PGA Tour winner Knapp is mourning the recent death of his girlfriend and will step away from competition as he grieves,his representatives said. The loss has cast uncertainty over his immediate schedule as family, friends and fellow players offer support.
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As governing bodies open new routes for players to reach major championships, instructors and competitors must sharpen the fundamentals that hold up under major-championship pressure. Start with the swing: setup fundamentals set the ceiling for consistency – grip pressure at about 4-5/10, feet roughly shoulder-width apart, and a spine tilt of approximately 15-20° away from the target for a neutral driver posture.In step-by-step terms, begin each session by checking alignment (clubface square to the target, shoulders parallel to the target line), then rehearse a compact takeaway to the inside for the frist 6-8 inches before completing a full shoulder turn; a good measurable goal is to achieve a repeatable backswing length that produces a consistent ball flight within a 10-15 yard dispersion at 150 yards. Common mistakes include an over-strong grip, excessive lateral sway, and casting through impact – correct thes with a slow-motion drill where you pause at the top for one second and feel the clubhead lag, then accelerate through impact while keeping weight on the front side. For players of all levels, use a launch monitor or even a smartphone camera to capture tempo and clubface angle at impact, then set a weekly target: three sessions focused on tempo and one session dedicated to impact position.
Transitioning from full swings to scoring shots, the short game determines whether added opportunities turn into low major finishes. For chips and pitches, emphasize loft and bounce awareness: select a wedge with enough bounce to avoid digging on a firm lie, and for a pitch-and-run on firm courses move the ball slightly back in the stance and hinge the wrists less to keep the trajectory low. Practice drills that build repeatability include:
- “60‑second clock” – set 12 balls, hit each to different clock positions around a target to develop distance control;
- “Two-club drill” – play a chip with your pitching wedge and then with an 8-iron to feel how different lofts and swing arcs affect roll;
- bunker routine – open face, feet slightly wider, weight 60% on lead foot, swing with a steep entry to splash sand, aiming to take a 1-2 inch strip behind the ball.
When facing crosswinds or damp links-style fairways typical of Open venues, employ a knockdown shot by placing the ball back in your stance, keeping hands forward at impact and shortening the arc to keep the ball below the wind; this is especially important when firm conditions force low-checking approaches.
Course management and equipment choices convert technique into scoring.Begin each hole with three pieces of information: distance to the safe carry and to the center of the green, prevailing wind (speed and direction), and the pin position. A practical rule is to aim to be 10-15 yards short of trouble on approach if a longer layup still leaves you with an opening wedge; such as, if a front bunker protects the green at 150 yards, consider a 135-yard layup to a preferred angle.Setup checkpoints before any shot should include:
- visualize a landing zone and a subsequent 10-15 yard rollout;
- confirm club choice by adding or subtracting 1 club per 10-15 mph of headwind;
- pre-shot routine of no more than 20 seconds to preserve tempo under pressure.
Equipment considerations matter: match shaft flex to swing speed (a 94-100 mph driver speed typically fits a regular to stiff shaft), and keep wedge loft gaps at 10-12° to cover full-swing to lob scenarios.Avoid the common mistake of over-clubbing into firm greens; rather, practice distance control with scoring clubs to reduce three-putts and lower stroke average.
the mental game ties technique to performance – and here personal resilience becomes practical on-course strategy. PGA Tour winner Knapp, who has publicly navigated personal grief, underscores the role of process-focused routines and breathing techniques as performance tools; translate that into golf by adopting a four‑count breathing pre-shot routine and a two-minute visualization before each round. Practice routines should be measurable: aim to reduce your three-putt rate by 25% over eight weeks by doing focused putting sessions (e.g., 50 short putts inside 8 feet followed by 30 lag putts from 20-40 feet). Provide multiple learning approaches:
- visual learners – video-record shots and annotate 3 mistakes to fix per week;
- kinesthetic learners – use tempo trainers and weighted clubs for feel;
- analytical learners – track strokes gained on approach and set numeric targets per round.
Moreover, when emotion threatens focus, use a simple cue word and the same physical pre-shot routine to anchor attention; this method links Knapp’s emphasis on emotional processing with a repeatable performance habit, helping beginners build confidence and low handicappers maintain a competitive edge in major conditions.
Knapp withdraws from upcoming events while family holds private memorial
As PGA Tour winner knapp steps away from competition to grieve the death of his girlfriend and allow his family a private memorial, golfers can draw practical lessons about balancing recovery and readiness. Short, focused practice sessions – such as, three 20‑minute blocks per day with 10‑minute breaks – preserve energy while maintaining feel; begin each block with a single objective (tempo, impact, or distance control).In the immediate aftermath of loss, prioritize the mental game with breathing and visualization: use a 4‑4‑8 breathing routine before a shot, then visualize the flight and landing for 10 seconds. Tournament protocol and sportsmanship matter too: if withdrawing,follow event office procedures and communicate with your team; similarly,when returning to play adopt a conservative course plan for the first rounds back to rebuild confidence rather than chase low scores.
Technically, rebuildments should start with fundamentals of setup and swing mechanics that apply across skill levels. Emphasize a repeatable address: feet shoulder‑width, knees flexed 5-7 degrees, spine tilt of approximately 5° toward the target for irons, and ball position centered for irons moving slightly forward for long clubs. Work through these progressive steps: (1) slow takeaway to a 45° shoulder turn, (2) set the wrists to about 90° of **** at the top for a full swing (or less for lower‑handicap shaping), and (3) compress through impact with a slightly forward shaft lean of 1-2 inches. Use these drills to reinforce the sequence:
- Mirror address drill – 30 reps focusing on spine angle and shoulder alignment
- Half‑swing to full progression – 10 half, 10 3/4, 10 full swings emphasising consistent wrist set
- Impact bag or towel drill – hold impact position for 2-3 seconds to feel forward shaft lean
Common mistakes include reversing the sequence (hands first) and over-rotating the hips; correct them by slowing tempo with a metronome at 60-70 BPM and using alignment sticks to ensure the club travels on the intended plane.
The short game and putting can be the quickest path back to scoring stability, and practical drills translate directly to on‑course results. For chips and pitches, adopt a two‑tier approach: bump‑and‑run for low trajectories with a less lofted club and the ball back in stance, and full wedge pitches for 30+ yards with the ball slightly forward of center and an open clubface of roughly 10-15° for high spin shots. Putting fundamentals to rehearse include a square putter face at impact and a stroke arc matched to the putter type; aim for a consistent backstroke length that produces a target distance – for example, a 20‑foot putt should have a backswing that produces a ball speed of approximately 9-10 ft/s depending on the green. Practice items:
- Gate putting drill – 50 putts from 6-12 feet to reduce mishits
- Ladder distance drill – 5 putts each at 5, 10, 20, 30 feet, focus on leaving within 3 feet
- 30‑yard wedge landing drill – carry to a 10‑yard target, repeat 20 times to dial trajectory and spin
Address common faults (skipping the follow‑through, too much wrist at address) by recording a few reps and comparing to a model swing; adjustments can be scaled for beginners through low handicappers by changing club selection and target size.
connect technical work to strategic, on‑course decision making – a crucial step as players return from any absence.Use aggressive play selectively: off the tee, choose a target landing area rather than a hole‑out number; for example, on a 420‑yard par‑4 with a fairway bunker at 260 yards, favor a 3‑wood or hybrid to a 270-290 yard landing zone rather than a driver that risks the hazard. Account for wind and course conditions: add or subtract club for every 10-15 mph of head or tailwind and play to the safer side of the green with firm turf. Set measurable goals for a comeback period – such as reduce 3‑putts by 50% in eight weeks, hit 70% of greens within 100 yards, or regain pre‑absence driving accuracy – and track progress with simple stats and weekly video reviews. In sum, by combining compassionate time away with a structured, measurable return plan that includes setup checkpoints, specific drills, and conservative course management, players can protect their long‑term performance while honoring personal responsibilities and emotional recovery.
Timeline of events and official statements from Knapp and PGA Tour
In recent public comments and a documented timeline of events, PGA Tour winner Knapp has described how grief affected his planning and decision-making on course; that context offers immediate, practical lessons for golfers seeking resilience and technical consistency. First,reinforce a reliable setup: neutral grip,45-55° shaft lean at address for irons,and approximately 20° of spine tilt away from the target for full shots. Make measurable setup checkpoints part of your pre-shot routine to translate emotion into process: check feet shoulder-width apart, ball position one club length forward of center for long irons and center-to-back of stance for wedges, and ensure a balanced 60/40 weight distribution favoring the front foot through impact. For practice, use these drills to anchor fundamentals and build muscle memory:
- Alignment-rod gate: two rods set just wider than the clubhead to promote a square path at address and through impact
- Impact-bag tempo drill: short, controlled strikes to feel forward shaft lean and compress the bag
- Routine rehearsal: three deep breaths, practice swing, and final look – repeat until consistent under pressure
Moving from setup into swing mechanics, adopt a step-by-step approach that bridges beginner simplicity and advanced refinement. Begin by establishing a consistent takeaway along the clubshaft plane, stopping when the shaft is parallel to the ground; intermediate players should progress to achieving a 45° shoulder turn with hips rotating about 20-30° on the backswing. For the transition, emphasize a smooth weight shift to the front foot so that by impact the weight is 60-70% forward; this creates compressed contact and predictable spin. To correct common mistakes – such as casting or early extension – use these practice items:
- Pause-at-top drill: pause for one second at the top to train sequencing
- Step-through drill: start with feet together and step into the swing to encourage dynamic weight transfer
- impact tape feedback: place tape on the clubface to monitor strike location and adjust ball position accordingly
Advanced players who shape shots should practice altering face-to-path relationships by 2-4° increments to produce predictable draws and fades, while beginners should prioritize centered contact before attempting shape.
The short game and putting often determine scoring, and Knapp’s recent emphasis on routine under emotional strain underscores the power of repeatable processes. On chips and pitches, focus on a narrow stance, hinge-limited wrists, and using the body to control distance-count on 30-40° of wrist hinge for bunker and lob shots and 10-15° for bump-and-run shots. For putting,align the shoulders parallel to the target line,set the eyes directly over or slightly inside the ball,and use a stroke length correlated to distance: roughly 1/4 stroke per yard inside 10 yards for consistent pace. Practice routines:
- Clock drill: place balls at 3, 6, 9, 12 feet around the hole to build lag and short putt confidence
- One-handed chip drill: eliminates wrist flip and promotes a pure arc from the shoulders
- Green-speed adaptation: practice on two different speeds to learn how speed, grain, and slope affect break
These steps reduce three-putts and improve scrambling percentage; set a measurable goal such as reduce three-putts by 50% in eight weeks and track progress.
integrate course management and mental strategies into every practice block, drawing on Knapp’s public observations that clear decisions and compassionate self-awareness can stabilize performance during personal upheaval. Use yardage books and GPS to plan tee shots-favor position over distance on tight holes, and select clubs to leave yourself 90-120 yards into the green for wedge approach play that prioritizes a higher percentage scoring zone. When whether or wind alters play, adjust launch and spin: increase loft by one club and aim lower through the wind to reduce spin, or open the face and swing smoother for higher, softer landings. For on-course drills and decision-making:
- Par-saver practice: play alternate shots from trouble to emphasize safe escapes
- Pressure simulation: practice by setting score-based goals for practice rounds to train routine under stress
- Post-round reflection: log club choices, missed fairways, and short-game saves to identify patterns
Couple these technical measures with mental approaches – such as brief breathing exercises and reframing setbacks as data – to maintain focus and compassion.By connecting precise mechanics to intentional course strategy and emotional resilience, players from novice to low handicap can translate lessons from elite players’ timelines into tangible, measurable improvement.
Emotional toll on Knapp and implications for his short and long term career
In the days and weeks after a high-profile personal loss, a touring professional’s game frequently enough shows immediate, measurable decline as attention and emotional bandwidth are diverted. Coaches and players should treat this as a performance variable rather than a character flaw: short-term effects typically manifest as disrupted pre-shot routines, tighter grip pressure, and rushed tempo. To stabilize fundamentals under duress, re-establish a compact, repeatable setup: neutral grip, eyes over the ball, spine angle ~20-25° forward tilt, and a balanced posture with weight evenly distributed. Step-by-step, begin each practice or round with a 5-minute breathing and alignment sequence – inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 6 – then take 10 slow half-swings with a 7-iron at a metronome setting of 60-70 bpm to re-find rhythm. On-course, shorten the routine: pick a clear intermediate target (a leaf on the fairway, a bunker edge) and limit your pre-shot moves to 4 purposeful motions to reduce decision fatigue and preserve cognitive resources for shot execution and course management.
Technically,grief-related distraction often produces specific swing faults that can be corrected with focused,measurable drills. Common mistakes include a tightening grip (excessive tension), an early lateral slide toward the target, and a restricted shoulder turn. Use these drills to correct them:
- Grip-pressure drill: hold a 7-iron with a 1-10 pressure scale at 5-6/10, hit 30 shots concentrating on light hands to restore clubhead speed and feel.
- Plate-step weight-shift drill: place an alignment rod under your trail foot; during the downswing, feel a lateral transfer to 60/40 lead-foot bias at impact to prevent casting and flipping.
- 90/45 rotation drill: on the range, stop at the top of the backswing and check that the shoulders have rotated ~90° and the hips ~45°; this promotes consistent swing plane and power.
Set measurable targets (e.g., impact clubface square within ±3° on a launch monitor; consistent strike between 1-1.5″ from center) and track progress weekly. For short-game control when focus wanes,adopt a 50-ball wedge routine with a fixed landing zone – aim for >60% shots landing in that 10-yard zone within six weeks.
Beyond technique, the injury to performance from grief can influence medium- and long-term career planning; tour players and coaches must integrate load management and tactical adjustments into schedules. Instantly, opt for conservative course management: choose fairway-pleasant tee boxes, favor lower-lofted woods off the tee for controlled roll, and target safe, high-percentage landing areas rather than aggressive carry-over hazards. Over the season, implement a periodized practice plan with microcycles of intensity: two weeks of high-volume technique work, followed by one recovery week emphasizing short game, putting, and mental skills. Equipment considerations also matter – check loft and lie settings (±1° changes can alter dispersion) and consider a shaft with slightly softer kick point to increase feel if tension is persistent.Additionally, players eligible for PGA Tour medical or bereavement considerations should consult governing rules to apply for time away or a reduced schedule without jeopardizing exemptions.
integrate mental-skills training into technical work to convert emotional recovery into sustained performance gains. Combine on-course contingency planning with measurable mental drills:
- Two-minute pre-shot breathing before every tee shot to reset.
- Visualization sets: 10 reps of mentally rehearsing the intended shot shape (fade/draw) and landing pattern before hitting 10 physical shots.
- Routine rebuilding: re-establish a three-phase routine (visualize – waggle – commit) and count errors per round (target: fewer than 3 unforced errors within 18 holes) as a recovery metric.
For beginners, prioritize simple targets and a consistent setup; for low-handicappers, emphasize shot-shaping practice (25 fades and 25 draws from both grass and mats, noting clubface degrees at impact). Where grief impairs concentration, seek a sports psychologist and schedule shorter, more frequent practice sessions (20-30 minutes) to maintain neural pathways without cognitive overload. In sum, by aligning compassionate time-off, measured technical drills, and structured course strategy, players can protect both immediate performance and long-term career trajectory while navigating the emotional aftermath.
Mental health experts outline coping strategies tailored for grieving professional athletes
In coverage of how elite players balance loss and performance, mental-health professionals recommend converting emotional turbulence into structured routines that translate directly to swing stability and decision-making on the course. Drawing on public reflections from PGA Tour winner Knapp about competing while grieving, start each round with a consistent pre-shot routine that functions as a cognitive anchor: square-breathing (inhale 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) for 30-60 seconds, a 60-second visualisation of the intended shot shape, and a fixed physical setup checklist. Setup fundamentals: adopt a grip pressure of 5-6/10, stance width roughly shoulder-width for full shots, and a neutral ball position (center for irons, just forward of center for mid-irons, and off the left heel for driver). These measurable steps reduce decision fatigue and stabilize motor patterns, enabling beginners to find repeatability and low-handicappers to maintain precision under pressure.
Technically, grief can fragment timing; the response is a progressive swing-drill protocol that rebuilds rhythm and sequencing.Begin with a 10-minute half-swing drill: place an alignment stick down the target line, make 50 half-swings focusing on a smooth takeaway to the 45° shaft angle at waist height and a controlled tempo of 3:1 backswing to downswing ratio (count 1-2-3 up, 1 down). Then move to impact-focused work with an impact bag or towel drill (30 repetitions) to train hands-forward impact and center-face strikes; aim for 75-85% center contact as an interim metric. For advanced shot-shaping practice, use the tee drill: tee a ball at 6-8 inches above ground, rotate the torso to produce a slight draw (clubface 2°-4° closed relative to path) or fade (2°-4° open), and repeat 20 swings each side. troubleshooting checklist: if you feel tension,revert to half-swings and the breathing anchor,if you mis-hit to the toe or heel reset grip and ball position.
The short game is both a scoring lever and an emotional reset; it rewards repeatable motion over power and lends itself to immediate measurable gains. for chipping use a 60/40 weight distribution forward, ball positioned back of center, and a compact stroke that hinges at the wrists only 10°-20° on the backswing. Practice routine: perform the chip circle drill (12 balls around a 10-foot circle, require 9/12 within a 3-foot radius) then transition to pitch shots (20-40 yards) focusing on a 30°-45° shoulder turn and landing spot control-mark targets at 10, 20 and 30 yards and adjust loft/club selection to land on those spots. In bunkers, open the face 10°-15°, aim for a sand-entry point 1-2 inches behind the ball, and practice 25 shots from both tight and fluffy sand to build consistency. for putting, use the clock drill (12 balls around the hole at 3, 6 and 9 feet), with a measurable goal of 70%+ conversion inside 6 feet over two sessions per week to reduce three-putts under match pressure.
integrate course-management strategies that accommodate fluctuating concentration and leverage caddie or coach support when grieving. Adopt a conservative hole-by-hole plan: identify a safe landing zone off the tee (for example, aim 10-20 yards short of fairway hazards or bunker complexes) and play for a preferred yardage rather than maximum carry-this reduces risk and preserves scoring opportunity. Use the weather-adjustment rule of thumb: into the wind take +1 to +2 clubs, downwind -1 club, and on firm greens expect +3-6 feet rollout on approach shots. Practical session layout for rehabilitation weeks: 15 minutes dynamic warm-up, 30 minutes full-swing mechanics with tempo targets, 30-40 minutes wedges and bunker work (track proximity to hole), and finish with 20-30 minutes of putting under simulated pressure (countdown scoring or match-play scenarios). When emotional volatility spikes, pivot to process goals (like swing tempo, alignment, or up-and-down percentage) instead of score, echoing Knapp’s approach of focusing on controllables-this keeps technical work measurable, transferable, and therapeutic while preserving competitive integrity.
How teammates, coaches and tournament organizers can provide concrete support now
Teammates and coaches can begin by stabilizing the player’s daily routine so technical work remains productive while emotional energy is limited; establish a simple pre-shot routine and a condensed practice plan that preserves consistency under stress. For example,implement a 20-30 minute short-game block each morning followed by a 30-minute,low-volume range session three times per week,rather than long,exhaustive sessions that increase fatigue. In practice, this means prioritizing quality over quantity: 50 purposeful wedge shots to a specified landing zone and 30 focused putts from 8-20 feet with a target make-rate goal. Coaches should use clear, observable metrics – such as aiming to reduce average proximity to the hole by 5-10 feet in six weeks or to lower three-putts to one or fewer per round – and report progress in short, factual updates so teammates can provide consistent encouragement without intrusive speculation into personal matters, as seen in PGA tour winner Knapp’s approach to leaning on his support network during grief.
Next, break down swing mechanics into measurable, teachable segments that teammates can reinforce on the course: setup, takeaway, transition, top-of-backswing, and impact. Begin with setup fundamentals – stance width roughly shoulder-width for mid-irons, 1.5× shoulder-width for driver, ball position centered for short irons and moved one ball width forward per club towards the driver – and use alignment rods to confirm feet, hips and shoulder lines. Progress with simple mechanical checkpoints: maintain a 5-8 degree forward shaft lean at impact for iron compression,aim for a driver attack angle of +2° to +4° for modern drivers,and keep a consistent spine tilt through the shot. To correct common mistakes such as over-the-top downswing or casting, employ these drills:
- Gate drill with two tees to promote a square clubface at impact
- Slow-motion transition reps to feel the drop of the right elbow (for right-handed players) and shallow the club
- Impact tape checks or launch monitor sessions to measure face angle, ball speed and spin rates
These steps let coaches and teammates give targeted, technical feedback that moves beyond platitudes into quantifiable swing changes.
Short game and course-management coaching should follow with practical green-reading and micro-shot strategies that translate directly to lower scores. Teach players to visualize a landing zone for chips and pitches – typically 10-20 feet short of the hole on receptive greens – and to use loft and bounce deliberately: open a sand or lob wedge by 10-15 degrees for high, soft shots; use less loft and more bounce for bump-and-run shots. For putting, incorporate the clock drill and ladder drill to train distance control and pace: make ten putts from each ring (3, 6, 9, 12 feet) and track makes; train lag putting by leaving 80% of three-putt attempts inside 6 feet. On the course, integrate situational play – prefer a 3-wood or long iron into a wet, downwind green to reduce spin and hold rather than risking a driver fly-over – and use hole-by-hole game plans:
- Read wind and pin location on the walk to the tee
- Choose target lines that minimize forced carries over water
- Prioritize keeping the ball in play to protect par on arduous holes
These techniques help beginners learn sensible risk-reward and give low handicappers refined tools for aggressive scoring when the conditions permit.
tournament organizers and teammates can provide concrete logistical and mental supports that free up cognitive bandwidth for practice and performance. Offer dedicated warm-up windows, access to a real turf practice area and a short-game green, and versatility on practice tee times to accommodate counseling or family needs; make clear, written pace-of-play and weather-delay procedures that reduce uncertainty. In addition,implement a simple,measurable weekly plan that integrates physical,technical and mental work – such as,3 technical range sessions (30-45 minutes),4 short-game sessions (20-30 minutes),and 2 mental-rehearsal sessions (15 minutes) – and provide a teammate or coach as a single point of contact for feedback and accountability. For players coping with loss, as Knapp has publicly exemplified, emphasize process-focused goals (execution percentages, routine adherence) rather than outcome pressure, and deploy short, structured checklists to troubleshoot on-course issues such as club selection, stance adjustment on firm lies, or wind compensation. Together, these supports create an habitat where technique improvement, smart course strategy, and emotional care are aligned and actionable for golfers at every level.
Press and fans urged to respect privacy with recommendations for responsible coverage
In the wake of the recent personal loss suffered by PGA Tour winner Knapp, it is indeed essential for media and spectators to allow space for mourning while recognizing how grief affects on-course performance. Experts advise that players under emotional stress should simplify their pre-shot routine to a reliable anchor-7-10 seconds from address to swing for most shots-and focus on three physical checkpoints: ball position (center for short irons, one ball forward for mid‑irons, inside left heel for driver), spine tilt (~5-7° toward the target with driver), and weight distribution (60/40 front/back for driver, 50/50 for wedges). Reporters and fans should be mindful that interruptions or intrusive questioning can disrupt these stabilizing mechanics; therefore, responsible coverage that respects off‑hours communication and allows players private time supports better decision‑making and safety on the course.
Technically,swing mechanics should be recalibrated under stress using reproducible,measurable drills that emphasize tempo and impact over power. Start with a simplified takeaway to set clubface and plane: maintain a straight left wrist and hinge to approximately 90° of wrist set at the top for mid‑irons, then initiate the downswing with a 45° hip rotation clearing the trail hip toward the target. For tempo, use a metronome drill set at 60 BPM and practice a 3:1 backswing-to-downswing rhythm until consistent contact is achieved. Try these practice items:
- Slow‑motion half swings (impact focus) – goal: strike the ball first with a 2-4° descending attack for irons
- impact tape or spray checks – confirm centered contact 8 out of 10 times
- Tempo metronome sets – reach 80% match to on‑course tempo
Transitioning from practice to play, use the same tempo and impact targets to reduce variability and lower your score under pressure.
The short game often yields the biggest scoring gains,and Knapp’s situation highlights the value of high‑percentage choices around the green. For chips and pitches, select club and loft to match landing zone and roll: for a 20-30 yard pitch, use a sand or gap wedge with 50-56° loft and open the face 10-15° for softer landings; for standard bump‑and‑runs, use an 8‑ or 9‑iron with the ball back in your stance and a shallower -1 to -3° attack angle. Practice drills include:
- Landing‑zone ladder – place towels at 10‑foot intervals to control carry
- 60‑shot speed drill – execute 60 chips focusing on consistent rollout distances
- Bunker basics – practice soft sand shots with open face and contact 1-2 inches behind the ball
These exercises produce measurable goals such as hitting the chosen landing zone 70% of the time and getting up‑and‑down from 20 yards within 6 feet on 60% of attempts, which align with scoring improvement for beginners through low handicappers.
Mental strategies and course management should be prioritized alongside physical technique, and media professionals can play a positive role by reducing external stressors that impair concentration. Implement a brief pre‑round plan with your caddie or coach that establishes conservative targets-play to the fat side of fairways, lay up to yardages that leave a cozy wedge (e.g., leave 90-125 yards into greens rather than chasing longer carries), and adjust for weather by adding or subtracting 10%-15% yardage in heavy wind. for the mental game, use box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4) and a visualization routine: see the intended trajectory, landing point, and two bounces before address. Additionally,offer multiple learning approaches-visual learners use video swing feedback,kinesthetic learners use weighted club drills,and auditory learners use metronome cadence-so players of all ages and abilities can internalize these techniques. journalists and fans are encouraged to prioritize empathy in coverage,which not only honors the individual’s privacy but also contributes tangibly to safer,higher‑quality play on tournament courses.
Available resources and recommended next steps for athletes and staff facing bereavement
In the immediate aftermath of a personal loss, athletic staff should prioritize clear, practical steps that protect the athlete’s well‑being while preserving long‑term performance potential. First, establish a single point of contact for scheduling and communication, and connect the athlete with certified grief counselors and a sports psychologist who understands golf’s cognitive demands; this reduces decision fatigue and creates space for technical work when appropriate. Second, scale practice intensity: transition from full‑length sessions to 30-45 minute focused blocks emphasizing fundamentals – grip, posture, and alignment – rather of volume. For example, begin with a short setup checklist:
- Grip pressure: maintain a 3-5/10 to promote feel;
- Spine angle: set to roughly 25°-30° from vertical for irons;
- Ball position: center to slightly forward for mid‑irons, inside left heel for driver.
These measures, informed by reported approaches used by PGA Tour personnel after personal crises, allow athletes to re‑enter training with measurable, low‑stress objectives: complete three focused blocks per day rather than an all‑day practice, and log perceived exertion and mood to guide progression.
Technically focused instruction should begin with rhythm and consistency drills that reduce cognitive load while preserving motor patterns. Start with a metronome tempo drill: 60-70 bpm, full‑swings on odd beats, half‑swings on even beats, aimed at producing a repeatable tempo and consistent compression. Follow with path/face awareness drills: place impact tape on the clubface and a headcover 6-8 inches outside the ball to encourage an inside‑out path for controlled draws,or align a shaft on the ground to practice a square path for neutral shots. For staff working with low‑handicappers, refine advanced metrics using launch monitor feedback – target a driver launch angle of 10°-12° with spin rates between 2000-3000 rpm depending on clubhead speed – and set a measurable goal such as reducing dispersion by 10% in 8 weeks. Common mistakes to correct include collapsing at impact (practice with an impact bag),early extension (use wall drill to feel hip hinge),and gripping too tight under stress (use a soft ball to gauge pressure). These step‑by‑step corrections build technical confidence that translates into scoring stability.
Short‑game and course management instruction must be tailored to the athlete’s emotional bandwidth and competitive calendar. Emphasize lag‑to‑within strategies: when under emotional strain, the practical goal is to leave putts inside 3-6 feet for makable par saves, so practice ladder putting from 3, 6, 10, 15, 20 feet with a one‑minute routine per distance (breathe, visualize, commit). For wedge play, use progressive distance control: hit 10 shots each at 20, 40, 60 yards with a 7/8, 5/8, and 3/8 swing respectively, counting backspin and landing zones. When managing a round,coaches should advise conservative targets: play to the safe side of the green when wind exceeds 15 mph or the pin is tucked behind a slope,and prefer a lay‑up to a low‑percentage recovery shot. Drawing on insights from PGA Tour contexts – where players have used pre‑shot routines as emotional anchors after personal loss – recommend a simplified,repeatable routine (three deep breaths,line the shot,one practice swing) to restore focus between shots.
Staff roles extend beyond drills to equipment, scheduling and measurable long‑term plans that respect recovery from bereavement while driving improvement. Adjust equipment and setup if tension or fatigue alters swing dynamics: consider increasing grip size by 1/16-1/8 inch to reduce grip pressure, or temporarily softening shaft flex to maintain tempo; validate changes with TrackMan or similar systems testing carry, spin and dispersion over 20‑shot sessions. implement a staged 12‑week program with clear benchmarks – for example, reduce three‑putts by 50% in 8 weeks, improve wedge proximity to 25 feet average for greens hit in regulation, or increase fairways hit by 10% by week 12 – and track progress via objective stats and subjective well‑being logs. provide a staff checklist to maintain continuity:
- Refer to licensed grief and sports psychology professionals;
- Modify tournament entries and travel plans with a point person;
- Create daily flexible practice windows and measurable micro‑goals;
- Schedule periodic equipment checks and data reviews.
taken together, these steps create a compassionate, technically sound roadmap that helps athletes channel grief into structured improvement while protecting long‑term performance and mental health.
Knapp’s loss marks a poignant moment for a player who just weeks ago stood atop a PGA Tour leaderboard; his immediate plans remain unclear as family, friends and colleagues mourn. The news has drawn condolences from across the golf community and renewed attention to the pressures athletes face off the course. Tournament schedules and official statements, as well as live coverage and leaderboard updates, will be posted on the PGA and PGA Tour websites.This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
