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Mike talks with a Malaska Golf member about what encourages him to teach and draws on his shared experience of golfing after being injured.

Golf After Injury

The lever system is a very important part of your swing. Learn to get the club hinging and unhinging correctly.

THE LEVER SYSTEM

Using lakes, rooftops and the horizon to find level.

FINDING LEVEL FROM LANDSCAPES

How to find a light grip pressure using a pre-shot routine on the course.

ON THE COURSE

Mike tells a story where he was fortunate enough to have Moe Norman hit balls for him. Mike had the pleasure of watching him hit balls for 45 minutes. It was when Mike was just starting out, and it was one of the most impressive things he had ever seen.

Regarding setup, Moe Norman wanted you to have your club more in a straight line with your left arm. The member wants to know if this is ok relative to what Mike teaches.

Mike loves what Moe teaches about this aspect of the setup. What happens when you swing the club is that the weight of the club pulls your arm out.
Moe’s philosophy was, if that is going to happen when you swing, then why don’t you position your arm in a straight line and start there?

Then Moe wanted you to set up with clubface back from the ball on the tee. This was because the takeaway killed most people, so he took that out of play. This is how he swung and hit the ball, and he would pipe it every time.

There is some misunderstanding about Moe relative to his grip. That setup, where your arm and hand are flat, and you start back from the ball, is definitely ok. The key is to have the club in your fingers. Moe had really big grips, and his club often appeared to be touching his palms more. This was just due to the circumference of the grips.

If you swing like Moe Norman, just don’t put the club in the palm of your hand.

Moe Norman and Setup

When you putt, there is very little face rotation. Learn how to train yourself to stay away from rotating the club face.

PRACTICING PUTTING WITH TEES

GOING TO SCHOOL

Instincts used in other sports, such as the transition, can be applied in golf. Like other sports, the golf swing is a movement pattern and a constant motion.

ATHLETIC INSTINCT

The M4 Coaching Series by Mike Malaska focuses on taking control of the foundational elements of the golf swing: posture, ball position, alignment, and grip. These are the factors golfers can fully control before initiating a swing, and consistency in these areas is key to improving performance. Mike emphasizes that without a disciplined setup, every swing will require unnecessary adjustments, leading to inconsistency.
A key takeaway is the importance of balanced posture, starting with quiet toes and avoiding tension. Proper balance ensures the body is free to rotate naturally without restriction, making it easier to execute a fluid swing. Additionally, ball position should remain consistent, as even slight shifts can drastically alter impact and shot quality. Alignment is also crucial, with eye line playing a significant role in controlling the shoulders and influencing swing path.
Mike stresses that practicing with alignment sticks and consistently checking setup positions will lead to measurable improvement. By mastering these static elements, golfers can focus on refining their swing mechanics, knowing they are building on a solid, repeatable foundation. Consistency in the basics is the starting point for consistency in the game.

M4 Coaching Series-Posture, Ball Position And Alignment

The right arm lines up with the club shaft. Learn how to practice this with putting.

PUTTING

This Ask Malaska Golf comes to us from Fabian Van Veen, who wants to know about the putter face and the pencil drill we&rsquo;ve discussed, or the stick-through-your-glove drill, where it stays at a 90-degree angle. Brian works a lot with putting, so I&rsquo;ll let him explain this. Then, I&rsquo;ll show how this concept relates to your full swing.
Brian, go ahead and take it from here.
So, imagine I&rsquo;ve got that pencil or stick positioned here&mdash;it acts as a mirror of my clubface. In a putting stroke, it&rsquo;s crucial to understand that the putter does not move straight back and straight through, as we&rsquo;ve often heard in the past. If it did, it would separate your arms from your shoulders, which is not ideal. Instead, the putter moves back and rotates naturally with your shoulders.
The key to using the pencil or stick is to keep it square to the clubface as it follows the arc of the stroke. Ideally, the putter face stays square to the arc, which helps achieve a square face at impact. Different putters may have slight variations; for example, face-balanced putters might rotate more open, but the principle remains the same: keep the face rotating naturally on the arc and square through impact.
Avoid trying to manipulate the stroke into a straight-back, straight-through motion. Doing so can lead to hand rotation, which disrupts the natural shoulder movement. Instead, let your shoulders guide the stroke naturally, allowing the putter to follow the arc. As it returns to the ball, ensure the stick remains aligned with the clubface to maintain square impact. That&rsquo;s the most critical part&mdash;square impact with a square clubface, releasing naturally along the arc.
Now, what&rsquo;s fascinating is how this concept applies to the full swing. When I&rsquo;m swinging a full club, my wrist hinge and the clubface follow a similar principle. As I come into impact and then through, the face works along the arc, just like in putting. Whether it&rsquo;s a putter or a wedge, the face aligns with the arc at impact, rotates naturally, and continues along the arc.
What you don&rsquo;t want is excessive manipulation of the clubface&mdash;either opening it too much or closing it unnaturally. That makes it difficult to control the face at impact, whether with a putter or a full swing.
Here&rsquo;s my advice: focus on where the stick is positioned at impact. Don&rsquo;t try to manipulate it too much after impact, as that leads to twisting and rotation. Let the club swing back naturally, and as it returns, ensure the stick aligns squarely with the clubface. A square clubface at impact ensures the ball takes off along your intended line.

Perfect Putting-Pencil Drill

Learn to use path and face in combination.

WHERE THE BALL GOES

Here is a deeper look at how to create a bridge, why you do that, as well as an overview on the role of the right hand in gripping the club.

RIGHT HAND PART II

(Build a Better Swing from the Ground Up with Mike Malaska&rsquo;s Proven Process) What if you could rebuild your entire golf swing in just three weeks&mdash;step by step, with a system that actually works? 21 Days to Your Best Golf Swing isn&rsquo;t just a lesson plan&mdash;it&rsquo;s a structured transformation. Led by Hall of Fame coach Mike Malaska, this series guides you through the exact process he&rsquo;s used to help thousands of players break bad habits, simplify their motion, and gain total control of their swing. Each day introduces one key concept or drill that builds on the last, so you're never overwhelmed&mdash;and never left guessing. You&rsquo;ll train your hands, feet, body, and mind to work together as one. This is how the swing becomes repeatable, powerful, and built to last. Each day targets a key component of the swing: from grip, face control, and balance&hellip; to footwork, momentum, and impact. You&rsquo;ll learn how the body and club work together, how to generate effortless speed, and how to train smarter&mdash;not harder. Whether you&rsquo;re a weekend golfer or a serious player, this series will reshape your game from the ground up.
What You&rsquo;ll Learn Over 21 Days: Why your grip is your swing&mdash;and how to fix it How to feel and control the clubface without guessing How to train with L-to-L motion for speed and consistency Why your feet and lower body control swing path and power The truth about impact&mdash;and how to make it automatic How to stop early extension and maintain posture naturally How to separate Practice from Play for real improvement And how to build a long-term process to Master, Maximize, and Maintain your swing
Key Takeaway: Real improvement doesn&rsquo;t come from isolated tips. It comes from following a proven process that simplifies your swing and builds your instincts over time. 21 Days to Your Best Golf Swing is that process. Train one day at a time, and you&rsquo;ll never go back to guessing on the course again.

21 Days to Your Best Golf Swing

In this episode of Ask Malaska Golf, Mike Malaska answers a frequently asked question from members: How do I shift my weight properly in the golf swing? Rather than relying on conscious leg drive or forcing a lateral shift, Mike explains a better, more natural solution, let the momentum of the club create the shift for you. Drawing on comparisons from other sports like baseball, Mike breaks down how movement happens instinctively when you understand how force and momentum interact. As the club begins its backswing, Mike explains how your body should be pushing in the opposite direction of the club&rsquo;s movement, creating stored energy in your trail foot. Then, when the club changes direction and starts moving forward, that momentum matches your push, and naturally transfers you onto your lead side. Instead of trying to manually &ldquo;push off&rdquo; at the top or consciously drive into the left leg, Mike shows that your transition happens earlier than most players think, and it happens because of how your body reacts to the club&rsquo;s movement &ndash; not because you force it.
What You&rsquo;ll Learn in This Video: &bull; Why weight shift happens naturally when you understand club momentum &bull; How to move right-to-left without forcing leg drive &bull; Why trying to &ldquo;push off&rdquo; too late causes timing issues &bull; How force transfer starts before the top of the backswing
Key Takeaways Weight shift happens before the top of your backswing &ndash; not after. Don&rsquo;t force leg drive &ndash; let the club&rsquo;s momentum move you naturally. Pushing too late creates tension, poor sequencing, and inconsistent timing. The M-System teaches weight shift through feel, not force. Think reaction, not effort &ndash; your body shifts because the club leads the movement. The transition begins as the club starts down, not once it&rsquo;s at the top.
&ldquo;Let the force of the club shift you. You&rsquo;re not waiting to push. You&rsquo;re already up to your left side before the club reaches the top.&rdquo; &ndash; Mike Malaska

Stop Forcing Weight Shift

As you swing step forward with you trail foot. As you reach the top step forward with you lead foot then hit the ball. This helps to stabilize your lower body as your swing. It also loosens up your arms and shoulders. This allows you to swing and step and hit the next ball. If your arms and shoulders are to tight you can not swing and get back to the next ball. Your body moves to much. 

WALK THROUGH DRILL

Feeling pull in the left arm, if it's in a circle, can be very valuable in the golf swing.

LEFT ARM DOMINANCE

Flop shots are easiest when the ball is sitting up.

FIRST CONSIDERATION - CHECK THE LIE

Your body will align itself to create maximum impact as long as you know what concepts to practice.

THE POWER OF ALIGNMENT

A Malaska Golf member commented on how much The M-System Driver Series and especially the Driver Summary helped him.

Mike discusses how the industry promotes the driver, and it is all about distance. Mike isn't going to disagree with that statement; however, there is a skill development process to achieve that. The first part of the process starts with your grip and the Lever System. 

Mike is adamant and disagrees that you start with people focusing on moving their bodies to control the driver! Yes, the body comes into play at some point in time, but there are specific skills you need to develop before you get to that point.

Mike demonstrates the Lever System, swinging effortlessly back and forth, holding the driver with his left hand. Notice how the wrist hinges and unhinges in the swing and how his arm is relaxed. Mike's body nudges him to start the swing, but the arms take off, and the body follows. It is the same when Mike switches to his right hand. Mike places his hands on his chest to show how soft the upper body is when he swings.

If the relationships with the swing hold and your body starts to pick up speed, then you have something. If your grip isn't correct, the Lever System isn't working. If your wrists are tight and you overuse your body, you aren't going to create the speed you need.

A great drill is sitting on a chair or on your knees and making easy swings to try to hit the ball. This drill is excellent for understanding the lever system and realizing that even by taking your lower body out of the equation, you can easily hit the ball and far.

It's all about skill development to create speed with your driver. It's not about clearing your hips and swinging as hard as you can! Mike hits the ball 195 yards in the air to prove that point.

Work on your grip and the Lever system, and then allow your body to move faster.

HOW TO MAX OUT YOUR DRIVER

Billy Fitzgerald, a Malaska-certified coach, addresses a question from Malaska Golf Member about the "left-right-left" movement in the golf swing—starting with pressure on the left side, shifting to the right, and then back to the left. This movement is a technique for generating momentum, and Billy notes it’s a question he receives often.Billy explains that this movement helps restore a sense of athleticism in the swing. In many sports, shifting weight to the opposite side before moving adds power by creating something to push off from. This left-right-left sequence not only enhances athleticism but also improves timing and rhythm while preventing a static start.One of the most common challenges he hears from golfers is difficulty initiating the swing. Billy explains that the left-right-left motion helps start the swing by signaling to the body that it’s time to go. He suggests that it’s a great addition to any pre-shot routine, helping break up the feeling of stiffness.To illustrate the concept, Billy references Vijay Singh, a golfer known for his smooth rhythm. Singh’s technique included a slight knee kick that would initiate a leftward shift, then back to the right, and finally left again in the swing—a consistent and powerful rhythm, regardless of the club he was using.Billy demonstrates his own routine with a balance board to practice shifting weight. He encourages students to place initial pressure on the left, then move right and return left in the swing. He notes that this slight movement brings rhythm to the swing, allowing him to initiate it smoothly, stay athletic, and easily pull the trigger at impact.

Power Up With Left-Right-Left

GRIP - Part I

When it comes to grip there are many ways to put your hands on the club. The way that is most taught is what is called a neutral palms apposing grip. That is a way to play but it takes a lot of compensations to make it work. Your lead hand should go on the club the way your arm hangs in front of you. That is how your joints line up. Your trial hand is a thrower and or a pusher. It should be on the club in a manner that pushes the shaft through the ball without having to twist. The club is also for a full swing the club is primarily in the fingers of both hands more than the palms.

Neutral Grip

Where you hit the ball sixty yards and in will make or break your score. Aim at different targets at different distances to get a feel for this control.

PRACTICING DISTANCE

In this episode of Ask Malaska Golf, Certified Coach Matt Baker from Manchester Golf Club in England responds to a question from Chris H. about the takeaway &ndash; specifically why it feels under-explained in most instruction. Matt addresses the concern by reframing the takeaway not as a position, but as a motion driven by momentum and feel. Instead of forcing the takeaway through rigid body parts or overthinking it, Matt explains how great swings often start with a throwing or tossing sensation. Whether it's a forward press or a soft "toss" of the clubhead behind you, these movements create rhythm and flow, helping the club swing back naturally and loading the wrists in the process. Matt demonstrates drills like the Front Loader Drill and a ball toss feel to help golfers unlock a smooth, motion-first takeaway. These drills train your body to initiate the swing with instinct, not mechanics, allowing the M-System to kick in from the very first move.
What You&rsquo;ll Learn in This Video: &bull; Why the takeaway should be a motion, not a position &bull; How to use a tossing or throwing feel to start the swing &bull; Why forward press or hand triggers can create better rhythm &bull; How the Front Loader Drill helps build natural momentum
Key Insights Most golfers force the weight shift at the wrong time, often trying to push off their trail leg after the backswing has peaked &ndash; which leads to poor sequencing and mistimed swings. In reality, the transition starts during the backswing, as your body instinctively counters the movement of the club. This is how athletes in other sports (like baseball or tennis) create powerful, fluid motion without thinking about it. Mike explains that the club&rsquo;s momentum is the cue. As the club goes back, your pressure moves into the trail foot. As the club starts down, the energy transfers forward, and you&rsquo;re already on your lead side before you feel like you&rsquo;ve pushed. This reactive, not forced motion is a core principle of the M-System: building a swing based on natural forces and learned motion, not mechanical effort. Mastering this concept leads to better timing, increased speed, and more consistent ball striking &ndash; without feeling like you're "trying" to shift.
 &ldquo;There&rsquo;s no perfect position to start the swing. You just want to feel like you&rsquo;re tossing the club away &ndash; not forcing it.&rdquo; &ndash; Matt Baker

Fix Your Takeaway Feel

The M1 Coaching Series progresses to one of the most essential elements of the golf swing&mdash;the pivot. Building on the line of compression, this session emphasizes syncing your body&rsquo;s rotation with the motion of the club and arms for a smooth and powerful swing.
The pivot starts with the left hip pushing back to move the right hip and shoulder forward, seamlessly coordinating with the arms and club. This movement eliminates common issues such as early extension and helps maintain balance and stability throughout the swing. Timing the rotation of the hips with the club&rsquo;s movement ensures consistent contact and prevents breakdowns in the swing.
Golfers are encouraged to practice with one arm initially to feel how the hip&rsquo;s motion drives the swing. By mastering this fundamental move, players can simplify their mechanics and reduce the need for compensations, making the game easier and more enjoyable.
The key to effective pivoting lies in aligning the rotational forces of the club, arms, and body. When these circles sync, the swing becomes repeatable and easier to adjust when things go awry. This session lays a critical foundation for building a controlled and efficient golf swing, ensuring consistent improvement and a better understanding of how all components of the swing fit together.

M1 Coaching Series-How To Pivot

Most pros hit the putter in the center of the face. Here's the first drill to help you do this.

CENTER FACE HITS

Dedicate sufficient working on what you need. This sounds obvious, but it will maximize your practice.

MAXIMIZE YOUR PRACTICE

Start with small swings maybe using just your trail arm. As you swing the club into the ball the lead hip socket should move farther away from the ball or the target line. That is done with the lead leg pushing it away not just straightening. Learning to sync out these two motions. The club through the ball and the hip moving away happens in all shots. Start slow then add speed and both hands. The same timing for the short shots is what happens with the big clubs. 

Lead Hip Action

Sammy Slice takes his golf swing to the fairways. This Mulligan Monday, Sammy will work on strengthening his grip and keeping his clubface closed.

Sammy will hit shots until he can make the ball curve to the left. Once Sammy accomplishes that, he will use the same hand action and the same clubface, but the swing path will come more from the inside of the ball.

The ball now starts to the right and curves back to the left.

Sammy Slice Fairways-Curve the Ball Left

The M5 Coaching Series by Mike Malaska emphasizes starting practice sessions on the putting green, as this is where the essential concepts of the golf swing&mdash;such as the line of compression, lag, and face control&mdash;are introduced and reinforced. The putting motion develops a feel for how the right arm aligns with and pushes the club, how the putter head reacts to weight, and how it achieves a smooth roll. Practicing putting creates the foundation for all aspects of the game, from chipping to the full swing.
Mike explains the importance of developing proper wrist and hand action, ensuring the ball rolls perfectly along a line. By focusing on this small and controlled motion, golfers build a connection between the arm, shaft, and clubface. He also highlights the value of visual training, such as using alignment aids, to establish consistent eye-to-hand coordination.
Additionally, a strong short game reduces pressure on long shots, promoting confidence and relaxation throughout the round. Starting on the putting green not only hones precision but also integrates seamlessly into other areas of the game, ensuring a smooth transition to chipping, pitching, and full swings. Mastering these basics leads to measurable improvements in overall performance.

M5 Coaching Series-Start At The Putting Green

How rotation gets the club moving from the top.

ROTATION AND ACCELERATION

Mike recounts advice that Phil Blackmar once gave him about competing. 

PLAY HOW YOU PRACTICE

Generating acceleration and force through impact.

IMPACT AND ACCELERATION

Mike and Hale share a few ideas that they feel could benefit the game.

THE GAME ITSELF

So, we're going up to what was the 16th tee in the tournament, a par three. At this point, I only had a one-shot lead, and everything was getting pretty tight. I was playing well, but things were tense. This par three, the pin was right where it is now.Everyone said I hit a fade around the bunker, but my target— I can still remember—was just inside those big pine trees on the right-hand side. I aimed right over the center of the bunker with a little draw, hit the shot, and it landed about six to eight feet from the hole. I made birdie, which gave me a two-shot lead with two holes to play.Now, looking back at the end of my career, after everything I’ve learned, when I was playing a lot, people would say, "You’ve got to watch out for the hole. Start in the middle of the green and work it." This hole is set up for a fade—that's the shot. You cut it around the bunker, but that’s not my shot, even to this day.As I got more into playing and took lessons, instead of hitting the shot I wanted to hit, people told me what shot I should hit. So, I kept trying to hit the shots I "should" hit, not the ones I felt comfortable with. As a result, I was always a little more uncomfortable than I needed to be.But today, I'm going to hit a draw again because that's my shot. We’ve got 188 yards to the flag, and 157 to carry the bunker. The pin is at the front of the green, but it's the same shot I hit back then. I just don’t hit it as far as I used to. Back then, I hit a 7-iron; today, I hit a 6-iron and still came up a little short. But I aimed at the center of the bunker, let it turn back, and ended up on the green. Again, it’s all about knowing what you can do, and I knew it back then too.That’s what makes me reflect—when I was a kid, nobody told me what to do. I knew what I could do, and I played with what I had. I figured I could beat anyone with what I had. I didn’t need to do anything else. So, I hit the shots I was comfortable with, based on what I saw.What do I see people doing now, even tour players I work with? They start trying to hit shots they aren’t comfortable with. Under pressure, maybe you have to sometimes, but your go-to shot is crucial. Under pressure, you need something you can rely on, and for me, that’s my draw.After birdieing 16, I came to 17. This hole was perfect for my draw. I aimed at the right-hand trees, hit it, and turned it into the fairway. Visually, it fit my shot, so I aimed down the right side of the fairway, made a good swing, and hit a little draw, right in the middle of the fairway.At this point, I had a two-shot lead, and the hole set up perfectly for the shot I liked. So, I just stood up and let it go.Now, it was tournament time. I had a two-shot lead, and this hole didn’t set up for a draw. You can see how the trees on the left slope into the rough. The hole really sets up for a cut. But I didn’t feel like hitting a cut. My caddie, who has known me forever, said, “Mike, you haven’t miss-hit a drive all day. Just get over here on the left side of the tee, aim at the left edge of that right-hand tree, and let it curve back into the fairway.”You're probably thinking, "Those trees are pretty close." But I wasn’t thinking that. I was just looking at the left edge. There’s a power pole just beyond what is now the clubhouse. I aimed at that power pole, and all I wanted to do was start the ball there and let it gradually drift to the left.That’s pretty much the shot I hit, although about 70 yards shorter than where I hit it back then. But again, here I was—never having won a tournament this big—on the last hole, with a two-shot lead. I needed to get it in the fairway. I could have gone with a 2-iron, but I was hitting my driver the best. I hadn’t miss-hit a driver all day, so I just stuck with it.Sometimes, the driver is the club to go with, and sometimes it’s the worst club. If you can’t hit it well, choose something else that’ll keep the ball in play. For me, that day, the driver was the best choice, and my caddie talked me into it. I’m glad he did because I ended up 80 or 89 yards from the front edge. Game over, tournament over.I’ve hit a few balls into those trees before. So, let's recap what we’ve done here. We had some weather issues, so we didn’t get to do everything we wanted. But the reality is, all these shots I had a chance to hit, there’s value in them for everyone. You need to hit the shots you know you can hit.The game doesn’t have to be that complicated. When I was 19 years old, I had never taken a formal lesson. Yet, I came here and won one of the biggest state opens in the country. It was incredible and a lot of fun. It changed my life.This was the last hole—the 18th. Here’s where the pin was. I hit my drive, hit my shot, lagged it to about here, and gingerly rolled it up, leaving it just short. Then I tapped it in for a one-shot win.This place, for me—like many of you with your favorite golf courses or memorable rounds—brings back so many memories. When you play, remember the good shots you’ve hit. I can tell you there are shots on this course that we talked about today, and I still remember hitting them. When I find myself in similar situations, I try to remember those exact shots because I can still recall what they felt like.It’s even better now, even though I’m 70 years old. Back then, I was 19 or 20, but something about it still resonates with me. So, remember those old shots you hit well. Remember what you did, how it felt, and then try to replicate that.This is such a marvelous game. Here we are, 50 years after I first won this tournament, and I’m still playing in it. I’m still having a lot of fun with golf and trying to help every one of you play your best golf, enjoy the game for a long time, and be competitive. I hope you enjoy this, and I look forward to the rest of the Utah Open and the future of Malaska Golf.

Finishing Strong

This Mulligan Monday, Harry Hooker looks at fixing his swing on the fairway.

When Harry usually swings, he hits the ground behind the ball. Harry practices hitting the ground with the club farther out in front of him.

Harry then sets up and makes a practice swing, where he again hits the ground farther out in front of him.

Then Harry addresses the ball and hits the ball solid. The purpose of this adjustment is to get a feel for where your club hits the ground.

Harry Hooker Fairways Hit the Ball Solid

The M3 Coaching Series by Mike Malaska emphasizes the importance of exaggeration and body awareness in making significant swing changes. This segment introduces the "sitting down in a chair" drill, a powerful method for training proper hip and body movement to maximize ground force and efficiency in the swing.
A key takeaway is that exaggerating motions helps create stronger neurological patterns, enabling players to internalize proper movement mechanics. The "chair drill" focuses on teaching golfers how to move their hips correctly by mimicking the motion of sitting down. This ensures the force generated during the swing is efficiently transferred into the ground and ultimately through the club at impact.
Mike highlights the importance of practicing without a club or ball initially, focusing solely on body movement. This approach allows players to develop muscle memory before incorporating speed and a golf ball. Inspired by Tai Chi principles, the method stresses slow, deliberate practice to perfect motion before adding complexity.
The M3 Coaching Series provides golfers with tools to master ground force and develop efficient, powerful swings through accessible, focused drills and a commitment to learning the proper mechanics step by step.

M3 Coaching Series-Sitting Down In A Chair And Exaggerations 

Your body off-sets momentum to feel in sync.

HOW THE BODY MOVES

A Malaska Golf member wants to know about using your putting grip for chipping and pitching. He mentions Phil Mickelson’s hinge and hold. When he did that, he was hitting pitch shots. Many players, including Mike, will use their putting grip to hit up to 30 yards.

Mike demonstrates using his putting grip, stance, and stroke. He makes a putting stroke, and the ball rolls along the ground. When Mike does the same thing but adds his pitching wedge, the ball gets in the air because he has a lofted face. 

Take the putter away, make your putting stroke, put the ball farther back in your stance, and put your head forward. You don’t want to be catching the ball on the upswing like a putter. Use his method for up to 10 yards. 

For more distance, you need to have more hand action. Add extension and flexion in your wrist and rotation in your body. You are not moving up and down. 

PUTTING GRIP FOR CHIPPING AND PITCHING

Mike and Alice discuss common swing flaws.

SWING FLAWS ARE BAD TASKS

A Malaska Golf Member has questions about positions in the golf swing. You can get too fixated on hitting certain positions in the downswing, but if you use motion correctly, the positions show up automatically.You must be careful about trying to hit certain positions. Mike demonstrates positions that you might want to hit. The problem with trying to practice this way is there is no force involved. You must have enough force so that the momentum of the club is doing things so that you can learn to offset those forces.The golf industry has struggled because we have tried to learn a motion sport with our feet still. Mike explains that in baseball, you stride when you hit the ball. You move your feet in tennis as you swing the racket to hit the ball. The same is true with ping-pong. In hockey, you are moving your feet.However, when you move to golf, the industry wants you to make a swing and keep your feet static.Mike demonstrates a drill to help you move your feet. Place your club forward outside a golf ball and start to step back while making a swing and hitting the ball.Many Tour Pros, when they practice, will make small steps before they hit the ball. They are using this footwork to create motion that creates positions.The key is to know what motions you need to do to create those positions. Motion is very different compared to static positions.Mike explains that he ruined a career by slowing his swing down to look at positions and trying to get to those spots! Those spots happen, but they don’t happen by what you see. The biggest thing that Mike has learned is that you can’t see a golf swing. That’s why he wrote the book, ‘The Invisible Swing.’It’s not about what you see but what causes what you see. That’s why static positions can be detrimental.

Static Positions in a Golf Swing

In this pivotal segment, Justin James introduces the structured progression known as the Five Gears for Speed, a core concept that underpins the entire Director of Distance series. Rather than overwhelming the swing with complexity, this step-by-step system teaches golfers how to layer movement and power efficiently. Starting with Gear 1, you focus exclusively on the hands&mdash;learning to hit soft, draw-biased chip shots with the driver to develop control and feel. Gear 2adds the arms, expanding the swing arc while maintaining tempo and clubface awareness. In Gear 3, you bring in shoulder rotation, progressing naturally toward L-to-L motion while reinforcing club path discipline.
 As you shift into Gear 4, Justin teaches you to push the trail hip back, introducing body pivot and deeper rotation into your swing. Finally, Gear 5 unlocks full swing power by activating ground forces and learning how to push away from the ball, not toward it. Mike emphasizes that speed without structure is ineffective&mdash;and potentially dangerous. Skipping steps can create compensations, misfires, and injury risk. Instead, the Five Gears system builds up your swing like a precision machine. With each gear mastered, you stack a layer of efficiency, sequencing, and control that leads to real speed gains. This video is a blueprint for transforming your swing incrementally and sustainably, ensuring you move into high-speed territory with the foundation to support it.

The 5 Gears for Maximum Speed

From the set up take the club back to waist high on the backswing. At this point when your lead arm is parallel to the ground you should have a 90 degree angle between the club shaft and your lead arm. Then swing down through impact and into the follow through until your trail arm is parallel to the ground. Again you should have a 90 Degree angle. 

L TO L

A Malaska Golf Member has a question pertaining to a video Ashley did about tipping the club out and ‘L to L.’ The member thinks this looks contrary to what Ashley talks about because your arms are rolling over.Mike’s answer to that is that they are crossing over. First, Mike demonstrates the tipping of the club, where most people tend to drag the handle forward instead of bringing it down.Once the club runs into the ball, you let the club rehinge on the follow-through. The club is working up, and your arms aren’t rolling over. There is a big difference between the two.Mike explains that Ashley is exaggerating to get people to let the weight of the club break up on the follow-through. Her right hand is not rolling over at impact.&nbsp;Mike demonstrates the hand action where the clubface works up without turning down. Make sure your forearms aren’t rolling over. They are crossing over after you hit the ball. This is the same way you hit a baseball.

Don't Twist the Forearms

A Malaska Golf Member has a question about the mental side of the game and how not to be distracted, or as Mike says, how do you distract yourself not to be distracted?

Phil Blackmar, who won 4 times on the PGA Tour and was on the Senior Tour, was excellent at mental toughness. His mental toughness is up there with Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. He really helped Mike with that side of his game.

Mike talks about putting and chipping, where many players struggle. Mike grabs his putter and gets lined up over the ball. When you start to take your putter back, you find yourself thinking about many negative things. What really helps is to pick a word or even a name. In this instance, Mike picks his daughter’s name, Jennifer.

Mike then sets up to make his putting stroke. As he takes his putter back, he says “Jennifer” and then makes the putt. The object of this is that Mike programmed everything into his putt. He got up to the putt and said, Jennifer. Mike’s conscious mind focuses on saying the word, while his subconscious mind takes over making the putt. As Mike says, “You get out of your own way.” This is a way to trick your brain and not focus on what’s going to happen.

Mike makes another putt and says it is important to say the word out loud. He also demonstrates how this works when chipping. You can do this on tee shots or any shots on the course.

Remember, when you start to putt or swing the club, your conscious mind begins to make corrections instead of letting your subconscious mind go. Try this mental technique to help your game.

TRICKING YOUR CONSCIOUS MIND

When it comes to playing the game and understanding the mind, Mike’s good friend Phil Blackmar is probably one of the best in the world, in his opinion.

Mike was recently talking with Phil about hitting the ball solid and what works for Mike is that he focuses on just that concept. Making sure he hits the ball solid; Mike tends to hit the ball better rather than just thinking about making swings.

This comes down to athleticism, and it’s essential to hit the ball solid. Practice hitting the ball solid and putting the clubface on the ball. You can also practice different stances and takeaways but hit the ball solid.

When you start working on making the clubface hit the ball solid, your body starts making corrections as you swing because your body is focused on making your hands run the club into the ball. Then your athleticism takes over.

Like when you play tennis, when the ball bounces, your body reacts athletically to hit the ball. When you start hitting multiple golf balls your body athletically gets into position.

Practice hitting multiple balls solid. This is a great drill to train your mind and focus on hitting the ball solid with the clubface. It will start to eliminate things that aren’t relevant to your swing, like how your swing looks.

Putting the clubface on the ball is a crucial part of practicing.

HITTING THE BALL SOLID WITH ATHLETICISM

When your wrist works correctly, your swing becomes better. Learn how to get your wrist at the right angle.

YOUR HANDS RELATIVE TO THE SWING ARC

Harry Hooker works on chipping for this Mulligan Monday.

Harry sets up a target line. Typically his swing goes out to the right, so Harry needs to figure out how to swing around to the left.

At first, you might hit it to the left because the club goes left.

The solution is to open the clubface, and the ball should go straight when the club goes left.

Harry Hooker Chipping Open the Clubface

Starting the ball on a line will improve your face control. Practice making swings with different clubs to get a feel.

PRACTICING STARTING THE BALL ON A LINE

The great dilemma for many players. Do you perfect the swing, or take the swing you have and perfect your game.

WORK ON SWING OR WORK ON GAME

Getting a feel for how your body works when you swing is very important. Learn how your body pushes away from the club and how this benifits your swing.

PUSHING AWAY FROM THE CLUB

Tour players blend their body rotation with their arm swing and face angle. There is no one way to swing, but there are principles that commonly apply.

TOUR PRO SWING THEORY

When it comes to making better scores, it would serve you well to spend sixty percent of your time practicing short game. These skills will save you.

PRACTICE WHAT'S IMPORTANT

Knowing what club and swing you will need will put you in a good place. Practice reading the lie.

READING THE LIE

Most lies in bunkers are uneven or 'tilted.'

BUNKERS AND UNEVEN LIES

When picking a good coach, there's a lot of information and ways to swing a golf club. Many teachers have good reputations for improving golf swings.

First, Mike suggests you look at what a specific coach is saying. Does it sound like something you can do?

If it makes sense to you physically, then you should try it. One or two things will happen. First, you may see yourself improve significantly in a short time. Second, you may stay the same and perhaps get worst. Mike advises that if you don't get substantially better quickly, don't stick with it.

Mike had a very well-respected coach that taught him at a young age. But Mike got sidetracked on his swing and wished he would have walked away sooner. The coach needed to be a better fit for what Mike wanted to do. His swing wasn't athletic but too tight and contrived and needed to be smoother. He was always overthinking.

First, and most importantly, listen to what the coach has to say; does it resonate with you? If it sounds too complicated and scientific, then it probably is.

The golf swing isn't a science; it's an art form. You must be careful as a player about how you get into positions. They may be correct; however, they may ruin you as a player.

Second, try it; if you see progress, stay with it. If you put some good practice time into it and aren't seeing improvement, don't stay with it. Again, make sure it makes sense to you.

Jack Nicklaus said when he goes with something, he tries it on the range, takes it to the course, and puts it on a practice round. If it works there, he might put it in a Pro-Am. Jack might then try it in the first round of a tournament. If it falls apart and he doesn't feel like he can make it work under pressure from his base swing, he won't stay with it. Jack didn't waste time chasing abstract ideas. He understood his base swing well, and if he tried something that didn't make him feel any better, he didn't stick with it.

Your instincts are probably better than many teachers telling you to do this and that. If your teacher tells you to do something and shows you how and when you do it, if there isn't an aha moment very early on, then don't stick with it.

HOW TO PICK A GOOD COACH

The first pattern hinges your right arm. This trains your body to use the momentum.

L-TO-L THE RIGHT ARM PATTERN

In this fourth episode of the Malaska Golf Player Lesson, Mike Malaska joins Jeff Coburn and Jeff Krull on the first tee to discuss one of the most important parts of the game&mdash;how to drive the golf ball with consistency and control. The lesson begins with course management. Mike explains how amateurs often play from tees that are far too long for their average distance. By choosing the correct yardage&mdash;typically 6,000 to 6,400 yards for players who drive the ball around 220&ndash;240 yards&mdash;you set yourself up for shorter approach shots, more greens in regulation, and a more enjoyable round.
 From there, the focus shifts to swing tempo and balance. Mike demonstrates how to find your personal swing speed by making smooth, controlled practice swings until balance is lost&mdash;then dialing it back just enough to regain control. He reminds both players that rhythm and tempo, not brute force, create repeatable distance and accuracy. Once the body feels in sync, Mike introduces the concept of face control&mdash;the real key to hitting straighter drives. He shows how professional golfers maintain awareness of the clubface through the hitting zone, while amateurs often make beautiful practice swings with no awareness of where the face is pointing. Mike demonstrates how to integrate face awareness into practice swings, ensuring that the clubface delivers the desired shot shape when it matters.
 As both Jeffs step up to hit, Mike emphasizes the process that separates pros from weekend players: make a swing, evaluate what happened, and make one correction before the next shot. He encourages them to identify what they felt, where balance was lost, and how the face moved through the ball. If the result is good, replay it mentally; if it&rsquo;s off, make one small fix and move on.
 This session highlights the mental and physical side of driving&mdash;how choosing the right tee, maintaining smooth tempo, and learning face control leads to consistent tee shots. More importantly, it reinforces Mike&rsquo;s philosophy that golf improvement comes from awareness and evaluation, not repetition without purpose.
 By the end of the lesson, both players are making confident swings, finding fairways, and learning to analyze their shots the same way tour professionals do.
 Key Takeaways Play the Right Tees: Choose a yardage that matches your average drive for more fun and better scoring. Tempo Creates Control: Swing as fast as you can while maintaining balance and rhythm. Face Awareness: Every good swing controls where the clubface points through impact. Evaluate Every Shot: Replay good swings, fix bad ones, and move forward with purpose. Confidence Comes from Awareness: When you understand your tendencies, the driver becomes your best friend.

Drive With Complete Control

A Malaska Golf Member has a question about being too "handsy." Mike says that you play the game with your hands.

You play baseball, cricket, pool, basketball, and many other sports with your hands. Your body is involved, but you control something with what touches it. Your hands touch the golf club.

When Mike starts working on shots, he is doing it with his hands or having his body move to help his hands get into a position to get the clubface to hit the ball the way that he wants.

When Mike hears that you should "take your hands out of the swing," he knows that he doesn't necessarily feel his hands do much when he makes a swing. This is because of the circles of momentum.

Mike has hit a lot of hooks and fades and hit the ball low and high. He can intuitively make his hands do what he wants by thinking about those shots. His hands will make those tiny adjustments. You can also make those adjustments and make those shots with ball position and stance.

The key is that you need your hands to be trained to control the clubface. The better face control you have, the better player you will be at any level.

Players who are superstars are savants with the connection with the hands and the clubface. Their hands and clubface are like one unit. Train your hands to work correctly without thinking about it.

HANDS ARE KEY TO THE GAME

Tossing the club in either hand keeps your wrists relaxed. The trick is to maintain this in the swing.

CLUB TOSS 101

Welcome to Malaska Golf Elite&mdash;and congratulations! You&rsquo;ve just made an incredible investment in your game&mdash;one that&rsquo;s going to pay off in a big way.
What sets the Elite level apart is your access to the M Coaching Series. Why is that such a game-changer?
I took the M-System&mdash;which is already a powerful tool&mdash;and expanded it to show you how to coach someone through itor how to coach yourself through it. Instead of simply saying &ldquo;Here&rsquo;s the skill we&rsquo;re working on,&rdquo; I walk you through the why, how, and where it fits in the full swing. This added depth and detail make the M Coaching Series a truly next-level experience.
You&rsquo;ll not only improve your own game, but if you help others, you&rsquo;ll start to see how everything connects. Teaching deepens your own learning&mdash;and I&rsquo;ve experienced that firsthand. Every time I teach the M-System, my swing gets better. Contrary to what some instructors say, teaching has made me a better player, not worse.
The better you understand how the swing works and why each piece matters, the more the confusion disappears. Everything becomes simpler and clearer.
Director of Distance &ndash; Featuring Justin James. Everyone wants to hit the ball farther. So we went straight to the best: Justin James, World Long Drive Champion.
I&rsquo;ve known his dad, Jerry James, since the 1980s&mdash;we played in tournaments and clinics together, and he could launch the ball. When Justin struggled with injuries, Jerry sent him to me. We tapped into his baseball background and helped him rediscover natural movement patterns. With just a few grip and hand action changes, Justin gained speed with less effort&mdash;and avoided further injury.
Now, he&rsquo;s a part of our team&mdash;and teaches you how to create speed. His swing aligns perfectly with the M-System, adding a few of his own speed-building tweaks along the way. Even the best are using the M-System framework.
21 Days to Your Best Golf Swing
This program gives you 21 guided practice sessions to actively work through the M-System.
Each day, you focus on a segment. But the secret? You don&rsquo;t forget previous days&mdash;you build on them. Day 2 includes Day 1, Day 3 includes Days 1 and 2, and so on. This compound approach mirrors how tour players practice. Eventually, pros can run through all 21 segments in 10&ndash;20 minutes. I can do it in 6 or 7. It becomes a daily routine that reminds your body what your swing is about, keeping you consistent and clear.
Just like any successful job has a checklist, your swing needs one too. That&rsquo;s what the M-System is.
Inside Jack Nicklaus&rsquo;s MindJack Nicklaus graciously allowed Phil Blackmar and me to interview him in his home. I&rsquo;ve known Jack for over 40 years&mdash;played against him, partnered with him, and even worked with him on physical fitness. Our team helped him avoid back surgery, and he&rsquo;s still doing the exercises we gave him in the 1980s.
This interview isn&rsquo;t about his swing. It&rsquo;s about how Jack became Jack&mdash;how he thinks, how he made adjustments, and how he learned. We asked the right questions, and from years of conversations, I&rsquo;ve pieced together how one of the greatest players in history developed his game&mdash;and how you can apply the same principles.
Meet Your Elite-Level Coaches Every Malaska Golf coach involved with Swing Check is a high-level player&mdash;college, mini-tour, or professional competitor. They know what it&rsquo;s like to play for a score, not just teach theory. Swing Checks are available to Elite Members as an add-on product based on instructor availability.
I&rsquo;ve known them all for years. Each of them understands the M-System&mdash;because at some point, I helped them with their own games. They&rsquo;ve lived it, and now they teach it. I&rsquo;d trust any one of them with my own swing. That says everything.
Now, Here&rsquo;s What Matters Most You now have access to more information and tools than most golfers ever will&mdash;but what really matters is this: What are you getting out of it? Are you hitting roadblocks? Are you seeing breakthroughs?
We want to hear from you&mdash;so we can share your success and help you through challenges. Sometimes a roadblock is just a matter of the explanation not clicking. When you tell us, we can fix that&mdash;for you and for others.
Your feedback makes you a key part of your own improvement. That&rsquo;s a big deal&mdash;and we&rsquo;re honored to be part of your journey.

Welcome To Malaska Golf- Elite

A Malaska Golf Member wants to know if Mike uses the same grip when chipping around the green as he does when putting.

The answer is yes! If Mike spends time on the putting green, he will take his pitching wedge and use it to make putts. Mike will make 10, 20, and 30-footers and then putt the ball out. The ball gets in the air; however, he is not blading the ball using his putting stroke.  

Again, Mike is using his putting grip with his pitching wedge. In essence, he has a lofted putter. He will also use a 7 iron, and an 8 iron.

This helps Mike to chip around the green. If he can chip on a putting green, there isn’t a lie around the green from which he can’t chip.

Taking your putting grip and chipping with different clubs on the green is going to make you a better chipper. This will also give you the confidence to chip around the edge of the green.

Paul Runyan gave Mike the idea to practice this when he struggled with chipping. Mike does this exercise, and it works well for him.

Again, take your putting grip and make putting strokes with a lofted club. This will help you chip from around the green.

YOUR PUTTING AND CHIPPING GRIP ARE THE SAME

Golf has gone through many phases. Learn how golf has changed since when me and Andy first started playing.

HOW GOLF HAS EVOLVED

Mike Malaska shows us how there are three ways to hit a draw.

First, you can set the clubface closed and make your normal swing. That will make the ball draw.

Second, set up, and move the ball back in your stance, making your swing path come more from the inside, which will also make it draw.

Third, you can also swing and turn the face over with your hands to make the ball draw. Your hands can adjust the clubface and make the ball draw.

When you hit a tennis ball with a racket, you can hit it straight or add topspin. Your hands determine what the face does.

Mike learned how to make a draw through his experience pitching in baseball. Mike uses the pressure of his fingers to manipulate the clubface's direction on the ball, just like a baseball pitcher makes when throwing a fastball or a slider.

The critical thing is that you need what works best for you on the range, then take it to the course. 

There is no right or wrong way to make the ball draw, fade, or go high or low. Try experimenting on the course and determine which method suits you the best.

HOW TO MAKE THE BALL DRAW

There is a line that separates practice and preparation from actually competing.  Here are the two sides of the line.

THE LINE YOU CROSS

As you progress in golf, having a solid L to L is critical for helping stabilize your speed.

LEARNING THE L TO L

Your grip determines what the ball is going to do. Practice using different grips to get a feel for what your hands need to do.

HOW GRIP AFFECTS YOUR SWING

Now that you know how to make solid contact with the ball, have a synchronized pivot and effective angle of approach, let's look at how you can bring these skills together.

CREATING A NATURAL PITCH SHOT

Maintain your favorite club tempo with longer clubs.

INTRO TO LONGER CLUBS

I have been working with Phil Blackmar for many years. Learn how he has improved me as a player and what we have done for golf together.

WORKING ON MY GAME WITH PHIL BLACKMAR

The process of learning is to get the ball in the hole.

THE PROCESS OF LEARNING

The hand action and the lever system with a baseball swing are the same as the golf club in a golf swing.