Golf is more than just a game—it’s a lifelong pursuit filled with challenges, small victories, and the occasional humbling round. Whether you’re new to the sport or have been playing for years, there’s always something to learn and appreciate. From understanding the basics to improving your approach on the course, this section covers the fundamentals, insights, and stories that make golf such a rewarding experience. It’s all about golf!
Looking for our Newsletter? Visit Golf Up North Newsletter
For Golf Equipment articles visit Golf Up North Golf Equipment
From Tee to Green: The Complete Golf Up North Fundamentals Series - Golf Fundamental Series Wrap-Up Golf can feel complicated. Different clubs, different shots, and about a thousand tips coming at you from every direction. That’s exactly why we created the Golf Up North Fundamentals Series, to simplify the game and focus on the shots you actually face during a round. Instead of overhauling your swing, this series breaks golf down into individual skills. One club. One shot. One clear focus at a time. Whether you’re newer to the game or just trying to clean up a few trouble spots, this guide is designed to be practical, approachable, and easy to revisit... Read More »
Putting Basics: How to Make More Putts and Lower Your Scores - You can hit great drives and crisp irons, but if you don’t putt well, your score won’t reflect it. Putting is where good rounds turn into great ones, and where frustrating rounds can unravel quickly. The good news? Putting doesn’t require speed, strength, or perfect mechanics. It requires consistency, touch, and confidence. With a few simple fundamentals and a repeatable routine, any golfer can become a better putter. This guide breaks down putting basics in a clear, easy-to-follow way so you can roll the ball with confidence and start making more putts. It’s the final piece of the Golf Up... Read More »
How to Hit Out of a Sand Trap - Simple Bunker Shots That Actually Work For many golfers, bunkers feel like automatic bogeys. One bad swing turns into two, then three, and suddenly the hole is over before it really started. The truth is, bunker shots are some of the most predictable shots in golf, once you understand the basics. You don’t need perfect timing or elite skill. You need the right setup, commitment, and trust that the sand will do the work. This guide breaks down how to hit out of a sand trap with confidence, using simple fundamentals that work for everyday golfers. It’s part of the... Read More »
How to Chip with Confidence Around the Green - Simple Short-Game Fundamentals Few parts of the game cause more frustration than chipping. A bladed shot over the green or a chunked chip that barely moves can turn a good hole into a bad one in a hurry. The truth is, chipping doesn’t need to be complicated. Great chippers rely on simple setup, good club selection, and a repeatable motion—not fancy wrist action or perfect timing. This guide breaks down how to chip with confidence around the green, helping you get the ball closer, save strokes, and walk off the green feeling good about your short game. It’s part of... Read More »
How to Hit Irons Clean and Solid: The Key to Better Ball Striking - Solid Iron Play Nothing impacts your score more consistently than solid iron play. You don’t need to hit your irons farther, you need to hit them cleaner. Crisp contact leads to better distance control, straighter shots, and more chances at birdie. If you’ve ever struggled with thin shots, fat shots, or inconsistent distances, you’re not alone. The good news is that hitting irons well comes down to a few key fundamentals: proper setup, a descending strike, and good weight movement. This guide breaks down exactly how to hit irons clean and solid, without technical overload. It’s part of the Golf... Read More »
How to Hit Hybrids: Your Guide to Replacing Long Irons with Confidence - Hybrids have become a go-to club for golfers who struggle with long irons. They combine the forgiveness of fairway woods with the control of irons, making them perfect for tricky lies, long fairway shots, and even tee shots on tight holes. The key to hitting hybrids well is understanding setup, ball position, and swing mechanics, not swinging harder. Once you master these fundamentals, hybrids can become one of your most reliable scoring clubs. This guide is part of the Golf Up North Fundamentals Series, designed to help golfers hit every club in their bag with confidence. A Quick Disclaimer I... Read More »
Park Golf – This Japanese Version of Golf Feels Perfect for Northern Michigan - If you have ever walked off a golf course thinking, “I love this game, but my back could use a shorter walk,” Japan may have already solved the problem. It is called Park Golf, and honestly, it feels like somebody blended golf, croquet, a public park, and a relaxing afternoon with friends into one surprisingly addictive game. The sport was invented in 1983 in Makubetsu, Hokkaido, Japan, and over the years it has quietly grown into a huge recreational pastime. There are now more than 1,300 courses in Japan alone, along with hundreds of thousands of players, known as “parkers.”... Read More »
How to Hit Fairway Woods: 3-Wood, 5-Wood, and 7-Wood - Tips for Distance and Control Fairway woods can be intimidating for many golfers. They’re longer than irons, have shallower loft than wedges, and often feel “in-between.” But they’re some of the most versatile clubs in your bag: perfect for long fairway shots, tight lies, and even controlled tee shots. With the right setup, ball position, and swing, your 3-, 5-, and 7-woods can become trusted weapons that give you distance and consistency without the wild misses that sometimes plague drivers. This guide is part of the Golf Up North Fundamentals Series, designed to simplify your long game and help you... Read More »
How to Hit a Driver in Golf: Power Without Losing Control - Few shots in golf feel as good or as frustrating, as the driver. When it’s working, the ball explodes off the clubface and sets up an easy next shot. When it’s not, you’re searching for balls, scrambling for bogey, and questioning every swing thought you’ve ever had. The good news? Hitting a driver well doesn’t require brute strength or a perfect swing. It comes down to proper setup, solid fundamentals, and a smooth, confident motion. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to hit a driver with more distance and control, without overcomplicating things. This article is part of... Read More »
Women’s Golf Day, Join the Fun - Golf has always been better when more people feel welcome to play. That is a big reason why Women’s Golf Day continues to grow every year, both around the world and right here in Northern Michigan. 11th Anniversary of Women’s Golf Day From May 26 through June 2, golf courses across the globe will host Women’s Golf Day events designed to introduce new golfers to the game while also giving experienced players a fun way to connect, play, and share their love of golf. The best part is that it is meant to feel relaxed and approachable. No pressure, no... Read More »