Feb 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Hall of Fame member Warren Moon speaks during a press conference announcing the NFL hall of fame class of 2012 finalists at the JW Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
In all likelihood, Kyler Murray will lead the Minnesota Vikings at quarterback in 2026, so long as third-year passer J.J. McCarthy doesn’t score the training camp upset. And according to former Vikings signal-caller Warren Moon, Murray’s emergence to the QB1 spot sounds bittersweet.
Moon sees Murray’s upside, but the familiar commitment questions still follow the Cardinals quarterback.
Moon believes Murray has the talent for the job, but seemed to question his commitment.
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Murray’s Vikings Career Still Depends on McCarthy — and Himself?
It’s a familiar critique of Murray.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray scrambles with the football while Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas closes in during Thursday Night Football action at State Farm Stadium. Murray extended plays with his mobility on Oct. 28, 2021, as Arizona battled Green Bay in one of the NFL’s marquee regular-season matchups during the Cardinals’ hot start that season. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Moon on Murray
Moon spoke to Kay Adams this week and didn’t hold back, saying about Murray, “He never looks like he’s motivated. Maybe he is inside, but he just doesn’t give you that demeanor. He doesn’t give you that demeanor. I hope he’s learned over the last couple of years, with all the criticism that he’s taken, with the injuries that he’s gone through. I have to give more of myself to my football team.”
“I have to show people more about what I’m feeling and thinking. You have to do that as a quarterback in order to get people to follow you. Murray is so dynamic. He makes so many plays that you go, ‘Wow.’ And then, all of a sudden, he goes through phases where he doesn’t even look like the same guy.”
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The Vikings inked Murray in March to a $1.3 million 2026 contract, one of the best-value contracts in sports.
Moon added, “I hope that coming into this situation, he’s re-motivated to show what he can do. He’s been out of the game for a while with injury. He’s going to a great place with a great coaching staff, and he has really excellent weapons to throw the football to. It’s all in his possession if he wants it.”
“But J.J. McCarthy is right there, too. I don’t think he’s going to make it easy.”
The “Aloof” Talker + Study Clause
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Moon seems to be buying into a widespread, consistent Murray-themed talker: the guy loves video games too much and doesn’t prioritize football. That narrative has persisted for years, prompting an outside audience to wonder whether Murray cares about his craft as much as his quarterback peers.
The Cardinals even baked a “study clause” into his contract extension four years ago, which drew ire and awe because of its unprecedented nature. After backlash, the Cardinals removed the clause.
So, in conjunction with Moon’s comments, Murray must prove the naysayers wrong. The perception is that football may be a side perk for him; he has to dispel that.
All Up to Murray
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In addition to the attitudinal concerns, Murray has a tall task afoot. He’ll be asked to guide a 9-8 team from last year to the postseason, and hopefully, for the head coach’s sake and job security, win a playoff game or two.
Getting kicked out of Arizona — a franchise known for generally poor ownership and operations — in favor of Jacoby Brissett and rookie Carson Beck is flat-out embarrassing. On top of that, the Cardinals are paying Murray to play for the Vikings. It’s how Minnesota finagled the March contract for $1.3 million.
Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon speaks with reporters as Cam Ward is introduced as the Tennessee Titans’ first overall pick during NFL Draft festivities in Nashville. The moment unfolded on Apr. 25, 2025, after Moon approved Ward wearing his retired No. 1 jersey, connecting two eras of franchise quarterback history for the Titans organization. Mandatory Credit: Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Murray can “stick it to the Cardinals,” as athletes often do to their ex-employers, almost like a grudge match in wrestling. He also has 2027 to consider. A 30-touchdown season with 3,500+ passing yards in 2026 will fetch him around $50+ million per season via his next contract — in Minnesota or elsewhere. A 7-10 campaign with a litany of Murray injuries might lead to more “prove-it” contracts, which Murray basically has right now.
It’s all up to Murray to show that he’s locked and can perform at a Top-15 NFL quarterback clip.
A QB Verdict in August
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Of course, Murray must win the job over McCarthy first. Minnesota is selling the competition to anyone willing to buy, creating an atmosphere for McCarthy to pull off the upset if he has the stomach for it. Unlike last year, when McCarthy was handed the QB1 job on a silver platter without impediment, Murray must stave off McCarthy’s advances. McCarthy is young and hungry. Murray is seeking redemption and, from Moon, accusations that he “never looks like he’s motivated.”
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray walks off the field following a road victory over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Murray and the Cardinals secured a 37-20 win on Oct. 3, 2021, during an early-season stretch when Arizona emerged as one of the NFL’s hottest and most explosive offensive teams. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
In that regard, training camp may be cinema for the Vikings, a winner-take-all duel for the QB1 crown.
Moon played for the Vikings from 1994 to 1996, so he knows a little something about the franchise.
Vikings training camp is 10 weeks away.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
May 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder James Wood (29) rounds third base on his way home for an inside-the-park grand slam against the New York Mets during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
James Wood’s three hits included an inside-the-park grand slam as the Washington Nationals rallied from a five-run deficit for a 9-6 win against the New York Mets in on Tuesday night.
Jose Tena also homered for Washington, which had lost its previous two games.
Bo Bichette hit a pair of two-run homers for New York, giving him three home runs in two games. Juan Soto also went deep and Carson Benge had three hits for the Mets, who had won three straight.
Washington starter Foster Griffin (5-2) survived a shaky start before finishing five innings. He gave up five runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and no walks. Richard Lovelady pitched a perfect ninth inning for his third save.
Nolan McClean (2-3) gave up nine runs (six earned) on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. He had never given up more than five runs in any of his previous 17 major league starts. McLean fanned five and walked two.
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Mets left-fielder Nick Morabito, from nearby McLean, Va., went 0-for-3 and was hit by a pitch in his major league debut.
Benge led off the game with a single. Bichette followed with a shot to center and the Mets led 2-0. Soto then singled, went to third on Mark Vientos’ double and scored on Marcus Semien’s sacrifice fly.
In the second, Benge singled with two outs and Bichette lined a homer to left to make it 5-0. It was Bichette’s first multi-homer game as a Met.
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In the bottom half, Jorbit Vivas doubled with two outs, Drew Millas was hit by a pitch and Nasim Nunez’s infield singled loaded the bases. Wood sent a shot to the wall in left-center that hit off Morabito’s glove and rolled past Tyrone Taylor toward center. By the time they located the ball and got it in, Wood was sliding across home plate with his career first grand slam.
In the third, Tena led off with a homer to tie it. CJ Abrams walked and Daylen Lile singled him to third. Abrams scored on a passed ball, and Lile came home on a sacrifice fly by Vivas to give the Nationals a 7-5 lead.
Wood singled leading off the fourth. Tena was safe on second baseman Semien’s throwing error attempting to get Wood, and Wood and Tena scored on Abrams’ grounder when catcher Luis Torrens missed Bichette’s throw.
Soto’s solo homer pulled New York within 9-6 in the seventh.
The Baltimore Ravens were without their two-time NFL MVP quarterback when Tuesday’s organized team activities (OTAs) began.
Why Lamar Jackson was absent from Tuesday’s media-open practice remains unclear. Monday’s voluntary OTAs were closed to reporters. New Ravens coach Jesse Minter offered little explanation but downplayed concerns about Jackson’s absence and suggested the star quarterback would return soon.
“Lamar’s been one of our leaders of the offseason program, and he had a couple things going on yesterday and today, and I do expect him to be back soon,” Minter said. “We’ve had some great conversations. I know when he’s going to be back and again, I’ll probably leave those between me and Lamar.”
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens watches the NFL preseason game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., on Aug. 23, 2025.(Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Minter replaced John Harbaugh, who was dismissed in January after 18 seasons as the Ravens’ head coach. The New York Giants hired Harbaugh shortly after his departure from Baltimore.
Jackson’s attendance at voluntary offseason activities has drawn attention because of its inconsistency throughout his NFL career. It’s hard to say how much that matters, but it’s certainly an issue critics have pointed to from time to time. His contract, with two years remaining, has also been a significant topic lately after he and the Ravens did not agree to an extension before the start of free agency. Baltimore instead restructured Jackson’s deal to create cap space.
The Ravens held minicamp in April — the first under Minter — and Jackson was in attendance.
At the end of Tuesday’s OTAs, the team took part in a little game in which players from the offense and defense competed at throwing medicine balls. Minter said that’s part of preparing the team to play well in the most important moments.
New Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter is introduced during a news conference at Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Maryland, on Jan. 29, 2026.(Rob Carr/Getty Images)
“We end practice every day (with an) ‘At our best when our best is needed’ period, and so that could be anything different. Today, we decided to do a little friendly competition,” Minter said.
“Right now, you can’t really do the football competition, and so I thought it would be something different, something fun. I try to get guys to not know what’s about to happen and answer the bell when their number’s called, and it’s as simple as that. That’s really all we’re trying to get done with that and make it fun, have the guys pull for each other.”
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Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md., on Dec. 21, 2025.(Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Star running back Derrick Henry caused a brief scare after a knee-to-knee collision with another player. Though he stayed down momentarily, he later returned to practice.
“The ground felt like a bed for a little while,” he said. “And I saw you all (reporters) looking hot and bored, so I was like, ‘I need to give them something to tweet and write about.’”
May 19, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes (15) celebrates hitting a two run home run against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Isaac Paredes hit a two-run homer, and that proved to be enough as the Houston Astros held on for a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night in Minneapolis.
Jeremy Pena finished 2-for-4 for Houston, which evened its series at one win apiece. The rubber match is set for Wednesday afternoon.
Josh Bell went 3-for-4 with an RBI for Minnesota. Byron Buxton doubled twice.
Astros right-hander Jason Alexander (1-0) allowed four hits in six scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out four.
Alexander took the mound in place of scheduled starter Lance McCullers Jr., who was scratched before the game because of right shoulder inflammation.
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Twins right-hander Zebby Matthews (1-1) took the loss despite posting a quality start. He allowed two runs on five hits in six innings.
Astros right-hander Bryan Abreu escaped a ninth-inning jam for his third save.
The Astros struck fast to seize a 2-0 lead in the top of the first.
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Pena led off with a single to center field. It marked his first hit since April 11, before a lengthy stint on the injured list because of a hamstring strain.
Moments later, Paredes belted a two-run homer over the wall in left field. It was his fifth home run of the season and his second in the past four games.
The Twins pulled within 2-1 in the eighth. Bell hit a hard ground ball to the right side of the infield, and Astros second baseman Braden Shewmake booted the ball into the outfield to allow Byron Buxton to score from second.
Astros left-hander Bryan King came in from the bullpen and preserved the lead by retiring Austin Martin on a ground ball to shortstop to end the eighth.
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In the ninth, King allowed a two-out single to Orlando Arcia, who was called up earlier in the day from Triple-A St. Paul. Abreu entered for King but added a baserunner by hitting Luke Keaschall with a pitch. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch before Buxton fouled out to the third base side.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant delivered a blunt and straightforward assessment after his side’s seven-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Tuesday, insisting that his side remains ‘a f***ing good team’ despite slipping to another high-scoring loss in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. LSG, though eliminated from the play-offs race, posted a formidable 220/5 in 20 overs on a batting-friendly surface, but Rajasthan Royals overhauled the total in just 19.1 overs, as Donovan Ferreira’s late strike sealed the chase at 225/3.
Despite the defeat, Pant remained firm in his belief in the squad’s quality and character, stressing that results do not define their internal confidence.
“We are proud as a team regardless of what our situation is right now. The kind of team we have, we know we can win this. Regardless of anything, we are confident enough as a team and as individuals. It hasn’t gone our way, and everyone knows that, but that doesn’t take away the fact that we are a f***ing good team,” the LSG skipper said after the loss.
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While acknowledging the opposition’s quality of execution, Pant felt his side missed out on a slightly higher total after a strong start.
“I think there are a few ways to look at it. In the middle overs and then in the last over, the way Archer bowled, I think it was really good. But we could have actually scored five or ten runs more on this kind of wicket when you get that kind of start, and we just couldn’t capitalise in the last over,” Pant said.
On the broader challenge of defending totals on such surfaces, Pant highlighted the limited margin for error and the importance of simplicity in execution under pressure.
“It’s definitely a difficult one for sure because you always want to back your bowlers, but sometimes it’s hard. On a wicket like this, there is less margin for the bowlers, and having too many suggestions doesn’t work out. Sometimes you have to keep a simple plan, keep focusing on one ball at a time, and just try to execute the plan,” he added.
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Pant also pointed to the value of experience in crunch situations, noting how difficult it is to replace seasoned performers in high-pressure phases of the game.
“Experience is something you’re always going to miss, regardless of whether things go good or bad, because experience can’t be earned overnight. It takes years for people to gain that experience, and definitely in pressure situations, that is one thing which keeps you ahead for sure,” he said.
Discussing a key tactical decision, Pant defended the timing of introducing Shahbaz Ahmed into the attack, explaining the match-up considerations that influenced the call.
“Definitely because of the left-handers. They had been batting for a brief period of time and exposing a left-arm spinner; we didn’t want that, especially because Rathi was there in the side, so why take a chance on Shahbaz when Rathi is there in the side?” he explained.
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Delhi vs Mumbai IPL 2026: Fans Flood Arun Jaitley Stadium for High-Voltage Clash
Not long ago, NFL.com ranked the Minnesota Vikings as the league’s fifth-worst team heading into 2026. Fast forward a few weeks, and Bleacher Report has flipped the script, predicting a 12-5 record for Kevin O’Connell’s team.
Minnesota has the defense, weapons, and schedule path to make the spicy record prediction feel plausible.
The court of public opinion is all over the board on Minnesota, but don’t tell that to BR.
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Murray Becomes the Swing Piece in Minnesota’s Ceiling
Are the Vikings closer to a bottom-feeder or a 12-5 squad?
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson races upfield during an NFL International Series matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park in Dublin. Jefferson created explosive plays on Sep. 28, 2025, as the Vikings showcased one of the league’s premier offenses during Minnesota’s historic appearance on Irish soil before an international crowd. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
BR: Vikings Will Finish 12-5
Moe Moton from Bleacher Report analyzed each team’s schedule after last week’s release, forecasting wins and losses for every combatant.
About Minnesota, he wrote, “Head coach Kevin O’Connell has led the Minnesota Vikings to 13 wins with Kirk Cousins and 14 victories with Sam Darnold. The latter just won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, but neither is considered an elite quarterback.”
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“The Vikings signed Kyler Murray, who can be dynamic with his mobility and made the Pro Bowl in two of his first three years with the Arizona Cardinals. After a promising career start, he’s battled injuries and posted mediocre passing numbers. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Murray and J.J. McCarthy will battle for the starting job. That said, the former should win the competition with his starting experience.”
The Vikings, indeed, are advertising a quarterback competition this summer, but most expect Murray to prevail.
Moton continued, “Murray could benefit from a change of scenery in Minnesota, as Darnold did. He’ll have two-time All-Pro Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, tight end T.J. Hockenson and a defense that’s ranked seventh or better in scoring for consecutive terms under play-caller Brian Flores.”
“The Vikings have the structure to take pressure off of Murray while getting the best out of him. He’ll be a Comeback Player of the Year candidate, and the Vikings will be in contention for a division title. 2026 projection: 12-5.”
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QB Stability Is the Path
Minnesota won nine games last year despite having one of the NFL’s least efficient quarterback situations.
Per Dropback EPA/Play, the combination of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer ranked as the league’s fifth-worst quarterback group. The eye test undeniably supported this assessment. Yet the Vikings remained competitive, posting a 9-8 record despite an offense hampered by quarterback play.
It makes the discussion around Murray straightforward. He isn’t expected to be Superman in Minnesota; his task is to elevate the quarterback room from near the bottom of the league into the Top 12 or Top 15. Should he achieve this, the team’s fortunes will rapidly change. A Vikings squad that secured nine wins with quarterback play ranked around 28th could suddenly envision an 11-6, 12-5, or even better record, merely by Murray stabilizing the position and contributing his characteristic playmaking flair.
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And his requirements are clear: protect the football, use his mobility, execute the easy throws, and avoid massive gaffes. Murray can remain dynamic without resorting to “hero ball” on every other possession. Finding that balance is precisely where Minnesota’s potential resides. In short, if Murray doesn’t play like an idiot, the Vikings can reach the postseason.
Defense Is Already There
The Vikings already possess a strong defense, which is central to any discussion about their 2026 prospects.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches the action during a divisional showdown against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Flores patrolled the sideline on Jan. 4, 2026, while Minnesota’s defense continued finishing the regular season as one of the NFL’s most efficient and aggressive units under his leadership. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images.
Since Brian Flores’ arrival in 2023, Minnesota’s defense has been stellar, ranking among the league’s best. Over the 2023-2025 period, they’ve collectively ranked second in the NFL by EPA/Play and DVOA. The year-by-year EPA/Play numbers illustrate the majesty:
2023: 17th
2024: 1st
2025: 3rd
2023-2025 Overall: 2nd
This suggests a Super Bowl-caliber pedigree. Regardless of offensive developments in 2026, Flores has built a defense capable of competing deep into January.
The challenge, however, has been on the offensive side. For three seasons (2023-2025), the Vikings’ offenses have either struggled with consistency or collapsed at critical moments, with Sam Darnold’s Week 18 meltdown and playoff collapse in 2024 serving as clear examples.
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The equation for 2026 is straightforward: If Flores’ defense maintains its elite status, the offense won’t need to perform miracles. Even a slight dip to a top-eight defensive ranking would typically keep the team in contention.
A Vicious Division
The tricky part, if one assumes that Murray will play like Murray and the Floresian defense maintains its standard of living? The Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears.
Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard prepares during an NFC Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Reichard appeared in postseason action on Jan. 13, 2025, as the Vikings opened their playoff journey with the rookie kicker handling special-teams duties during the high-stakes road contest in Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Until 2025, the NFC North usually contained at least one “walkover” team, a franchise that was going nowhere and could be smacked around a bit. Those days are over. From head to toe, the Vikings, Lions, Packers, and Bears have strong rosters and aim to win the NFC North. The division is up for grabs.
So, on top of already gritty division games, Minnesota will forge a path to the postseason six times against familiar foes with Super Bowl aspirations.
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If O’Connell’s team exits the regular season with a 12-5 record, as Moton predicted, it will be battle-tested for the playoffs.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
MCG will play host to Sunday’s
Round 10 AFL game between Essendon Bombers and
Fremantle Dockers. The game kicks off at 1:10 pm with Fremantle Dockers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Essendon Bombers vs.
Fremantle Dockers
game and give you our free tips and bets.
Fremantle will look to equal the longest winning streak in club history when it takes on struggling Essendon at the MCG on Sunday. The Dockers produced one of the comebacks of the season last week, storming home with five unanswered final-quarter goals to defeat Hawthorn and extend their winning run to eight matches. Luke Jackson was dominant through the middle and around stoppages, continuing his outstanding campaign. Essendon, meanwhile, remains rooted near the bottom of the ladder after another collapse against GWS, where the Bombers surrendered a 26-point lead during the second half. Their form at the MCG has been particularly alarming, with heavy defeats becoming a recurring theme. Fremantle comfortably won the corresponding fixture last season and enters this clash with enormous momentum, defensive confidence and a midfield currently capable of overwhelming most opponents in the competition.
INALPI ARENA, TURIN, ITALY – 2024/11/15: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain looks dejected during his round robin singles match against Alexander Zverev of Germany during day six of the Nitto ATP Finals. Alexander Zverev won the match 7-6(5), 6-4. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from the Wimbledon Championships as he continues recovering from injury.
The Spaniard confirmed the news in a statement, revealing that he is still not ready to return to competition despite making progress in recovery.
“My recovery is going well and I feel much better,” Alcaraz said.
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“But unfortunately I’m still not ready to be able to play, and that’s why I have to withdraw from the grass-court swing at Queen’s and Wimbledon.”
“They are two really special tournaments for me and I’ll miss them a lot.”
The withdrawal means Alcaraz will miss both French Open and Wimbledon this season, a huge blow for one of the biggest stars in tennis.
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The 23-year-old added that his main focus now is returning fully healthy.
“We keep working to return as soon as possible.”
His fans across the world have already reacted to the news, hoping to see Alcaraz back in time for the American hard-court season later this year.
Arthur Okonkwo cleared to represent Nigeria ahead of Unity Cup
Arthur Okonkwo has officially switched international allegiance to Nigeria national football team and is now eligible to represent the Super Eagles.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper received FIFA clearance in April after previously representing England at the youth level.
Okonkwo arrives after an impressive season with Wrexham AFC, making 38 appearances in the Championship while recording nine clean sheets and 111 saves.
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His arrival gives new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle another strong goalkeeping option as Nigeria continues rebuilding the squad ahead of future tournaments.
The goalkeeper could make his debut during the upcoming Unity Cup in London later this month, where Nigeria will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe.
Golf instruction is ever-evolving, but the best advice stands the test of time. In GOLF.com’s series, Timeless Tips, we’re highlighting some of the greatest advice teachers and players have dispensed in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today we look back to our September 2013 issue for Johnny Miller’s “single best tip” for improving ball striking.
Over the course of his career, Miller won 25 times on the PGA Tour, including a U.S. Open victory at Oakmont that featured a final-round 63. Although younger golf fans may remember him only for his work in the booth, it was his golf game that made him a household name.
Back in 2013, the World Golf Hall of Famer contributed an article to GOLF Magazine outlining his “single best tip” about ball striking.
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Miller’s best ball-striking tip
Even today, I still get nervous on the first tee or if I’m playing with people I don’t know that well. When I first came up on Tour, I was nervous all the time, especially when faced with a tough shot, such as hitting a half wedge over water or a long iron off a tight lie. So I came up with a drill — maybe my single best tip! — to help me feel the most important parts of my swing and instantly build the confidence needed to pull off the shot. I call it the “brush-brush” drill, and I’m certain that if you try it, you’ll hit better shots.
On the range, use the toe of your club to make a line in the grass, then set up centered over the line. Make a half swing and try to brush the grasss on the target side of the line — not a huge divot, just a slight brush — then repeat. I do it twice in a row, because it instills good rhythm: “brush-brush.”
It sounds simple, but you actually have to do so many things right to brush the grass in the right place that, when you do, you’re grooving good mechanics. Plus, success in this drill will prevent you from catching the ground behind the ball, which is the fastest way to hit a really bad shot.
The trick is to get the butt of the grip even or ahead of the line before unhinging your wrists and brushing the grass with the clubhead. Most amateurs make the mistake of unhinging their wrists when the butt end of the grip is still behind the line, and some players release the hinge when the butt is still behind their right leg. But if you lead the clubhead with the handle and delay the unhinging until the last possible moment, you get that crisp, Tour-style impact with the shaft leaning slightly toward the target with any iron or wedge.
Not only does this drill get you into a better impact position, it gives you ball-first contact regardless of your lie. Anyone can make decent contact on a flat range, but on the course you’ll encounter uphill lies, downhill lies and lies where the ball is either above or below your feet. Slopes like these tend to exacerbate impact problems, and if you have the type of swing that brushes the grass behind the ball, you’ll have no chance on anything but a perfect lie. Lead with the handle, then brush. I’ve been around golf for 60 years, and this drill beats them all.
;)
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