Leonard outlasted Ernie Els at the PGA Tour Champions stop Sunday,rallying with a decisive back-nine charge to secure the title and deny the South African veteran a late comeback.In a tense final round marked by momentum swings and clutch short-game shots, Leonard steadied himself down the stretch and held off Els to claim the win.
Organizers unveiled a qualification pathway allowing LIV golfers to earn spots in The Open, subject to performance benchmarks and eligibility checks, opening major access amid ongoing tour disputes
As organizers open a pathway for new entrants to earn spots at a major championship, players must quickly align technique with the demands of championship links golf. For instruction, begin with a focus on the full swing foundation: neutral grip, 50-55° shoulder turn for most amateurs, and a spine tilt of about 5-7° away from the target at address to promote a downward attack on irons. Next, quantify the target ball flight for wind-prone Open conditions: aim for a lower-launch, higher-spin trajectory with irons by sweeping ball position slightly back (approximately ¼ ball-width) and ensuring a slightly steeper shaft lean at impact.To practice this transition, follow step-by-step on-range progressions that emphasize tempo and impact location – start with half swings focused on compressing the ball, move to ¾ swings focusing on consistent bottom-of-arc contact, then to full swings with a metronome set at 60-70 bpm to stabilize timing. adapt club selection protocols so that for each hole you have two conservative options and one aggressive option based on wind and lie; this is essential as benchmarked performance will be judged under pressure.
Short game and putting are the decisive margins in qualifying events, as seen in situations like Leonard outlasting Els at a PGA Tour Champions stop where touch and lag putting closed the contest. Begin with a structured short-game practice plan that separates chipping, pitch shots and bunker play. For chipping: adopt a narrow stance, weight 60-70% on the front foot, and use a putting-like stroke for shots inside 30 yards to produce a low-runner. For pitches: open the clubface 10-20° for higher flop-type shots on soft greens, and practice landing the ball on a fixed spot and counting roll-out in feet. Use thes drills to build measurable goals:
- Drill – 30/50/70 challenge: from 30, 50 and 70 yards, get 8/10 shots to finish within a 15-foot circle.
- Putts – lag control: from 30-50 feet, aim to leave 90% inside 6 feet on the frist putt.
- Bunker test: from full bunker shots, land the ball on a target 10-15 feet past the lip consistently.
These exercises mirror match-play resilience where one player’s short-game edge – like Leonard’s here – can overcome length or experience gaps at elite events.
Course management and strategic decision-making convert technical skill into lower scores during qualifiers and majors. Start each hole with a concise pre-shot plan: determine the intended landing zone, carry distances over hazards (use exact yardages, e.g., carry 125 yards to clear a front bunker), and identify a bailout zone. When the wind is a factor, adjust club selection by roughly 1 club per 10 mph of headwind and aim lower on the face to reduce spin; conversely, for tailwind subtract a club.Practice scenario-based rounds where you impose constraints – for example, play six holes without using drivers, or simulate a 20‑mph crosswind day – to force smarter tee choices and wedge-first approaches. Common mistakes to correct include over-aggression off the tee and failing to play to preferred angles; troubleshoot by rehearsing a pre-round yardage checklist and rehearsing one conservative line and one attack line per hole so you can execute under the scrutiny of eligibility checks and performance benchmarks.
Equipment choices, fitting, and a disciplined practice schedule underpin long-term enhancement and readiness for qualifying metrics. Get fit for correct loft and gapping so that each club differs by about 10-12 yards on full swings; verify this on a launch monitor measuring carry distance and launch angle. For practice routines, adopt a weekly structure: two technical sessions (range and short game), one simulated pressure round, and one conditioning/core stability session. Set measurable weekly targets – such as,90% fairways hit in simulated play or 70% up-and-down success from 30 yards – and log results.Address common faults with rapid fixes: over-the-top swing path -> feel inside takeaway, thin chips -> forward weight and hands ahead of the ball, and putting yips -> simplify to a 3-point pre‑shot breathing routine. incorporate mental rehearsal and match-play simulations to mirror the stakes of qualification: visualize successful shots, rehearse routine under timed conditions, and use breath control to lower heart rate before key shots. These combined technical, tactical and psychological steps provide a practical pathway for players – from beginners building fundamentals to low-handicappers fine-tuning marginal gains – to meet the performance benchmarks that open the door to major championship opportunities.
Leonard outlasts Els in dramatic final-round duel at PGA Tour Champions stop
In a final-round duel that tested shot selection and nerves, the closing holes underscored how precise tee-shot placement and setup fundamentals trump raw power under pressure. For players seeking to emulate the winning strategy, start with a reproducible setup: feet shoulder-width, weight distribution at 55/45 (lead/trail) for iron play, and ball position adjusted by club – driver: off the left heel; 7-iron: center to slightly forward (about 1-2 inches left of center). From the tee,favor an angle-of-attack and target line that minimizes risk: when the pin or landing area is guarded by hazards,aim for the wider side of the fairway and accept a longer approach to reduce the chance of penalty strokes. In match-closing situations similar to the Champions stop, use a pre-shot routine of three deep breaths, a visual target no smaller than a ball-size spot, and a commitment to a single club selection to avoid indecision at address.
Beyond setup, shot-shaping and swing mechanics determine who converts late-round opportunities. To consistently shape shots-fade or draw-focus on two mechanical checkpoints: clubface relative to path at impact and body rotation through the shot. Such as, create a controlled draw by slightly closing the clubface (3-5 degrees) relative to a neutral path and promoting a square-to-closed face at impact with a compact release; conversely, open the face 3-5 degrees to promote a fade.Practical drills include the alignment-stick gate (place sticks 6-8 inches apart to train a clean takeaway and path) and the towel-under-arms drill (hold a towel between chest and arms to maintain connection through impact).Aim for measurable targets in practice: work to hit 8 of 10 shots inside a 15-yard dispersion at 150 yards, and monitor face-angle at impact with a launch monitor or smartphone slow-motion video to reduce side-spin by at least 25% over a month.
The duel’s decisive moments often occur on and around the green, making short game and putting drills essential for scoring under pressure. Emphasize speed control first-pace cues like hitting a 30-foot putt two-thirds the way to the hole on purpose-and read slopes by identifying the fall line and using a two-step visual technique: first, assess the slope percentage (mild 1-2%, moderate 3-4%, severe 5%+) and then pick an aim point that accounts for pace. For bunker and chip situations, practice three go-to options: a low-running bump shot with a 56° opened slightly, a standard sand explosion with a 54° and square face, and a high-flop with a 60°-each for specific green conditions. Use these drills:
- Clock chip drill: from 4, 8, and 12 feet around the hole, make 10 consecutive chips to improve feel.
- Distance ladder: hit 5 balls to 10, 20, 30, and 40 yards, record proximity-to-hole, and reduce average miss by 1-2 feet per week.
- Three-putt avoidance: practice lag putting to within 3 feet from 40-60 feet, aiming for 8 of 10 saves.
These routines translate directly to the closing holes of a tight competition, where one well-executed chip or lag putt separates a win from a playoff.
course management and the mental game shaped the outcome in the Champions match and should guide every player’s improvement plan. Make strategic decisions based on risk-reward math: when facing a carry over water, compare the clublength carry (e.g., 160 yards) to your 75% carry distance and choose the club that gives a margin of at least 10-15 yards for error. Equipment considerations matter too-verify wedge loft gaps of 8-10 degrees and use bounce to match turf conditions (higher bounce for soft or fluffy lies). For habitual improvement, adopt a weekly practice schedule that balances mechanics (2 days), short game (2 days), and simulated pressure play (1 day) with measurable goals such as cutting average putts per round by 0.5 in six weeks or shaving 2 strokes off your handicap in three months.Troubleshooting common mistakes: if you miss left under pressure, shorten your backswing and check grip tension; if you leave putts short, practice maintaining accelerating stroke through the ball. Linking these technical fixes to on-course strategy-conservative clubbing into vulnerable greens, aggressive attack on reachable par-5s, and intentional pace reading-turns practice gains into lower scores and, ultimately, tournament wins similar to the one witnessed at the PGA Tour Champions stop.
Key shots and turning points that swung the match in Leonard’s favor
Early in the final round Leonard seized control with a sequence of precisely placed tee shots that forced Els into difficult recovery shots, and the mechanics behind those shots are instructive for every golfer. Club selection and alignment were decisive: Leonard chose a 3-wood off the tee into the dogleg to avoid the risk of the longer driver and targeted a 20-30 yard wide landing area at 250-270 yards, which gave him the best angle into the green. For amateurs, translate this strategy by measuring your pleasant carry distance and then subtracting 10-20 yards to find a reliable target-this reduces risk and improves position. As a step-by-step: set up with your ball slightly forward for a 3-wood, hands neutral, weight 55/45 toward your front foot at address, and aim your shoulders and feet one clubface aim point left of the target to allow a controlled release. Practice drills:
- Alignment checkpoint: lay a club on the ground to check shoulder/foot alignment on 10 shots.
- Distance control: hit 15 balls trying to land within a 30-yard wide corridor at your typical 3-wood carry distance.
- Tempo drill: swing with a metronome at 60-70 BPM to reproduce Leonard’s calm rhythm under pressure.
These simple checks and drills reduce variance and put you in the same strategic position Leonard exploited to outlast Els.
Transitioning from position to scoring, Leonard’s approach shots displayed intentional shot shaping and spin control-skills that separated the two veterans on key holes. In tournament conditions he frequently used a controlled draw to hold firm greens against the wind, managing dynamic loft and face-to-path relationships. For practical application, focus on two measurable goals: 1) create a repeatable 10-15 yard draw from 150 yards and 2) produce a soft spin landing where the ball checks within 6-8 feet. To achieve this, work on a slightly inside-to-out swing path with the clubface closed 2-4 degrees relative to the path at impact, and set ball position one ball back of your usual iron position for a lower penetrating flight. Common mistakes and corrections:
- Too much hand action-fix: slow the hands and feel the body rotation through impact.
- Over-opening the face-fix: use a mirror or video to ensure face alignment at address and impact.
Progressively increase difficulty by practicing in wind and from differing lies so you can execute the same techniques Leonard used when the course moved him into scoring position.
The short game sequence midway through the final round proved the true turning point: Leonard’s ability to escape trouble and convert key putts under pressure swung momentum. His bunker play featured a full-face strike with an open clubface and a steeper attack angle (approximately 60-65° attack into the sand) to ensure the ball splashed out with control; whereas his lag putting prioritized speed control over line, leaving tap-ins rather than chasing hole-outs. For all levels, adopt this two-part approach: first, standardized setup fundamentals (feet shoulder-width in bunkers, weight slightly forward, open stance, clubface open), and second, reproducible routines for distance control on the green (count-back stroke tempo and pick a landing spot).Practice routines:
- Bunker drill: 30 balls, three distances-short (6-8 ft carry), medium (12-15 ft), long (18-22 ft)-focus on consistent entry point in the sand.
- Lag putting ladder: place markers at 10, 20, 30, and 40 feet; aim to leave 80% of balls inside 3 feet for each distance.
Also, address common errors such as decelerating through the sand or yanking putts; use slow-motion video to confirm acceleration through impact and maintain a consistent pre-shot routine to manage nerves-something Leonard displayed repeatedly during the clutch moments against Els.
Leonard’s victory underscored the interplay of course management,equipment choices,and mental resilience-lessons that translate directly into measurable improvement. He adjusted loft and shaft choices for predictable yardage into breezy conditions and prioritized par-saving targets over low-percentage pin hunting. For golfers, set measurable course-management goals like reduce aggressive pin hunts by 40% or cut three-putts to one per round. Practical strategies include: play to the fat part of the green when greens are firm, carry hazard margins by adding 10-15 yards to your number on downwind into hazards, and use a conservative lay-up club when crosswinds exceed 10-12 mph. Troubleshooting tips:
- if you repeatedly miss right on approach, check stance alignment and clubface at address.
- If you struggle with distance control, build a practice log of club distances and conditions (temperature, wind, lie).
Mentally, mimic Leonard’s composed routine-breath control, visualizing landing areas rather than holes, and committing to a single plan-so technical improvements become reliable under match pressure, providing a clear path for beginners through low-handicap players to improve scoring and course IQ.
Analysis of Leonard’s putting stroke and short game adjustments that secured victory
Leonard’s week-long putting overhaul showed up as a measurable, repeatable stroke rather than a lucky streak, and it began with setup fundamentals that any player can copy. Observers noted a slightly more forward ball position-about 1-2 inches inside the left heel for right‑handed players-combined with a small, controlled shaft lean of 2-4 degrees at address to lower dynamic loft and promote a truer roll. From a mechanics viewpoint, Leonard shortened his stroke arc for mid‑range putts to a compact 2-4 inch travel on the backswing with a shoulder-driven rotation of approximately 10-15 degrees, minimizing wrist hinge. For practical transfer,use these setup checkpoints during practice:
- Ball position: 1-2″ forward of center for stability.
- Eye line: directly over or slightly inside the ball line (within 1″).
- Putter loft: minimal dynamic loft at impact to avoid skidding-aim for a smooth forward press.
Beginner golfers should first master a shoulder‑rock drill (feet together, shoulders turn only) to ingrain the pendulum, while low handicappers can refine impact with impact tape or a launch monitor to confirm face angle within ±1° at impact.
His short game adjustments blended conservative trajectory control with selective aggression around the greens, which paid dividends when he needed close, two‑putt pars against Els. Leonard favored a lower‑trajectory bump‑and‑run where turf was tight and a higher‑spin pitch when the pin demanded it-choosing bounce over leading edge when soft sand or wet rough required tolerance. Technically, he increased forward shaft lean and held 60-70% of weight on the lead foot for chips to promote crisp contact, and opened the face with a slightly wider stance for flop shots to use the club’s bounce. Use these drills and goals to replicate:
- Chip ladder: land the ball at 10ft/20ft/30ft targets to control rollout (goal: 90% first-roll within 6ft in practice).
- Pitch-to-landing drill: choose a landing spot and record consistency of carries within a 3‑yard window.
- Bunker contact drill: hit to a towel line to train entering sand 1-2″ behind the ball.
Common mistakes-gripping too tight, flipping wrists, or stepping off balance-are corrected by a slow‑motion half‑swing rehearsal and pausing at impact to feel loft and bounce interaction with the turf.
Strategic choices on the PGA Tour Champions green helped Leonard outlast Els, and those choices map directly to everyday course management. He adjusted putt aggression to green speed-easing up on putts when the Stimpmeter reading suggested a faster surface (for example, stimpmeter readings north of 10 demand a firmer stroke and an earlier break read)-and factored wind, slope, and grain into his line calls. when behind the hole, Leonard used lag drills to leave two‑putt distances inside 6 feet, reducing risk. Familiarize yourself with the Rules basics that apply: you may repair pitch marks and remove loose impediments on the putting green, but do not test the surface by rubbing the line; use a consistent marker and replacement routine to avoid penalty. Course‑management practice items include:
- Pre‑round green reading: walk two representative greens and note uphill/downhill speed and grain direction.
- Situational drills: simulate 3‑shot holes where your goal is to get up‑and‑down 70%+ of the time.
These habits help players from beginners to elite amateurs translate technical proficiency into lower scores under tournament pressure.
Mental routines and pressure drills finished the picture-Leonard’s calm tempo and rehearsed pre‑shot routine are teachable and measurable. He used a 6-8 second pre‑putt routine focusing on breath, visualizing the line and pace, then executed without overthinking-an approach that minimizes yips and rushes. For training, adopt a timed routine: visualize (2-3s), breathe (1-2s), stroke practice swing (1-2s). Pressure simulation drills are essential: practice with consequences (e.g., missing a 6‑foot putt earns a 10‑push‑up penalty) and with varying green speeds and wind conditions to build adaptability. Troubleshooting steps include:
- For deceleration: set a metronome to a steady beat and perform 50 putts at that tempo.
- For body sway: place an alignment rod along the sternum and keep contact throughout the stroke.
- For poor bunker contact: practice hitting to a fixed towel line to ensure sand entry 1-2″ behind the ball.
By combining measurable mechanical targets, situational strategy inspired by Leonard’s win over Els, and pressure‑based practice, golfers at all levels can make short‑game gains that translate directly to fewer strokes and greater scoring resilience.
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Strategic lessons for senior competitors from leonard’s course management
In the wake of Leonard outlasting Els at the PGA Tour champions stop, seniors can extract clear tactical lessons about how disciplined tee-shot placement beats raw distance when the pressure is on. start with a simple decision framework: assess the hole, pick a safe target, and select a club that leaves a preferred approach yardage (for many senior players this is typically 100-125 yards into the green, where wedges and controlled trajectory give the best scoring chance). To implement this on the range and on-course, follow these setup checkpoints:
- Alignment: feet, hips and shoulders parallel to the target line; use a club on the ground to check.
- Ball position: for fairway woods and hybrids, one ball left of center; for irons, center to slightly forward for mid-irons.
- Stance width: approximately shoulder-width for mid-irons, slightly wider for stability with hybrids and fairway woods.
Transitioning from practice to play,emulate leonard’s conservative lines by favoring the wider part of the fairway and trading a potential driver-for-iron gamble for a hybrid that yields a controllable fade or draw,intentionally leaving the ball in the short grass and inside the 125‑yard zone where scoring percentages rise.
Short game precision won Leonard tight holes; seniors should prioritize controlled contact and accurate green reading over aggressive spin. When reading greens, first evaluate slope and grain, then estimate speed-if a course’s greens run at a Stimp-like feel of 9-10 ft, allow more break and less aggressive pace. For chipping and pitching,practice these drills:
- Landing-spot drill: place a towel 10-15 feet short of the hole and aim to land the ball on the towel from 30-60 yards to train trajectory control.
- Clock-face wedge drill: from 50-70 yards, hit 8-10 shots to different “clock” targets around a practice green to work on spin and landing angle.
- Putting pace drill: putt 20-footers to a backstop to learn uphill/downhill speed control-goal: leave within 3 feet on 80% of attempts.
Also consider equipment: choose wedges with appropriate bounce for your turf-on firm turf use 4-6° bounce, and in softer turf 8-12° bounce. Correct common mistakes such as scooping (fix by keeping weight slightly forward at impact) and grabbing the club (fix by rehearsing a slow, accelerating stroke) to replicate Leonard’s calm touch around the greens.
Course-management decisions under pressure separate pars from blemishes; Leonard’s late-round choices show the value of a structured risk assessment. Use this step-by-step decision tree on each hole: 1) identify the safest target; 2) calculate your reliable carry yardage plus a 10-15 yard error margin; 3) decide whether to attack or lay up based on green hazards and your short-game confidence. For example, when faced with a reachable par‑5 guarded by water 30 yards short of the green, prefer a 3‑wood to lay up to 110-125 yards rather than a low-percentage fairway metal that could bring hazards into play. Practice these situational drills:
- simulate short game pressure by playing 9 holes with a rule: must lay up on any par‑5 that risks water inside 100 yards;
- use range sessions to build a reliable dispersion chart: hit 10 balls with each scoring club, record average carry and standard deviation, and use those numbers for on-course decisions.
remember the Rules of Golf when managing the course-do not improve your lie to gain advantage, and take relief options correctly (measuring relief distances precisely) to keep strategy within the rulebook.
Physical and mental adjustments tailored to senior competitors amplify strategic choices and sustain performance. Mechanically, aim for a shallower attack angle with long clubs-transition to a hybrid or high-lofted fairway wood to replace long irons, and experiment with +0.5″ length and slightly lighter shafts to increase comfort without sacrificing control. For tempo, many seniors find a 3:1 backswing-to-downswing rhythm (count 1-2-3 on the back, quick 1 on the transition) reduces timing errors; practice with a metronome set to 60-72 bpm to internalize tempo. Conditioning and routine work are equally important:
- flexibility drill: 3× daily 90‑second hip-openers to maintain turn;
- strength drill: two 10‑minute sessions weekly with light resistance bands for rotator cuff and core stability;
- mental routine: a 7-10 second pre-shot routine including two controlled breaths and a visualization of the intended flight.
By integrating these physical, equipment, and mental strategies-mirroring leonard’s judicious blend of caution and execution-senior players from beginners to low handicappers can produce measurable improvements: aim to reduce average approach misses by 20-30% and lower short-game strokes gained through focused drills and smarter on-course choices.
How Els’ late-round approach faltered and what veterans can learn from it
Late in the round at the PGA Tour Champions stop – when Leonard outlasted Els – the contest turned on a sequence of small mechanical and strategic miscalculations that any veteran can learn from. Under pressure, higher-risk shot selection combined with subtle swing breakdowns caused a run of missed greens and scrambling situations. First, address the fundamentals: alignment, ball position, and weight distribution. For mid-irons use a neutral stance with the ball centered, weight roughly 55/45 (lead/trail) at setup, and a spine tilt of about 5° toward the target. Maintain a shoulder turn close to 80°-90° on a full swing and aim for an attack angle of roughly -2° to -4° with long irons to ensure a clean, descending strike. Common late-round faults such as early extension and loss of spine angle create thin or fat contact; correct these with a simple gate drill (place two tees slightly wider than the clubhead and swing through) to reinforce a centered impact position.
Short game execution under pressure is where tournaments are won or lost, and Leonard’s conservative wedge strategy – opting for middle-of-the-green approaches rather than hero shots – paid off when Els pushed for pins. To improve scoring from 120 yards and in, practice measured trajectory and landing-zone control: use a clockface wedge drill to build repeatable distances (e.g., 50, 70, 90, 110 yards) and note the club, loft and swing length that produce each number. For shots inside 60 yards, prioritize bounce and loft selection: choose a wedge with sufficient bounce for soft turf or sand, and use a lower-bounce option on tight lies. Drill examples:
- Landing-spot drill – pick a 10-yard landing zone and play 10 balls, aiming to land within 3 yards of that spot.
- Bump-and-run practice – set up a 30-40 yard target and hit 20 low shots to learn trajectory control.
- One-handed control drill – 2 sets of 20 wedge swings with the lead hand only to train release and distance feel.
These drills transfer directly to late-round scenarios where proximity saves matter more than chasing pins.
Course management decisions frequently enough trump pure shot-making, notably when greens are firm or wind is a factor; Leonard’s victory underscored the value of percentage play. When deciding between attack and safety, follow a simple decision tree: assess lie and wind, identify the conservative landing area (often the middle of the green), evaluate bailout options (slope, bunker, water), then select the club that produces the required carry plus a 10-20 yard safety buffer. as a rule of thumb, adjust for wind by adding or subtracting roughly 1 club per 10 mph of head- or tailwind for shots over 150 yards, and adopt a more cautious aim when pin positions are tucked behind hazards. Use this checklist during pre-shot routines to keep choices objective:
- Read wind and green firmness.
- Pick a target area (middle/front/back) not just the flag.
- Choose club for carry plus safety margin.
- Commit to an aggressive but chosen miss (e.g., short-left of the green rather than long right into trouble).
structure practice so improvements are measurable and sustainable for all levels. Establish weekly goals such as increasing greens in regulation by 5-10% over eight weeks or improving up-and-down percentage inside 30 yards by 10 points. Progressive drills include the impact-bag drill to promote forward shaft lean and a tempo metronome (backstroke : downswing at roughly 3:1) to stabilize rhythm under pressure. Equipment checks matter: verify loft gapping with a launch monitor (aim for ~10-12 yards gap between irons, 4-6 yards between wedges) so you can trust club selection late in rounds. Correct common mistakes – overgripping,scooping on wedges,or committing to the wrong club – with targeted reps: 50 wedge shots focusing on landing spots,100 putts inside 20 feet with a 60-second routine,and 30 full-swing repetitions working on maintaining spine angle. By combining these mechanical fixes, course-management rules, and measurable practice routines, veterans can convert late-round pressure into controlled scoring rather than risky heroics, just as Leonard’s patient approach did when he outlasted Els.
Statistical breakdown reveals where Leonard gained decisive edges
In tournament play at the PGA Tour Champions stop where Leonard outlasts Els, the statistical profile showed decisive edges emerging from superior approach play and short-game conversion, and these gains translate directly into teachable strategies. Coaches should set a measurable target: aim to reduce average approach proximity by 5-10 feet within a 6-8 week practice block, and increase up-and-down percentage by 8-12%. Begin with setup fundamentals that are non-negotiable for reliable approach shots: a neutral grip, ball position slightly forward of center for long irons and centered to back for wedges, shoulder alignment square to target, and a stance width of roughly 1.0-1.5 times shoulder width. Practice checkpoints include focusing on consistent contact (compressing the ball) and a stable base through impact; if you find variable contact,shorten the backswing by 10-20% and drill half-swings to ingrain consistent low-point control.
Transitioning from setup to swing mechanics, Leonard’s edge frequently enough came from controlled ball flight and strategic tee selection on tighter holes. Emphasize a repeatable swing pattern: shoulder turn of roughly 80-100° on full swings, a steady head position, and a controlled hip rotation of about 40-50° through impact to create a shallow, powerful delivery.For many players, sacrificing a few yards for accuracy is the correct course strategy – practice hitting a 3-wood or hybrid as a driver alternative on narrow fairways to boost fairways-hit percentage.Drill ideas:
- Swing plane gate: place two alignment sticks to form a gate and swing with a mid-plane path to reduce over-the-top slices.
- Tempo metronome: use a 60-80 bpm metronome to steady backswing and transition.
- Driver control routine: 10 targeted drivers to a specific 30-yard-wide corridor, then 10 to target; track dispersion with simple yardage cones.
These exercises help create the clubface control and dispersion patterns that produced Leonard’s advantage over Els on key holes.
short game performance is where tournaments are won or lost, and Leonard’s scramble efficiency offered a template for improvement. Work on precise landing-zone control and spin management: for a 40-60 yard pitch,target a landing spot approximately 8-15 yards short of the hole depending on green firmness,then control rollout. In bunkers, use the club’s bounce – open the face to 10-20° and swing along the line with a shallow entry to splash the sand and let the club do the work. Practice routines to build feel:
- landing zone ladder: place towels at 5-yard increments (5-10-15 yards) and pitch to each target for 50 shots.
- Low-runner vs high-spin drill: alternate 30 bump-and-runs with 30 high soft pitches to learn trajectory options.
- Pressure up-and-downs: from 30-40 yards, play 10 consecutive up-and-downs for scorekeeping.
Common mistakes include trying to impart too much spin (resulting in thin contact) and misjudging green speed; correct these by simplifying the stroke, focusing on firm wrist control, and practicing on varied green speeds to calibrate landing/release.
putting and course management often decided Leonard’s duel with Els, so integrate green-reading and mental protocols into practice. Use the AimPoint or mirror speed test to read breaks, but pair that with a pre-shot routine that includes a visualized line and a three-count stroke to reduce yips. For speed control, set a measurable drill: place towels at 3ft, 6ft, and 9ft distances and practice ladder putts until you can lag 80% of them within a 12-inch circle. Also, build situational strategy into rounds – when facing a downwind par-5 on a soft day, play aggressively for the green; on a windy, firm par-4, opt for center-fairway position and two-putt tactics to avoid errant recovery shots. Troubleshooting steps:
- If you are three-putting frequently: simplify your stroke, focus on a pendulum motion, and practice 20 speed-only putts from 30-50 feet twice a week.
- If you miss approaches long/short: check yardage biases and adjust club selection by 10-15 yards accordingly.
- If nerves spike in match moments: use a breathing routine (4-4-4) and rehearsal swings to restore rhythm.
By combining these technical tweaks, measurable practice drills, and calm decision-making under pressure, golfers of all levels can replicate the areas where Leonard found decisive edges and turn statistical advantages into lower scores.
Implications of the result for season rankings and recommendations for contenders
Leonard’s late-week resilience in outlasting Els at the PGA Tour Champions stop carries clear implications for the season rankings: consistent short-game scoring and conservative tee-shot placement translate directly into points and resilience in a points race. Tournament leaders who convert scrambling opportunities and avoid big numbers gain an advantage over the long haul; therefore, contenders should set measurable goals-such as, target a +10 percentage-point increase in scrambling and reduce average putts per round by 0.5 within the next eight events. To accomplish this, follow a step-by-step audit of recent performance: 1) isolate strokes-gained categories (off-the-tee, approach, around-the-green, putting), 2) rank weaknesses, and 3) allocate weekly practice time proportionally. As the Leonard-Els match-up illustrated, converting half of short-game opportunities on par‑5s and maintaining conservative tee alignment on risk-reward holes can be the difference between a top‑10 season finish and falling down the leaderboards.
Technically, contenders should emulate the mechanical balance that produced Leonard’s consistency by focusing on spine angle, ball position, and attack angle-three fundamentals that control trajectory and contact. Start with setup fundamentals: feet shoulder-width, ball centered to slightly forward for mid-irons, and spine tilt of 3-5 degrees away from the target. Then dial in attack angles: aim for -2° to -4° with numbered irons to compress the ball, and +1° to +3° with the driver for higher launch and lower spin. Use these drills to ingrain the feel:
- Gate drill (2-inch spacing at impact) to square the clubface and improve path
- Impact bag to feel forward shaft lean and low-point control
- Alignment stick swing plane to match shoulder turn and clubshaft plane
Transition from slow-motion groove work to 75% tempo hits, then to full-speed shots while monitoring ball flight-this progression ensures mechanical changes survive competitive pressure.
Short-game and course management were decisive in the final pairing, and contenders must practice both in tandem. For wedge play, establish a repeatable landing zone: for example, on a 60‑yard pitch, aim to land the ball 8-12 yards short of the hole and practice landing to a two‑club landing zone. Use the following routine to build distance control and creativity:
- 3‑spot wedge drill: hit 10 shots to 30, 50 and 80 yards, recording dispersion and adjusting loft/velocity
- Clock chipping: 12 balls around the hole at decreasing distances to train variety (bump‑and‑run to flop)
- Lag putting practice: 10 putts from 30-60 feet aiming to leave inside a 6‑foot circle
In on‑course strategy, emulate Leonard’s pragmatic choices: when greens are firm or wind is >15 mph, choose lower-lofted approaches that fly less and run more, and use target-centric alignment (pick an intermediate landing point) instead of always attacking the pin. For beginners, simplify decisions-aim for the widest part of the green; for low handicappers, focus on precise yardage control and selective aggression where birdie probability outweighs bogey risk.
equipment tuning,deliberate practice scheduling,and mental routines complete a contender’s plan for climbing season standings. Verify loft and lie settings and match shaft flex to swing speed-most amateurs with driver swing speeds between 85-100 mph will benefit from a regular to stiff shaft; professionals or low handicappers with higher speeds should favor stiffer profiles to control spin.Adopt a weekly practice plan with 2 full‑swing sessions, 3 short‑game sessions, and 1 focused putting session, plus one simulated‑round under pressure. Troubleshooting checkpoints include:
- Grip check: neutral hands avoid excessive face rotation
- Pre‑shot routine: consistent visual alignment,one deep breath,and commit
- Weather adjustments: add 5-10 yards into a stiff wind on approach and favor lower lofted shots on firm fairways
Combine these technical and psychological elements-goal‑setting,measurable drills,and course‑specific adjustments-and contenders can convert single-event success like leonard’s into sustained ranking gains across the season.
Leonard’s gritty finish, outlasting Ernie Els in a tense closing stretch, earned him the title at the PGA Tour Champions stop and underlined his resilience against a field of seasoned competitors. The victory provides momentum as the Champions season continues, with Leonard looking to build on this performance while Els reassesses after a hard-fought week.
