Do you think I can beat Alex Fitzpatrick if I get a mulligan per hole?

We put it to the test in a great match out at Dye Preserve in Jupiter earlier this year.

And along the way I asked him questions to learn how he trains, what he’s working on, and the real reason his short game is so sharp.

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Huge thanks to Bal.on for making this happen!

Today at a Glance

• Addictive new chipping game I've been using
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• Very cool new golf shoes that have a crazy amount of stability.
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• The TOP lessons from Alex Fitz.
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• A concept I've been mulling over this week.

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🛠️ DRILL OF THE WEEK: Flight Control

If you're like me, it feels like shots are on the green are the toughest aspect to get back after a long winter of hitting on simulators.

This is a fun game I've been using to try to work on some creativity and feel. It forces you to hit some abnormal shots and try to "figure it out" even when it's not the proper shot to be hitting.

Setup:

• Select 5 different locations around the green
• From each location, hit three balls to the target (randomize the order for each location):
  • Low bump and run
  • Medium "normal" flight pitch
  • Big flop with little run out

Scoring System (2 points possible per shot):

1. Proximity Point (1 point)
   • 1 point if ball finishes within 4 feet of target.
   • 0 points if outside 4 feet.
2. Execution Point (1 point)
   • 1 point if you executed the intended trajectory and shot type correctly.

Total Game:

• Maximum score: 30 points (6 points per location × 5 locations)
• Track your personal best scores

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Alright Range Rats - Try it out and let me know your best score.

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📝 Biggest lessons learned from Alex Fitzpatrick

Make sure to watch the video but here are a few notes on the biggest takeaways.

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1 - He learned the game playing.

Alex grew up in England where the range at his course barely allowed a 7-iron. So instead of grinding at the range, he played golf. A lot of it.

“The greens were small and sloped off, so you had to chip well. And the putting surfaces were good - if you missed, it was your fault.”

That environment shaped his strengths: flighted iron shots, reliable short game, great putting. He built skill by solving problems on-course.
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2 - He's working to improve his day to day practice.

Alex has a clear process he's working to get better.

• Practice starts with putting (technical drills + pressure games)
• Then wedge work, iron play, and driver
• Afternoons are for on-course performance games—like worst ball or up-and-down challenges

He’s combining old-school instincts with new-school tools. We talk about the importance of his coach (Mark Blackburn) and team that have helped him create a killer process to follow.
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3 - He doesn’t just hit balls - he competes

Alex treats practice like a game. There’s always a goal. Always pressure. That’s what keeps him engaged.

“Golf’s boring enough. Standing on the range just whacking balls? No thanks.”

Turn your practice into competition, and you’ll start improving way faster.

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4 - His biggest shift? A better mindset

Alex admits he used to judge his weeks purely on results. Miss a cut? Bad week. No win? Waste of time.

Now, he’s focused on the process. Breaking things down into “blocks” of events, with specific things to work on during each block.

It’s about doing the small things that might get him there.

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Here's a thought I've been mulling on this week...

From tour pro to your 20-handicap friend, everyone is working on their swing. No one is above that. Just this year, Rory talked about spending weeks hitting into a net, just to dial in a swing change.

So yes, even the best are chasing better mechanics.

But here’s the key.

What separates elite players from everyone else isn’t just technique. It’s their ability to execute.

You should absolutely keep working on your technique.

But don’t forget to train the skills that actually lower your score.

Here's what I think is super important.

No matter what part of your swing you’re fixing, always carve out time to train your skills.

• Wedge distance control
• Shot shape
• Strike location
• Training speed

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Till next week,

-Cordie

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✍️ Written by Cordie Walker​

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