Mastering the Drive: Michael Brennan's Major Championship Success

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Smylie Kaufman Show

Trusting the Driver and Learning From Major Championship Tests

Having a reliable driver became a valuable weapon this year. While he knew he was a good driver of the ball, seeing the strokes gained data showed just how effective that part of his game had become.

That confidence proved important on the final two holes in Japan. After hitting a big drive on 17, he faced an awkward tee shot on 18, where the tee had been moved forward for Sunday’s round. With a hazard to the right and bunkers and trees to the left, the safer option was to hit a 7-wood or 3-iron and leave a 7-iron into an awkward green.

His caddie, Ollie, encouraged him to trust his strength and hit driver. The aggressive decision left him with a controlled gap wedge into the final hole, reinforcing how useful it is to have a dependable driver in pressure situations.

He also made the cut in every major championship he played during the year. Although his Thursday and Friday rounds were generally solid, he felt his weekend performances could have been better. The Masters produced his best weekend in a major.

The majors carried a different atmosphere. Players were focused on arriving prepared rather than experimenting with equipment, creating an environment where everyone was trying to perform at their best. He also appreciated the opportunity to compete at historic venues and felt fortunate to play tournament golf at those courses.

Those championships showed him how sharp every part of the game must be. Major venues have an extra edge, and even a decent shot can roll over a false edge and leave a difficult recovery.

Shinnecock provided a particularly memorable example. While playing with Jordan on Sunday, he putted the ball off the green twice. One came on the third hole, and another came at the 14th, where a roughly 60-foot putt from the front of the green rolled off the back.

Although those moments were not highlights of the year, he viewed them as valuable experience. He did not putt another ball off a green for the rest of the season, which he considered a positive. Looking ahead to Pebble, the goal remains simple: avoid seeing any more putts leave the green.