Think you’re getting the most out of your launch monitor?

Every pro on tour relies on one, and in this NEW video, Mark Blackburn shows you exactly why—and how you can start using it to seriously level up your game.

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Big thanks to the folks at Rapsodo who helped make this video with Mark happen!

SPONSORED CONTENT Every Golfer Needs a Launch Monitor. Do you have one? ​ You'll improve your practice and have more info about your game. ​Rapsodo makes some of the best options. Mark and I used the MLM2PRO throughout this whole series of videos and it provided great data. ​ ➡️ Check out Rapsodo options​

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Did Rory use some foam golf balls in his swing changes?!

This week Rory talked about making some swing changes.

He went into the swing studio and didn't watch ball flights for 3 weeks.

Just worked on making mechanical changes and watched his swing on video.

I'm curious if he was even hitting balls or he watched our video with Dr Luke Benoit and started using foam golf balls 😃
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Regardless, I couldn't agree more with this method.

If you're trying to make a significant mechanical swing change you can't just keep beating balls.

Getting rid of the ball and focusing on the mechanics is key.

Because we can judge a swing based on our intention (making a movement change) vs the quality of strike when we remove the ball or use a foam ball.

Your type of practice has to align with your goals.

Jamie Kennedy @jamierkennedy So why did @McIlroyRory not allow himself to see ball flights for three weeks? Here he is explaining today.... https://twitter.com/jamierkennedy/status/1854142713349751040 Jamie Kennedy @jamierkennedy Rory McIlroy says he's spent 3 weeks working on swing changes. He didn't allow himself to see ball flights. Do you notice anything different? 9:57 AM • Nov 6, 2024 20 Retweets 606 Likes Read 10 replies

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Here's the after video.

What do you think? Looks pretty good to me.
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Rory McIlroy Tracker @RMTracker Rory spent 3 weeks making swing changes without even seeing the ball flight. Looks to me like the club face is less closed at the top and through the downswing. Thoughts? 4:53 PM • Nov 6, 2024 2 Retweets 185 Likes Read 7 replies

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🎥 Launch monitor highlights from Mark Blackburn!
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“Success leaves clues.” Every pro on tour relies on a launch monitor for one reason: consistent data lets you track improvements and make smart adjustments in practice.

You need to know this data:

1. Practice with Your Game Ball, Not Range Balls

• A premium ball vs. a range ball can impact launch by 2-3 degrees and spin rate significantly. Practice with the exact ball you'll play with for true feedback.
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  Bring back the shag bags and hitting balls in open fields!
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2. More than just tracking yardages!

• Spin Rate: Aim for 1,000 RPM per club number (e.g., 9-iron = 9,000 RPM) to optimize control.
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• Descent Angle: Target a higher angle for better stopping power on firm greens.

Top Practice Strategies

1. Baseline & Average Distance Drill

• Measure the average carry distance over 10 shots for each club, not just your longest shot. This gives you a realistic picture for course strategy, allowing you to make better decisions and avoid overestimating your range.

2. Trajectory Challenges

• Master trajectory control with a “Low, Mid, High” drill using a single club. Adjust stance, ball position, and angle to achieve different heights. This simulates conditions where you need to hit low into the wind or high to stop on firm greens.

3. Distance Control Under Pressure

• Use a “3 Ball Distance Test”: Hit three shots and try to land all within a specific distance range, such as 5 yards apart. This boosts focus on consistency, not just hitting far.

4. “Land Angle” Drill for Precision Play

• Descent angle is key for stopping power, especially on firm greens. Use your monitor to check land angles: Higher descent angles (like 50+ degrees) will hold the green better. Practice setup adjustments to bring the ball in on a steep descent angle for maximum stopping power.

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💪 Here's what the #1 player in the world is up to

Till next time

-Cordie

✍️ Written By: Cordie Walker.
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