Ever wondered why Rory’s driver looks effortless or how Scottie Scheffler keeps every iron laser-straight? The secret is in the slow motion golf swing. In 2025, fans and coaches alike are breaking down the best PGA Tour swings in ultra HD slow-mo — from Tiger Woods’ timeless mechanics to Collin Morikawa’s pinpoint iron play. Watch frame-by-frame, learn pro secrets, and discover the swing tips every golfer should copy this season.
The Best Swing Shots in Slow Motion (2025) — Pro Tips & Video Breakdowns
By GolfSolutions Club — slow-mo breakdowns, what to copy, and raw POV analysis
If you want to see world-class mechanics in a freeze frame — slow motion is the microscope. Below I’ve pulled the cleanest ultra slow-mo swings from 2025, embedded the original clips, and explained the exact, repeatable bits you should focus on to fix your game. This isn’t fluff — it’s what tour players do when they practice behind closed doors.
Why Slow Motion Swings Matter
Slow motion footage strips away scoreboard noise and lets you watch cause and effect: how the hips start, what the hands do at impact, and when the clubface squares. If you want to learn from the best, study the moment the club meets the ball — not the celebration that comes after.
If you’re a mid-handicapper chasing more distance and accuracy off the tee, don’t miss our review of the
Best Drivers for Mid Handicaps in 2026
— packed with pro-level insights and recommendations.
And because the ball matters just as much as the club, explore our breakdown of the
Best Golf Balls for Beginners & Pro Tips
to maximize spin, control, and distance for your game.
Top Slow-Mo Swings of 2025 (Embeds)
Below are my picks for the most instructive slow-motion swings of 2025. I embedded official clips and high-quality fan uploads so you — and your readers — can scrub frame-by-frame.
Watch Scottie’s textbook tempo and how his body unwinds through impact. Key frames: transition, slot, impact. Source video: YouTube.
Pro note: Notice the consistent rear-hip coil at the top and how he maintains width. That’s the engine for his repeatable impact.
Collin Morikawa — iron precision in slow motion
Morikawa’s approach swings are a clinic in face control and path — watch the down-the-line iron strikes in slow mo. Source video: YouTube.
Pro note: Morikawa’s clubface control through impact is a masterclass for anyone chasing consistent iron shape.
Rory McIlroy — power and release in slow motion
Rory mixes speed and sequencing better than almost anyone — the slow mo shows how he separates lower and upper body to create speed without losing control. Source video: YouTube.
Pro note: Watch the lag into impact and the instantaneous release — that split second is where power becomes usable control.
Tiger Woods — classic mechanics captured slow
Even in comeback footage, Tiger’s sequence and compression show why he’s still the gold standard for impact. Slow mo highlights the clubhead speed and body angles. Source video: YouTube.
Pro note: Compression at contact + extension through the shot — you can see both in slow motion. That combo is a shortcut to better ball flight.
Tommy Fleetwood — smooth tempo, clean release
Tommy’s iron play in ultra slow-mo illustrates connection between body and clubface control. This is ideal slow-mo viewing for iron feel. Source: PGA Tour feature + YouTube.
Pro note: Smooth tempo creates consistent strike — practice tempo variations and film them in slow-mo to find your repeatable rhythm.
What to Copy — Quick Drills
Impact freeze drill: Hit half shots and freeze on contact (or film slow-mo). If your chest collapses forward, you’re losing power and consistency.
Step-back camera drill: Take down-the-line slow-mo video from 240–480 fps and compare your transition to the pros above.
Slow-tempo ladder: Start swings at 50% speed → 70% → 90% → full speed, filming each step in slow mo to see where timing breaks down.
Pro Takeaways (Common Traits)
Across the best swings you’ll notice the same three things: (1) a clear sequencing of hips leading the strike, (2) consistent clubface control through impact, and (3) a repeatable posture and spine angle. Slow motion makes these non-negotiable traits obvious — film, compare, repeat.
Watch List: Playlists & Further Viewing
For deeper study, check the full playlists and channels that consistently post high-fps slow-mo footage and swing breakdowns — they’re gold for anyone serious about improving.
Procore Championship 2025 Round 1 is officially underway at Silverado Resort in Napa — and the fairways are already alive with birdies, bogeys, and bold plays. Whether you’re tracking live PGA TOUR scores, hunting for Round 1 highlights, or looking for insider analysis from a pro golfer’s perspective, you’ve landed in the right place. This is your front-row seat to every leaderboard shift, clutch putt, and can’t-miss moment from the opening round of one of the season’s most exciting PGA TOUR stops.
Procore Championship 2025 — Round 1 Live Coverage (Silverado, Napa)
By GolfSolutions Club — Live updates, pro analysis and the leaderboard | Sep 11, 2025
Silverado’s slopes didn’t come to play — and neither did the guys near the top. Here’s live, eyes-on-the-ball coverage from Round 1 of the Procore Championship — tee shots, birdies, bogies, and the kind of hard-earned pro perspective you won’t get from the highlight reel.
Quick Score (Toplines)
Early leaderboards show shotmakers already carving into the course — expect a low number at the top by close of day. This is a tune-up week for a lot of Ryder Cup contenders, and the field’s depth means one hot day will vault someone way up the board. (Tournament: Silverado Resort North Course, Par 72.)
Live Leaderboard (ESPN / PGA TOUR)
Live scoreboard — click to open full interactive scores and hole-by-hole cards
If the live frame doesn’t load in your browser, use the links above. Live scores updated on ESPN / PGA TOUR.
Round 1 — What I’m watching (pro voice)
Alright — scratch the polish and listen: Silverado is firm and the fairways bite if you’re off-line. Today’s winners aren’t just long; they’re the ones keeping the ball under control into greens and making the putts when it matters. Look for the guys who mix controlled tee shots with mid-iron precision; they’re the ones who’ll run under par all week.
Pro takeaway: If you want a simple stat to watch — proximity to hole on approach (150–175 yards) will tell you who’s hungry. The course rewards good iron play and punishes greedy lines.
Key Moments & quotes
Early fireworks: A few low rounds already on the board — rooftop fireworks for the leaderboard later tonight.
Short game testing: Several players tested the grain on the putting surfaces; a hot putt can make a tee-to-green miss look irrelevant.
Ryder Cup watch: With many Ryder Cup names in the field, every birdie or bogey is being watched for form heading into late September.
Pairings to watch (today)
Scottie Scheffler group — star power and steady scoring; expect him to be in the mix.
Justin Thomas & friends — short game is sharp, can attack flags in Round 1.
Dark horses — keep an eye on sleepers getting hot early; models and pundits flagged a few under-the-radar names this week.
Social & micro-updates
Here are the official micro-updates — embedded straight from the tournament and PGA TOUR feeds. Live reactions, photos, and official announcements are below.
Official Procore Championship updates. (Source: ProcoreChamp X account.)
Following your favorite player? Here are some of the featured groups tee times for Thursday’s first round: pic.twitter.com/Al4X6o3H3y
U.S. viewers: Golf Channel and NBC Sports are carrying live coverage across tournament days. International coverage will vary by territory (Sky Sports in the U.K., regional rights holders elsewhere). For an interactive scoreboard and hole-by-hole updates use ESPN or the PGA TOUR live leaderboard.
Notes & sources
Key sources used for live facts, tee times, and the leaderboard:
PGA TOUR tournament overview & live leaderboard — official tournament details and scoring.
ESPN live leaderboard (interactive scoreboard).
GolfMonthly — tee times, field notes, and analysis about field strength / Ryder Cup relevance.
Official Procore Championship site & X feed for photos, social updates.
PGA TOUR X (PGATOUR) for highlights and official clips.
Live from TPC River’s Bend: Round 1 of the Kroger Queen City Championship 2025 kicks off with star-studded LPGA action. Follow every drive, putt, and leaderboard shake-up as Lydia Ko, rising rookies, and tour veterans battle for early dominance. Get real-time highlights, pro-golfer insights, and complete coverage of this can’t-miss LPGA Tour stop in Ohio.
Live Coverage Round 1 — Kroger Queen City Championship 2025 (TPC River’s Bend)
September 11, 2025 — Live notes, hole-by-hole reactions and the evolving leaderboard. From a pro-golfer’s eye, right inside the ropes.
Why Round 1 Matters
The first round is where energy meets nerves. At TPC River’s Bend, even the opening stretch forces commitment. A sloppy approach on the front nine can cost momentum, but a bold putt can set the tone for the entire week. I always say: if you can conquer your nerves on Thursday, you’ve already beaten half the field.
Leaderboard of Round 1 — Kroger Queen City Championship 2025
Snapshot captured Sep 11, 2025 (UTC+01:00). For the live, official leaderboard open: LPGA Official Leaderboard.
Pos
Player
Country
R1
To Par
Total
T1
Alena Sharp
CAN
71
−1
71
T1
Aditi Ashok
IND
71
−1
71
T1
Narin An
KOR
71
−1
71
T1
Jaravee Boonchant
THA
71
−1
71
T5
Caroline Masson
GER
72
E
72
T5
Daniela Darquea
ECU
72
E
72
T5
Gemma Dryburgh
SCO
72
E
72
T5
Alexa Pano
USA
72
E
72
T5
Soo Bin Joo
KOR
72
E
72
T5
Eun-Hee Ji
KOR
72
E
72
Sources: live leaderboard snapshots from ESPN and LPGA tournament pages, plus supporting coverage on Fox Sports and Flashscore. For the official, continuously updated leaderboard open the LPGA leaderboard link above.
Early tee times saw players attacking the soft greens, with birdies dropping on holes 2 and 5. But by midday, shifting winds turned the back nine into a grind — bogeys stacked up on the tricky par-4 13th. The leaderboard flipped several times before sunset, a true reflection of the course’s bite.
Hole-by-Hole Pro Notes
Hole 3 — Accuracy Rules
The tee shot has to find the short grass. Miss left and you’ll need a magician’s touch just to save par.
Hole 5 — Scoring Zone
This par-5 begs for aggression. If the pin’s front, I’m pulling a fairway wood — it’s risk-reward golf at its purest.
Hole 17 — Late Drama
A hole that decides tournaments. The amphitheater crowd, the swirling breeze, and a green that demands perfection — if you’re clutch here, you’re climbing the leaderboard.
Players to Watch in Round 1 — Kroger Queen City Championship 2025
Several rookies looked fearless, hitting irons like seasoned pros. Veterans leaned on course knowledge, especially around the undulating greens. Keep your eyes on the Rolex top-20 — they’re setting the bar, and the younger players are chasing hard.
Pro Takeaways
My biggest takeaway? Keep the ball below the hole and trust your lag putting. Too many players chased pins, only to face slippery downhill putts. Patience wins Thursdays — not fireworks.
Follow Live Updates for Round 1 — Kroger Queen City Championship 2025
Want real-time action? The official tournament and LPGA feeds are buzzing all day:
Our past champions #LydiaKo and #MinjeeLee had some impressive showings when they secured their victories in Cincy.
Day one at TPC River’s Bend delivered everything: birdie streaks, costly doubles, and a leaderboard still wide open. Expect the field to tighten tomorrow as pressure builds and pin positions toughen. If Round 1 was about nerves, Round 2 will be about survival.
Elevate Your Golf Game with Expert Insights
Whether you're refining your swing mechanics, selecting the perfect glove, or mastering the art of putting, our comprehensive guides have you covered:
Tired of chunking your irons? Learn pro-tested setup cues, impact drills, a 30-day practice plan, and simple swing fixes to start hitting crisp, ball-first iron shots.
How to Stop Chunking Irons — Simple, Pro-Tested Fixes for New Golfers
By GOLFSOLUTIONS — Straightforward, hands-on guidance for every shot from tee to green.
Chunked iron? I’ve been there — pros do, too. The good news: chunking is almost always a technique or setup glitch you can fix in a single practice session with the right cues. Below I’ll give you the proven causes, drills, and a 30-day practice plan so you stop thinning and chunking and start hitting crisp, ball-first iron strikes.
Why You Chunk Irons (Quick)
“Chunking” or hitting “fat” iron shots happens when the clubhead strikes the turf behind the ball instead of compressing the ball first.
As a pro, I tell students the cause usually falls into one (or more) of these categories:
Ball position or setup too far forward/back — incorrect relationship between ball and weight.
Golf Digest: Proper Setup Tips
Pro tip: If you hit 4-5 chunks in the first 9 holes, you probably have a habit — habits are reversible with quality reps, not with mental blame.
Pro setup cues that stop chunking
Fix your setup first — it’s the easiest, highest ROI change. Use these cues every time you address the ball:
1. Ball position
For short and mid irons (9-iron through 6-iron) place the ball slightly back of center. For longer irons move it one ball width forward. Ball too far back or too far forward shifts the low point wrong.
2. Weight distribution
At setup: 55–60% on your front foot for a descending blow. Visualize a slight tilt onto your lead side — not a hard lean, just enough so the club has a clear low point in front of your stance.
3. Hands and shaft tilt
Hands slightly ahead of the ball at address (a small amount). This preloads the shaft and encourages a downward strike.
Common swing errors that cause chunked shots
Early extension: Standing up through the shot pushes the low point back.
Weight going back on the downswing: Causes the club to hit turf before ball.
Flipping at impact: Let gravity and rotation deliver the club; don’t scoop.
Overactive hands: Excess hinge/unhinge reduces control of the arc.
3 drills that fix chunking fast
Drill 1 — The Towel Drill (instant feel for ball-first)
Place a small towel 2–3 inches behind the ball on the turf.
Use a 7-iron. Your goal: strike the ball without touching the towel.
If you hit the towel you chunked — adjust: move weight slightly forward and think "hands ahead".
Repeat: 20 swings focusing on crisp, downward strikes. Stop if fatigue sets in.
Drill 2 — Impact Bag or Foam Roller (for clubhead feel)
Take 15 slow swings into an impact bag or foam roller at chest height.
Feel the clubhead compress the bag with hands slightly ahead — hold the finish for a second.
Progress to half swings with a ball, then full shots.
Drill 3 — Line Drill (low point control)
Draw a chalk or alignment stick line on the turf a few inches in front of the ball (toward the target).
Your goal: after impact, the first turf mark should be on the line — that confirms a forward low point.
Do 30 reps, adjust ball position slightly if the first turf is behind the line.
A 30-day practice plan (easy to follow)
Consistency beats intensity. Do this plan in short sessions (20–30 minutes), 4–5 days a week.
Week 1 — Foundation
Day 1–3: Towel drill (2×20 swings), light video of setup (phone) to check ball and hand position.
Day 4–7: Impact bag (3×15 swings), then 30 minutes on range: slow, balanced swings focusing on forward low point.
Week 2 — Build
Line drill (30 reps), then 50 ball practice focusing on strike quality not distance.
Use your pitching wedge and 7-iron only — pattern repetition is powerful.
Week 3 — On-course integration
Take drills to the course: play 6 holes focusing on one swing thought: "hands ahead, rotate".
Record how many chunked shots you have — you should see a drop each session.
Week 4 — Sharpen
Alternate drill days with normal range sessions. Start adding longer irons once you consistently hit clean with mid irons.
Finish with a pre-round 10-minute routine that includes 10 impact bag reps to groove the feel.
On-course tips and mental cues
On the course you don’t want too many thoughts. Use one compact cue:
Primary cue: “Move weight into left heel” (for right-handed golfers) — simple and technical.
Secondary cue: “Hands ahead” — only if you remember it consistently.
Avoid: “Hit down” — can lead to tension. Instead, think about rotation and a confident, descending arc.
Quick equipment check (what to rule out)
Before you overhaul your swing, check:
Grip size — if too big you may alter release and arc.
Shaft stiffness — extremely soft shafts can make timing feel late for newcomers.
Lie angle — for extreme miss patterns only, but unlikely for most beginners.
Troubleshooting: when chunking persists
If you’ve done the drills for two weeks and still chunk regularly, try this checklist in order:
Video your swing on the range (face-on and down-the-line) and compare to the setup cues above.
Work with a local coach for one session — a pro can spot weight and low-point issues in minutes.
Consider a short lesson focused purely on impact position rather than a full swing overhaul.
FAQ
Q: Is chunking a sign of a major swing flaw?
A: Not usually. For most new golfers it’s a timing/setup habit — very fixable with the drills above.
Q: How long until I stop chunking?
A: Expect improvement in a few practice sessions; consistent, chunk-free strikes within 2–4 weeks with short, focused practice.
Q: Should I use video or a coach?
A: Both help. Video gives self-awareness; a coach will save time. If budget is tight, start with phone video and the towel drill.
Next steps & free checklist
Want a printable checklist to take to the range? Download my 3-point impact checklist (setup, weight, hands) and the 30-day practice calendar to track your progress.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of most new golfers. Remember: chunking irons isn’t a lifelong problem — it’s a short phase once you learn to control ball-first contact. Start with one drill today, track your results, and within weeks you’ll swing with confidence.
A pro golfer’s daily 10-minute mobility routine for golfers over 50. Step-by-step stretches, warm-up advice, and tips to prevent injuries.
10–15 minute daily routine • Injury prevention for golfers 50+
Mobility Routine for Golfers Over 50 — Prevent Injury & Improve Your Swing
From a pro’s perspective: the best golf swing aid for players over 50 isn’t always a new driver — it’s mobility. Here’s a short, powerful routine to keep you injury-free and swinging smoothly for decades.
Why mobility matters after 50
As we age, joint range of motion and tissue resilience decline; that loss of mobility is what steals distance and invites compensations that cause pain — low back, hips and shoulders are the usual suspects. A short, consistent mobility routine improves range, balance and movement control, which lowers injury risk and helps you maintain a repeatable swing. Research and sports-medicine programs for golfers emphasize targeted resistance and mobility training to reduce injuries and improve performance. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
What you’ll gain (realistic, pro-level wins)
More comfortable hip and thoracic rotation for a fuller backswing and follow-through.
Fewer compensations — less low-back and shoulder strain.
Better balance and shorter recovery between rounds.
Quick routine summary (what to do)
Do this 10–15 minute routine 4–6 days per week. If you only have time before a round, pick the warm-up section below (5–7 minutes). The full routine includes thoracic mobility, hip mobility, glute activation, shoulder/scapular drills, ankle work and balance. Start gently — consistency beats intensity.
Pre-round warm-up vs daily mobility
Pre-round warm-up (5–7 min): dynamic moves that increase blood flow and mimic the swing (walking hip openers, half swings with a club, bodyweight squats). This primes the nervous system and reduces acute injury risk. For long-term joint health, add the daily mobility routine that follows. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Daily mobility session (10–15 min): slower, controlled movements with holds that improve range of motion and address weak links (hips, thoracic spine, shoulders, ankles).
Core mobility exercises (step-by-step)
Notes: Do each movement with control. Pain that’s sharp or radiating is a stop sign — modify or seek professional guidance.
1. Thoracic Rotation with Reach — 2 sets x 8 reps each side
Why: Improves mid-back rotation, translates into better turn and less lumbar torque.
Start on all fours. Place one hand behind your head.
Rotate the thorax so your elbow points up to the ceiling, then open further so the elbow moves toward the opposite hip (controlled reach).
Return slowly. Keep hips square and core engaged.
2. Hip Flexor / Lunge with Overhead Reach — 2 sets x 30s each side
Why: Opens anterior chain and restores hip extension needed for a full follow-through.
In a low lunge, press the hips forward gently.
Reach the same-side arm overhead and slightly lean toward the front leg to feel a stretch in the front of the hip.
Hold 30 seconds and breathe into the stretch.
3. Glute Bridge March — 2 sets x 10 marches
Why: Activates posterior chain and protects the low back during rotation.
Lie on your back, knees bent, feet hip-width.
Lift hips to a bridge, squeeze glutes, then slowly march one knee up, return, and repeat other side.
Why: Keeps the shoulder blade moving well and supports a fuller, pain-free follow-through.
For wall slides: stand with forearms on the wall and slide arms up while maintaining scapular contact.
For retractions: squeeze shoulder blades together, hold 2 seconds, release.
5. Ankle Dorsiflexion Mobilization — 2 sets x 10 reps each side
Why: Stable ankle dorsiflexion helps posture in the swing and weight transfer.
Stand facing a step; bend knee forward over toes while keeping heel down.
Repeat 10 times; add a 2-second hold on the end range.
6. Single-Leg Balance with Reach — 3 sets x 20–30s each side
Why: Improves proprioception, balance and stabilizer strength — crucial for late-round consistency.
Stand on one leg, slightly bend the knee, and reach the free arm forward or down to challenge balance.
Progress by closing the eyes or adding gentle trunk rotations.
Pro tip: Breathe. Use inhales to prepare, exhales to move into the end range. That small change smooths movement and reduces guard tension in the swing.
Sample 10-minute sequence (timings)
0:00–1:00 — Wiggle warm-up: marching, arm circles, gentle torso twists.
1:00–3:00 — Thoracic rotations 2x8 each side (1–2 minutes).
3:00–5:00 — Hip lunge with overhead reach 30s each side (1 minute), then ankle mobilizations 30s each.
5:00–7:00 — Glute bridge march 2x10 and wall slides 2x10.
7:00–9:00 — Single-leg balance 2x30s each side (alternate).
9:00–10:00 — Light swing-throughs with a club, half-swings, and breathing down into the core.
Thing
Time
Dynamic warm
1 min
Thoracic mobility
2 min
Hips & ankles
2 min
Glutes & shoulders
2 min
Balance & swing prep
3 min
Progressions & weekly plan
Week 1–2: focus on consistency — 5–10 minutes daily, perfecting technique.
Week 3–4: increase hold times and add single-leg challenges.
Month 2+: add light resistance (banded rows, light kettlebell deadlifts or goblet squats) 2x per week to build strength around new ranges. Resistance training alongside mobility is shown to reduce injury risk and support performance in golfers. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Safety, screening & when to see a pro
If you have a history of joint replacement, persistent joint pain, neurologic symptoms (numbness, tingling) or recent cardiac events, check with your physician/physiotherapist before starting. Start gently — older adults often benefit from longer holds (up to 60s) for meaningful increases in flexibility, but never push into sharp pain. The Mayo Clinic and other reputable sources recommend controlled, progressive stretching and to stop if you experience sharp or radiating pain. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
When to consult a specialist
Pain that limits daily activities.
New instability or falls.
Pain that increases with exercise rather than improves after rest.
FAQs
How often should I do this routine?
Daily is ideal for mobility work (10–15 minutes). If daily isn’t realistic, aim for 4–5 short sessions per week and one longer session that includes light strength training.
Do I need equipment?
No. A mat, a strap (or towel) and a resistance band are helpful but optional.
How soon will I see improvements?
Many golfers notice better movement in 2–4 weeks; measurable range changes may take 6–8 weeks. Consistency is the secret sauce.
Conclusion & next steps
Keep this routine short, consistent and sensible. Mobility is not glamorous, but it's the difference between playing weekends for decades and getting sidelined. Add a bit of resistance training twice a week, keep your swing simple, and treat mobility like your daily club maintenance — do it before you need it.
Week 1–2: focus on consistency — 5–10 minutes daily.
Week 3–4: increase hold times and add single-leg challenges.
Month 2+: add light resistance training (like banded rows or goblet squats) to build strength around new ranges. For gear that supports your swing power, consider checking out Golf Equipment 2026 — A Pro Golfer’s Insider View for tour-tested recommendations.
...
Ultimately, mobility and strength go hand in hand — if you’re threading both into your routine, a practical precision approach is key. That’s the idea behind “What’s Worth Buying” — learn what gear moves the needle, not just the budget.
...
Conclusion & next steps
Pair this routine with the right gear and fundamentals, and you’ll stay injury-free and swinging well. New to golf or returning after a long break? Check out Golf Clubs for Beginners 2026 — Pros’ Picks for forgiving club setups that support your movement and confidence.
The 2025 LPGA Rookie Class: A Pro Golfer’s Insider Look
Get an insider’s look at the 2025 LPGA rookie class. From Japan’s dominance to early winners like Miranda Wang and Rio Takeda, see which rookies are shaping the future of women’s golf.
Introduction: Why This Rookie Class Matters
Every season brings fresh faces to the LPGA Tour, but the 2025 rookie class is something truly special. As a pro golfer watching from the fairway, I'm seeing a crop of talent that could reshape our tour. From international stars to pressure-tested winners, these rookies aren’t just participants—they’re game-changers.
Roster Overview: Who Made the Cut
The LPGA Tour welcomed 21 rookies in 2025, representing 12 countries—a testament to the tour’s global reach. Here's the full list:
Saki Baba (Japan)
Jenny Bae (USA)
Adela Cernousek (France)
Mariel Galdiano (USA)
Akie Iwai (Japan)
Chisato Iwai (Japan)
Heather Lin (Chinese Taipei)
Ingrid Lindblad (Sweden)
Julia López Ramirez (Spain)
Caley McGinty (England)
Natasha Andrea Oon (Malaysia)
Cassie Porter (Australia)
Jessica Porvasnik (USA)
Kate Smith-Stroh (USA)
Rio Takeda (Japan)
Miranda Wang (China)
Fiona Xu (New Zealand)
Miyu Yamashita (Japan)
Ina Yoon (South Korea)
Madison Young (USA)
Yahui Zhang (China)
The sheer diversity in nationalities—and backgrounds—makes this class particularly electric.
Standout Performers & Early Winners
This class hasn’t wasted any time. Miranda Wang captured her first LPGA title at the 2025 FM Championship, edging out world No. 1 in a dramatic finish—a signature rookie moment if there ever was one.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Japan’s Rio Takeda also made waves, claiming the Blue Bay LPGA title early in the season and stacking up multiple top-10s—already proving she belongs.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
It’s a historic rookie class: seven rookies have won in 2025, tying a tour record.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Japan’s Rookie Dominance
All eyes are on Japan’s powerhouse contingent. The top four in the Rookie of the Year standings? All Japanese rookies. Rio Takeda, Miyu Yamashita, Chisato Iwai, and Akie Iwai lead the charge—an unprecedented rookie showing from one nation.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Behind the scenes, Takeda’s campaign has been boosted by veteran caddie Ken Herring—a strategic addition that’s clearly paying off.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year Race
The Rookie of the Year trophy has become a heated battle. Takeda currently commands the points lead, followed by Miyu Yamashita, Chisato Iwai, and Akie Iwai. Even Saki Baba, previously flying under the radar, is creeping into the race—showing how fierce this class is.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Pro Perspective: What Makes a Rookie Thrive
From my vantage on tour, I can tell you what sets these rookies apart: resilience, precision, and confidence—especially under pressure. For example:
Miranda Wang: Clutched birdie putts and maintained composure to win at TPC Boston—it’s mental toughness manifest.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Rio Takeda: Structured team support and a sharp short game are giving her consistent finishes and momentum.:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Japanese rookies collectively: Coming from a system marked by discipline and international competition has them battle-tested right from the gate.:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Looking Ahead: What to Watch
2025 isn’t even halfway done—and this rookie class has already rewritten the narrative:
Will Takeda keep her form and add majors to her win tally?
Can Wang become the first rookie with multiple wins this season?
Can this Japanese surge dethrone South Korea’s longstanding dominance?
Which sleeper rookies (hello, Saki Baba!) will surge in the backend of the season?
For golf enthusiasts eager to stay ahead of the game, our recent coverage offers in-depth insights into upcoming events and equipment:
Procore Championship 2025: Dates & Field – Get the latest details on the PGA TOUR's Napa Valley event, featuring top players like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas.
Best Drivers for Mid-Handicaps 2026 – Explore top driver picks tailored for mid-handicap golfers, enhancing both performance and confidence on the course.
These articles provide valuable information to elevate your game and keep you informed about the latest in golf.
Conclusion
The 2025 LPGA rookie class is rewriting expectations—with wins, global representation, and next-level poise. For fans and fellow pros, this is the rookie class to watch, now and in every season moving forward. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning.
Searching for the best drivers for mid handicaps 2026? As a touring pro, I’ll tell you this: the biggest mistake 12–18 handicappers make is chasing ‘tour low-spin’ heads that kill carry distance. The real game-changers this season are the most forgiving drivers, built for higher launch, optimized ball speed, and tighter dispersion. In this guide, I break down the top mid handicap drivers of 2026—from Ping’s forgiveness king to Callaway’s AI-powered rockets—and reveal which models actually lower scores on real fairways, not launch monitors.
Best Drivers for Mid Handicaps 2026 — A Pro’s Controversial Picks
If you’re a 12–18 handicap who wants to add consistent distance and fewer lost balls, stop chasing “tour” speed and pick a driver built around forgiveness and launch. This guide tells you the best drivers for mid handicaps in 2026, how to fit them, and why the golf industry’s obsession with low spin may be costing you yards and fairways.
Quick Top Picks — Best Drivers for Mid Handicaps (2026)
Short list for readers who want to buy now. Each pick is followed by one-line reason.
Ping G430 / G440 Max (10K) — maximum forgiveness and stability on off-center strikes.
TaylorMade Qi35 / Stealth 2 (for certain shafts) — adjustable, stable, and very playable for mid-handicappers who want a tidy look at address.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke (MAX/Triple Diamond variants) — high ball speed across the face; best if you want a lower-spin, long option but be careful with face angle.
Tour Edge Exotics (value pick) — premium feel at a lower price point; great if budget matters.
Scroll down for the pro rationale and fitting rules that matter far more than brand hype.
Why Mid Handicappers Need Different Drivers (Pro summary)
Pro truth: mid-handicappers aren’t tiny swing robots. Your miss pattern, strike dispersion, and tempo matter more than raw, headline distance. A driver that preserves ball speed across the face and promotes a slightly higher, controlled launch will produce better real-world distance than a “tour” model that delivers low spin only on center hits.
Deep Dive — Picks, Data & When to Buy
Callaway Elyte — The 'Do-Everything' Mid-Handicap Favorite
Why I recommend it: Elyte combines strong ball speed with a forgiving profile and launch characteristics that suit players who need easy carry without sacrificing speed. In independent testing it ranked at or near the top in overall 2025 driver tests.
Ping G430 / G440 — The Forgiveness King
Why I recommend it: If your miss pattern is a mix of heel and toe strikes, give Ping a look. The G430/G440 Max designs prioritize MOI and stability, meaning mishits still fly. That's real, repeatable performance on the course.
Why I recommend it: TaylorMade continues to make drivers with excellent adjustability and speed. The Qi/Stealth lines are playable for mid-handicappers when paired with the right shaft and neutral settings.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke — Long, Fast, But Tricky
Why you might love it: Paradym Ai Smoke models show very strong ball speed across the face and excellent distance—appealing if you swing fast and strike near the center. Why you might not: the lower-spin, slightly closed/open face positions can punish certain miss shapes (slicers beware).
Tour Edge Exotics — The Smart Value Choice
Why I recommend it: Exceptional value. If you want near-premium performance with less sticker shock, Exotics often deliver stable, accurate launches at a fraction of top-tier pricing.
Fitting Checklist — What Actually Moves the Needle
Launch & Spin — For mid handicaps look for mid-to-high launch and mid spin (not ultra-low spin). That combination keeps the ball in the air longer and gives carry.
Shaft choice — 60–70g profiles with a neutral kick point are often ideal. Too stiff or too light can turn a forgiving head into a yo-yo.
Head setting — Use neutral/open settings to tame hooks, slightly closed to tame slices — but only in small increments.
Face mapping — If you can, test shots off-the-toe and heel: the best mid-handicap drivers keep ball speed and direction consistent.
Bottom line: fitting reduces dispersion more than any marginal brand-to-brand head speed difference.
THE Honest TRUTH About The Best 2026 DRIVERS for Mid Handicap Golfers!
Controversial Pro Takes (I’ll say it)
Stop buying “tour” low-spin drivers — low-spin equals less carry for most mid-handicappers. On a windy day you’ll watch those balls die early.
Paid tour wins = marketing, not a bag-fit — pros and tour players have radically different miss patterns and consistent strike than weekend players; the equipment that wins pro events is not always the best for you.
Price ≠ performance for mid handicaps — some mid-priced drivers match or beat the most expensive models for forgiveness and real-course distance.
Yes, these sting marketing departments — but they’ll sting your wallet more if you ignore fit and real data.
FAQ About Best Drivers for Mid Handicaps 2026
Q: Should a 14 handicap use a low-spin “tour” head?
A: Usually not. Choose mid spin and higher launch for more carry and consistent fairways.
