle, spin rate (with marked balls), and even basic club data (with shaft tape)—plus it works seamlessly with GSPro, E6 Connect, and Awesome Golf. That means serious sim play without the serious subscription fees.

But the real kicker? It actually fits in tight spaces. Unlike radar-based monitors that need a ton of room to track ball flight, Square Golf uses high-speed photometric tracking and sits just a few feet behind the ball. Whether you're hitting in a basement, garage, or office, this monitor keeps up.

Extra perks you’ll love:

• Built-in simulator with 10 courses and a driving range (1,000 credits included—roughly 55 full rounds)

• Instant feedback after each shot—no lag

• Swing Stick accessory for no-net practice and limited ceiling height

• No recurring fees for launch monitor features

• Putting analysis that outperforms more expensive units

My Experience: Setup + Play Test

I was genuinely impressed by how easy the setup was. After downloading the app and running a quick firmware update, I was connected via Bluetooth to my iPad in under five minutes. The app walks you through everything with clear tutorials, and once I got the hang of ball positioning, it was smooth sailing.

The first shot surprised me—the data popped up instantly with no lag, and it felt like a legit simulator experience right away. I switched to “Premium Ball” mode and compared the carry numbers to what I typically see on Trackman at my club—they were within a few yards. Not bad for something under $700.

One of my favorite features? The putting analysis. It tracked speed, direction, and distance with shocking accuracy, making my practice sessions feel way more complete. I also tested the Swing Stick—it doesn’t feel exactly like a real club, but it’s a clever solution if you’ve got limited space or want to let the kids take a swing.

Bottom line: Square Golf delivers serious value and surprisingly good data for the price. If you’ve been waiting for an affordable way to build a sim setup, this might be your green light.

Read our full review here. 

⛳ Sim Spotlight

This sim shed has us drooling. Give it up for u/a_baculum!

So THIS is why my putting game sucks…

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Up & Down by Tim O’Connor

Explore your relationship with golf, mindfulness, and music with award-winning writer and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Inductee, Tim O’Connor. Through his weekly essays, Tim shares insights that will elevate your game and mindset. Join 1K+ subscribers for empowering  3-5 minute reads and game-changing wisdom.

And don’t miss Tim’s podcast, Swing Thoughts.