Happy Thursday. Because we’re approaching another summer Friday, that means it’s time for everyones favorite column, What’s In My Head This Week?

Here’s where we’re currently at, gang:

There’s a lot to like and a lot to improve upon. Swing plane is still off, we’re over the top a bit but getting there, and tilt needs work. But you’re only as good as your swing thoughts so here’s what’s going on upstairs as I stand over the ball:

Strengthen the grip. Need to see three knuckles and get some forward lean on the shaft.
Hover the club head before the takeaway. I have absolutely no idea if this works at all (I know driver is different) but it’s seemingly got me in a better spot so it stays this week.
Don’t roll the wrists upon takeaway. This is almost impossible for me so the current fix is to put a tee in the back of my grip and point that at the ol’ belt buckle as long as possible.
Did I have a Pell Grant? Like I’m pretty sure I did but is that something that qualifies me moving forward for the $20k? I’d ask my dad but he died a few weeks ago.
Turn, turn, turn. Tilt, tilt, tilt. Don’t take the swing too far back.
Why is Ole Miss getting absolutely no preseason love? People are saying this is a 6-6, 7-5 team and I just don’t see where the losses are? Sprinkled a little on them to win the SEC because this is an 11-1 team with their only loss coming to Bama. Mark my words.
Squeeze the forearms to keep the elbow tucked. Chicken wing at the top halts any progress you may have had.

8. What am I gonna be for Halloween? The Merriman Spooky Monster Bash is QUICKLY approaching and I can’t be scrambling. Last year we put together a lot of talent in one spot and it’ll be tough to beat.

9. I think Wooderson is the leader in the clubhouse right now. I’ve kept up with the mustache for FAR longer that I ever thought I would. I’ve coyly asked people what they think and the responses have varied from “do you offer mustache rides?” to “keep it, weirdly looks good” to “I don’t hate it”. That sort of lukewarm response is enough to hold on through Spooky Season and throw together an iconic McConaughey look. Hat tip, Miles Teller, for giving me the inspiration to give it a go. He looked fantastic next to Cruise and Powell.

10. Man I wish my dad could’ve seen Top Gun 2. He loved the original and we watched it together dozens of times.

11. He also loved Tums, which I think pound for pound are the most effective over-the-counter medicine on the planet. There’s nothing that works as immediately and as efficiently as a few Tums in the presence of heartburn. Claritin/anti-histamines have an argument to make there but the 15 mins it takes to kick in are where they lose points.

12. Have you ever heard of pre-Tums? Like you know you’re about to dig into some arrabbiata on top of spaghetti & meatballs with a glass of red wine and you can hear the stomach acid already celebrating. Pop a few Tums ahead of that and you’re golden.

This was last year at Carve. Doesn’t Dave look jacked?

13. I look forward to pre-Tums-ing tonight ahead of my 3 year work anniversary dinner at Carve American Grille. Every year we have some grand plan that the boys are gonna “mob” and “paint the town” and “get after it” after dinner at some bar that we’re collectively (not myself or Randy) too old for and every year we all are home by 9 - stuffed and taking care of responsibilities like putting kids to bed or helping wives with chores.

14. I was at Carve the other night, too, as it’s like 300 yards from my place. Saw Chris Harrison there. He looked immaculate.

15. You don’t need to chase 300 yards, Brett. Driver swing should be 85% of your max. Club head speed ends up being the same, distance is longer, and spray pattern is much more consistent.

16. Clear the left hip. Almost to the point of exaggeration.

17. My buddy’s wedding I was just at featured a live rendition of Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira and the dance floor went absolutely crazy. Not me - I keep the elbows below my shoulders and shuffle here and there. But everyone seemed to be having a blast.

18. I have my last wedding of the year coming up in Newport, RI. That puts this year at 9. I have no idea what I’m gonna wear having exhausted my suit combinations. My credit card literally told me “hell of a season, pal”. I watched the movie later that night.

19. That same credit card just landed me a new 52 degree wedge (used). Also I’m not sure if the yearly fees are worth the points. It’s worth a deep dive.

20. Hands have to finish high and left. Flipping the club is your biggest problem.

21. Keep your back foot grounded through contact. It won’t actually happen, but the thought keeps your hips from firing early and locking you out of rotation causing a flip.

22. Is it possible to be locked out of my car if my key fob is inside? I’m terrified to test the theory.

23. I’m terrified the Sabres are gonna underperform this year and set back their rebuild. A ton of youth and unproven guys that have all the talent in the world but lack some veteran leadership outside Kyle Okposo. Can’t imagine what they do if they regress this year.

24. Rebuilding the golf swing from the ground up takes time. Be patient. Don’t try to fix it all in one day.

What's In My Head This Week?