MLab Golf Blog

Tops, chunks, heel shots, and slices don't always come from four different problems. Often they trace back to one: limited rotation in the backswing. When the body doesn't turn enough, the arms take over to compensate, and that swap is what drives the inconsistent strikes. I'm Michael LaBella, a performance golf coach at MLaB Golf, based at Butler Country Club. My approach to this fault is simple: get the body active and the arms and hands passive. The best players in the wor

Set up for a driver the same way you set up for a 7-iron, and you'll fight one of two misses: chunked, low-flying irons, or popped-up, weak drives. The two clubs need opposite angles of attack, and that difference has to start at address, not somewhere in the downswing. I'm Michael LaBella, a performance golf coach at MLaB Golf, based at Butler Country Club. The setup changes between irons and the driver aren't complicated once you understand the one idea behind all of them:

Do you feel your hips driving toward the ball on the downswing, your posture standing up early, and your arms running out of room right when you need it most? That's an early extension, and it's one of the more common faults working against solid, consistent contact. It doesn't feel like a swing flaw at the moment. It feels like your body is just doing what it wants to do, which is exactly why it's so hard to fix by thinking your way out of it mid-swing. I'm Michael LaBella,

Few words in golf carry as much dread as "the yips." A shot that should take no thought at all, a short wedge, a routine chip, suddenly turns into a jerky, involuntary flinch. The club stabs at the ball instead of swinging through it, and the harder a golfer tries to control it, the worse it usually gets. If you've felt that loss of control over a simple shot, you already know it has nothing to do with talent and everything to do with what's happening in your hands, wrists,

Michael LaBella, PGA, has been named the 2026 Tri-State PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year, the Section's top honor for excellence in golf instruction, coaching, and player development. It's his second time receiving the award in three years. He also was awarded it in 2024. Quick Facts Award: Tri-State PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year, 2026 Recipient: Michael LaBella, PGA Roles: Owner, MLaB Golf; Director of Golf Performance, Butler Country Club; Co-Owner, Golf Back Method Previo

An over-the-top golf swing is one of the most common causes of slices, pull hooks, and inconsistent ball striking. By improving your swing path with a simple drill, understanding how your trail shoulder should move, and developing better club delivery, you can create a more neutral swing and hit straighter, more consistent golf shots. Many golfers work hard to improve their swing, yet they continue to fight the same frustrating ball flights. One shot slices well right of the

Technique builds a reliable golf swing, while skill helps you control the ball and adapt to different situations on the course. By developing both, especially through creative, skill-based practice, you can play with greater confidence and achieve more consistent results. Skill vs. technique in golf comes down to knowing the difference between building a golf swing and learning how to play the game. Technique provides the mechanics of your swing, while skill allows you to co

Distance control with finesse wedges is not about making perfect swings every time. It is about creating a reliable system that allows you to predict how far the ball will travel. When you understand what should remain constant and what can vary within your swing, controlling wedge distances becomes much easier. I'm Michael LaBella, a performance golf coach at MLaB Golf based at Butler Country Club. One pattern I see constantly across golfers of every level is an inconsiste

The flop shot is one of the most impressive shots in golf. When executed correctly, it sends the ball high into the air, lands softly, and stops quickly near the target. It is especially valuable when there is very little green to work with, and you need the ball to get up fast and settle quickly. Many golfers struggle with this shot because they focus too much on trying to lift the ball into the air. Instead of creating height naturally through proper setup and club delivery

Chipping is one of the most important skills for any golfer trying to break 100. It is also one of the fastest ways to reduce scores without changing the full swing. Many golfers struggle around the greens not because they lack ability, but because their setup is inconsistent and their motion is too complicated. I am Michael LaBella, a performance golf coach at MLaB Golf located at Butler Country Club. For more than 15 years, I have worked with golfers to develop their skills

Are you dealing with chunk shots, thin strikes, or inconsistent contact that shows up even when your swing feels decent? One of the most common causes behind this is early release, where the trail arm extends too soon in the downswing. This single issue can disrupt your sequencing, affect clubface control, and make it extremely difficult to compress the golf ball consistently. I am Michael LaBella, a performance golf coach at MLaB Golf located at Butler Country Club. I have s

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common injury in golf, affecting beginners, recreational players, and elite professionals alike. Despite being considered a low-impact sport, the repetitive and highly technical nature of the golf swing places significant stress on the lumbar spine. This is something I encounter regularly in my work at MLaB Golf . I’m Michael LaBella, a performance golf coach based at Butler Country Club , with more than 15 years of experience helping golfers a

Golf is often perceived as a low-impact, relaxing sport. However, many players experience persistent back pain. Whether amateur or elite, spinal discomfort has become one of the most common issues in golf, often rooted in how the swing is taught and executed. I’m Michael LaBella, a performance golf coach at MLaB Golf based at Butler Country Club . Over the years, I’ve seen this pattern consistently. Players come in frustrated, dealing with stiffness, recurring injuries, or a

Golf instruction is a structured long-term learning process that combines technical knowledge, strategic awareness, and consistent practice habits. While many people associate golf coaching with correcting swings, the role of a golf coach is broader. Coaches help players increase their Golf IQ through proper course management and strategic situational thinking, increase skill over time, and assist in the development of practicing with intent. Golf is a sport where learning oc

For junior golfers, learning how often to practice, and practicing with intent, can be just as important as learning the mechanics of the swing. Parents and young players often ask how often juniors should practice to improve their skills while still maintaining balance in school, other activities, and personal growth. Junior golf lessons often address this question by focusing on age-appropriate training schedules and development stages. Practice routines that work for teena

Golf is a sport where performance is shaped as much by the mind as by mechanics. Unlike many games that rely on speed or physical dominance, golf constantly places players in situations where patience, decision-making, and emotional control determine success. A well-struck shot under no stress is very different from executing the same swing with a scorecard, competition, and expectations on the line. This is why handling pressure is not an optional skill for serious golfers;

Golf is a game that rewards patience, structure, and thoughtful development more than almost any other sport. A child who steps onto a driving range for the first time is not simply learning how to hit a ball. They are beginning a long process that can shape their athletic habits, mental discipline, and approach to competition for years to come. As a coach who works daily with developing players at different stages of their journey, I focus on guiding juniors through structur

Starting to play golf for the first time without any guidance can feel confusing. New golfers are often introduced to a wide range of advice, opinions, and instructional content before they ever take a lesson. While the information is quite essential, it can also create confusion about where to begin and what actually matters early in the learning process. Understanding how golf lessons work and what their purpose is can help beginners approach the game with clarity and reali

Improving golf skill and a golf swing is a process that requires a proper understanding of human body movement, patience, and the ability to evaluate the game as a whole. When the performance of a golfer stalls, many of them start searching for quick answers. They often rely on quick tips, videos, or swing ideas that may or may not apply to their individual needs. While general information can be helpful sometimes, for lasting improvement, it is essential to relearn the basic

The dream of playing college golf inspires thousands of junior golfers each year, but earning a roster spot requires more than talent and a good swing. Coaches look for players who communicate well, present themselves professionally, and show that they are ready for the demands of collegiate athletics. Understanding how to navigate the recruiting process step by step can make all the difference. I am Michael LaBella, a performance golf coach at MLaB Golf, located at Butler Co