As we're seeing in the early going at The 148th Open Championship, Royal Portrush is going to test every aspect of players' games. The many questions that Portrush asks demand multiple solutions, so for a variety of Open-related tips, we reached out to Titleist staff member Trillium Rose, who shared her take on a few situations that you'll likely face in links golf.
Enjoy these tips from Trillium and let us know ow they help your game. Please also be sure to check out her Instagram page and explore Trillium's website for more instructional content, as well as Titleist social media channels.
100-Foot Putt
Keys for Long Putts
- To roll the ball farther, swing the putter back farther.
- Maintain the same tempo that you use on a putt of any other length.
- Match the length of your follow-through to the backswing.
"It's not uncommon to find yourself faced with some very long putts in links golf. The greens can be very large and the fairways are so firm that putting from off the green is often a good option. The biggest issue I see when golfers have long putts is that they try to hit the ball too hard, with a quick, jabby stroke. Instead, simply lengthen your backswing and match the follow-through." – Trillium
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Launch It Lower
Keys for Controlling Launch
- Start with small half swings – hands about thigh-height – to ingrain the proper feeling of the club shaft leaning forward at impact.
- Let the club drop as you turn the body. You can't do it with your hands and arms alone.
- Match the length of your follow-through to the backswing.
"When the wind gets up, like it does at the Open Championship, you're going to have a very difficult time if you scoop or cast the club. In the wind, you need to flight the ball lower and the only way to do that is to deloft the club a bit through impact. Look at the players at Portrush this week and you'll see all of them leaning the clubshaft forward through impact to drive the ball under the wind." – Trillium
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Aiming 101
Keys for Aiming Properly
- Use alignment rods when you practice, both full swing and in the short game.
- Lay one stick on the ground ahead of your ball, in line with your target.
- Set a second alignment rod down, parallel to the first and close to your feet, so you can align your feet and body sqaure to the taget.
"On links courses, because the terrain is often very uniform looking, it can be difficult to pick out specific features to aim at. As you practice with your alignment rods, get used to spotting something – a blade of grass that stands out or a leaf or pebble – just ahead of your ball and on your target line. Align your clubface to that spot and then get into your stance. This will serve you well, whether you're playing in The Open or in your Sunday foursome." – Trillium
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De-Lofted vs. Closed
Key for Hitting the Ball Low
"When you try to lower your launch, make sure you keep the club face square as you lean the handle forward. I see may players try hit the ball lower by closing the face (turning the toe to the left for a right-handed player). If the face is closed at impact, the ball may fly a little lower, but it's also going to start left of the target line." – Trillium
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Team Titleist