Suggestion to improving your game for the 2026 season

Wow it’s March and awesome weather is coming soon. I’m beginning year 32 of the Jeff Coston Golf Academy at Semiahmoo. I love it here. The membership, staff and ownership are amazing.

I’ve been fortunate to write for Inside Golf Newspaper for over 31 years. So grateful for so many opportunities in my career and life.

I love playing golf tournaments and coaching. I would blow up without these passions in my life. It is not only my passion, but privilege to pass on this lifelong journey to those who trust me with their game. Golf has been my pursuit since I could hold a golf club.

I would like to share a few simple, but very important concepts for your success this year.

1. Nine out of 10 golfers would enjoy more success if they strengthened their grip and aimed their feet more left. Like the left side of the fairway or left side of the green. Ones shoulders could feel a bit right, but feet left. To many are feet right, shoulders left and a weak grip.

2. Another thought for this year is this; most amateur golfers lift their arms on the backswing rather than turning their shoulders and hips during the backswing. (Photo 1). Ben Hogan imagined a “Plane of Glass” resting on his shoulders and he would turn under the plane of glass without breaking the glass on the backswing and downswing. This “Anti-Lift” pole would simulate that! I have my students set this up at home and practice and also hit balls on the practice tee! Then imagine it there on the golf course. People talk about height and width on the backswing but seldom is depth taught which is essential. One must turn their shoulders and hips on the backswing rather than just lifting their arms! Almost like you are turning and touching a wall behind you. (Photo 3). Make sure when you touch the wall your hands are shoulder high.

3. Photo 2: If you put a pole at a 45-degree angle 5” from your right shoulder and swing under it with the above concepts on the backswing and to the ball you will have a much better swing plane on the downswing also Work these “Swing Stations” for a better technique.

  Jeff Coston has played the PGA Tour, Web.com and Champions Tour.  He is a multiple Pacific Northwest PGA Player of the Year and is in the PGA Hall of Fame.  Jeff can be reached for appointment year round by calling S360.201.4590. See  www.jeffcoston.com for more.