In our forums, one user is wrestling with one of the most common ball-flight frustrations among better players: trying to hit a pull cut that starts left and works back, only to watch it stay left.

@Asics10 said the move feels more solid than a draw because it gets the arms more in front, opens the hips better and keeps the swing less under plane. The problem is that even with an open clubface at address, the ball starts left and stays there.

From a coaching standpoint, that tells us the first question is not whether the player likes a cut. The first question is whether the clubface is actually open to the swing path at impact. A ball that starts left and stays left is not cutting because the face-to-path relationship is not producing a curve to the right.

• @GoGoErky and @rsballer10 both pointed toward the need for video before getting too specific, which is the right instinct.
• @US697 suggested that without video, a player might start by avoiding an open face at address and instead learn to square the face to the intended path.
• @TightFade asked whether the player is more of a lead-arm puller or trail-arm pusher from the top, which matters because intent and release pattern can change the face-to-path relationship.
• @BSI99 delivered the simplest reminder: the most important part of hitting a cut is making sure it cuts.
• @golferdude54 and @onehopstopt got into the bigger debate of pull cut versus push cut, and why the miss pattern may not be as automatic as golfers think.

The practical coaching answer is to stop trying to manufacture curve only through address. An open clubface at address does not guarantee an open face-to-path at impact. If the handle, body, release and path pattern return the face too square to the path, the ball will not curve right.

For a pull cut, the face needs to be left of the target but open to the swing path. If the ball starts left and stays left, the face is not open enough to the path at impact, or strike is influencing the curve. Address position may help create the shot, but impact is what decides it.

For a player fighting this, I would want two camera angles first: face-on and down-the-line. Then I would check three things: start line, divot or low-point direction and whether the player is actually swinging left enough relative to where the face is delivered.

The drill is simple. Put an alignment stick down the target line and another slightly left of it for the intended swing path. Set up with the clubface aimed between those two lines, then make waist-to-waist swings, trying to start the ball left of the target and curve it back. If the ball starts left and does not move, the face is too square to the path. If it starts right, the face is too open or the path is not far enough left.

A good cut is not a guess. It is face, path and contact working together. Until those three pieces match, the ball will keep telling the truth.

Entire thread: “I love the pull cut, but it won’t cut”

The LPGA Tour is kicking off its 2026 season this week at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, and the pros are dealing with something most Florida golfers rarely face: freezing temperatures.

“It’s colder here than in the UK at the minute, which is a first,” said England’s Charley Hull during Wednesday’s media day at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

Even Lydia Ko, who lives at Lake Nona, seemed surprised by the cold snap. “We’re pretty much getting to below zero in celsius here, which maybe in other parts of the country they would be thankful, but when you’re in Florida it is a little bit of a surprise,” she said.

If the world’s best players are adjusting their games for cold weather, recreational golfers should, too. Here’s how to play smart when the mercury drops.

Understand What Cold Does to Your Game

Before you change anything, you need to know what you’re fighting against. Cold air is denser than warm air, which means your ball won’t fly as far. Period.

Hull noticed this immediately during practice rounds at Lake Nona. She mentioned hitting a gap wedge into the 18th hole during a previous win but needing a 4-iron during Tuesday’s practice round. That’s a difference of four or five clubs for the same shot.

Action item: Expect to lose 5-10 yards on every club in your bag when temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Plan accordingly and don’t be stubborn about club selection.

Layer Up Without Restricting Your Swing

Hull admitted she wore three pairs of pants during practice. While that might be extreme for most of us, staying warm is critical to playing well in cold conditions.

Your muscles need warmth to function properly. When you’re cold, your body tightens up and your swing gets shorter and faster. Neither of those things help you hit good golf shots.

Action item: Wear multiple thin layers instead of one bulky jacket. Look for golf-specific cold weather gear that stretches with your swing. Keep hand warmers in your pockets between shots. And don’t forget a good hat because you lose significant body heat through your head.

Take More Club Than You Think You Need

This is where ego gets in the way of good scores. When it’s cold, the ball doesn’t compress as well off the clubface. Combined with denser air, you’re looking at serious distance loss.

The pros at Lake Nona are dealing with a course that measures 6,642 yards but plays much longer this week. If they’re adjusting, you should too.

Action item: Take at least one extra club on every approach shot. In temperatures below 40 degrees, consider taking two extra clubs. It’s better to fly the ball to the back of the green than to come up short in a bunker.

Adjust Your Expectations on the Greens

Cold weather affects putting in ways most golfers don’t consider. The ball is harder and doesn’t roll as smoothly. Your hands are cold, making it harder to feel the putter. And if there’s any moisture on the greens, they’ll be slower than normal.

Ko mentioned that she still sometimes reads the greens wrong at Lake Nona despite being a member for years. Cold weather makes that challenge even tougher.

Action item: Hit putts more firmly than usual. The ball needs extra speed to hold its line on cold greens. Take a few extra practice strokes to get a feel for the speed before you putt.

Embrace the Mental Challenge

Hull said something interesting about cold weather golf: “I like the mental toughness of it.”

That’s the right attitude. Everyone on the course is dealing with the same conditions. The player who stays patient and doesn’t get frustrated by the extra difficulty will come out ahead.

Action item: Lower your expectations by a few strokes. If you normally shoot 85, accept that 90 might be a good score in 40-degree weather. Focus on solid contact and smart decisions rather than perfect shots.

Warm Up Longer and Smarter

This might be the most important tip of all. Cold muscles are tight muscles, and tight muscles get injured easily.

World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul revealed she’s been protecting a wrist injury that bothered her late last season. Cold weather makes those kinds of injuries more likely if you don’t prepare properly.

Action item: Spend at least 20 minutes warming up before your round. Start with stretching, then hit easy wedge shots before working up to your driver. Keep moving between shots on the course to maintain body heat and flexibility.

The pros at Lake Nona this week will adapt and compete at the highest level despite the cold. You can do the same at your local course by following these tips and keeping a positive attitude.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through”  now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.

Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!