Welcome to Shave Strokes, a new GOLF.com series. Golfers like you share improvements, lessons learned and insights, including setbacks and challenges.

It’s no wonder we have one thing in common: golf. It’s the love of the game. Although some of us are weak and some of us are of average handicap, we are all trying to learn the keys to getting better every day. With some of the best instructors (and sometimes pro players) in the country, we’re always looking for the best golf tips to help you out. Of course, all the tips are generally very useful, but this year there were some that stood out more than others.

So, take a look at the eight golf games that worked best for GOLF employees in 2023 and see how they can help you improve your game in 2024 (and beyond). The best golf tips for 2023 from the GOLF staff

Ryan Barath, Gear Editor (@rdsbarath): When using a driver, swing as hard and fast as possible while maintaining balance. I found that hitting the ball off the tee was a very poor way to play the game and by picking a spot and trusting my shot form I was able to swing at a speed that helped me increase my distance. precision. So if you touch the driver, scream!

Alan Bastable, Editor-in-Chief (@alan_bastable): My iron game fluctuates between amazing and unimaginably bad. As a result, the left shoulder collapses during the backswing, often landing several inches behind the ball. I haven’t completely solved the problem this year, but my colleague Josh Sens gave me a tip that I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never tried. Move the ball back to my place. It feels weird and weird, but I’m pretty sure Adam Scott isn’t with me for at least a few sessions. Of course that feeling never lasted, but the repair gave me hope. Thank you Joss.

Nick Dimengo, How To Editor (@ndimengo): You’d think the GOLF editor would know a thing or two about how to avoid deep bunkers. But you would be wrong. At least before an hour-long class with short game chef Parker McLachlin. When I worked with McLachlin in Phoenix last March, he showed me how to stop fearing the dreaded bunker shot using a few simple techniques. First he had me sharpen and open the face of the club to control my swing. Then he let me go wider and lower, giving me more power to get through the sand and under the ball. Finally, McLachlin asked him to lower his bat handle, allowing him to swing aggressively. This allowed me to use the spring of the club more and sand it down for a solid launch. result? I’m not afraid anymore when the ball finds the beach.

Jack Hirsh, Editor-in-Chief (@jr_hirshey): Focus on your core, not your shoulders. The goal of putting is to create a repetitive motion to bring the ball online as much as possible. What you do is up to you. This year, my teacher found that it was easier to get repeatable and consistent movements if you focused on building from the ground up rather than teaching regular shoulder shuffles. Instead of feeling like you have to keep your hips and the rest of your body in the same position, if you change direction inward, you’ll find that just like any other golf swing, your motor skills will be more involved in the stroke. Because there is a lot of force you start hitting the putter with, it takes some getting used to.

Jess Marksbury, Media Editor (@jess_marksbury): I had a huge meltdown over the summer and took some of the worst photos of my life. My timing was a mess and even my trusty driver swerved off course with every bump. My husband (Paul) is a pro so he has the advantage of knowing my game well. When I finally called for help he fixed me up in 5 minutes using yard line. Because I was focusing on shoulder rotation, my swing became erratic. Paul suggested I consider slimming my hips. Focusing only on rotating the lower body instead of the upper body was sufficient because the upper body would naturally follow the hips. My bangs are back and I’m so thankful to have a simple key to focus on now.