Golf is a game of precision and patience, but all too often, we find ourselves battling against the odds—especially when it comes to putting. In today’s chat, we dive deep into the often misunderstood world of putting with our guest, Chris Dennis, a renowned coach and YouTuber. We kick things off by sharing some of our own experiences on the course, including a particularly windy day that turned into a comedic disaster.

We recount my lacklustre performance and Chris’s expert observations, shedding light on the reality that sometimes, despite our best efforts, the golf gods just aren't on our side.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the emphasis on the importance of positioning. Chris passionately explains that making putts is not just about technique; it’s about putting yourself in the right position to succeed. We explore the common myths surrounding putting, such as the idea that every putt should be a sure thing.

Spoiler alert: it’s not. We delve into statistics that reveal even scratch golfers miss a significant percentage of their putts from longer distances, and Chris shares actionable advice on how to practice effectively to improve our chances on the green. Finally, we wrap up with Chris’s top tips for weekend golfers heading out to play.

He suggests a quick warm-up routine on the putting green that emphasizes pace over perfection. By focusing on distance control rather than just sinking putts, golfers can set themselves up for success before they even step onto the first tee.

This episode is packed with laughs, insights, and practical advice that will resonate with any golfer looking to improve their game while having a bit of fun along the way.

Takeaways:

• As a putting coach, I often tell my students that the make percentage of putts is surprisingly low; it's about getting into the right positions consistently rather than just making every single put.
• Practicing your putting can seem tedious, but it's essential to develop a solid routine that includes both pace and line to improve your scores on the course.
• When faced with a long putt, it's crucial to assess the green's slope and break, and visualize the best landing zone to ensure you give yourself the best chance for a two-putt.
• Many amateur golfers underestimate the importance of practicing their pace putting; focusing on how hard to hit the ball can significantly reduce the number of three-putts during a round.

A North of Par production.

https://www.northofpar.co.uk

Navigating the seasonal shifts in golf can be a real challenge, and in this episode, we take a hard look at the mental and physical hurdles that come with being a weekend golfer. Our host, Mark Asquith, opens up about his personal journey through the early struggles of the season. He candidly admits to experiencing the dreaded ‘yips’—that frustrating inability to make solid contact—after what he thought was a promising winter. With relatable anecdotes, Mark illustrates how winter play on mats can lead to discrepancies in ball striking once we hit the grass again. We explore the psychological aspects of golf, discussing how the game can take a toll on our confidence and how to combat it with a reset. Mark’s path to recovery involves not just technical fixes but a return to basic drills—half swings, weight shifts, and a focus on the fundamentals that we often overlook during our practice sessions.

The episode also dives into the importance of community in the golfing world. Mark reflects on his experiences playing with friends and how their different skill levels can shine a light on our own game deficiencies. We dissect what it means to be a part of a vibrant golfing community and how that can help any golfer, regardless of their handicap, push through tough patches. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, battling our own demons on the fairway, and sometimes, it just takes a friendly face and a shared laugh to bring us back to our game. We share tips on how to develop a pre-shot routine that incorporates physical drills aimed at correcting swing issues, while also emphasizing the need for mental clarity and focus.

In closing, we extend our gratitude to our loyal listeners and supporters of ‘Clubhouse Blues.’ This episode serves as a rallying cry for all amateur golfers to embrace their journey, acknowledge their struggles, and remember that improvement often lies in revisiting the basics. We promise a good mix of laughter, insight, and a hefty dose of reality that will resonate with anyone who’s ever picked up a club and felt the weight of expectation. So, gear up, get practicing, and let’s hit the greens together!

Takeaways:

• In the podcast, we dive into the struggles of getting out of a golf funk, sharing our personal experiences and tips on how to reset your game.
• We discuss how the winter weather affected our ability to play, and how it led to a challenging start to the new season at Nefyn golf course.
• I emphasize the importance of returning to basics in golf, highlighting drills such as the baseball grip and weight shift that helped me regain my form.
• Playing with better golfers inspired me to reflect on my technique and work on my fundamentals to improve consistency.
• We talk about the mental aspect of golf, particularly how getting in your head can impact your game and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset.
• Throughout the episode, we encourage listeners to share their golf struggles and successes, fostering a community of support among weekend hackers.

A North of Par production.

https://www.northofpar.co.uk

Ryan Mouque joins me to unpack the ins and outs of online golf coaching and why it's way more than a viable alternative to in-person lessons.

We dive into the reality that improving your game takes time, patience, and a willingness to embrace the struggle—much like learning to brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand (trust me, it’s as awkward as it sounds).

Ryan shares his journey from club coaching to thriving in the online space, showing how communication and commitment can lead to serious game changes. We also tackle the common misconception that a single lesson will magically fix everything and how the mental side of golf plays a huge role in your performance. If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, this episode is packed with tips and insights that could help you drop those pesky handicap strokes.

Takeaways:

• Golf coaching is about commitment and persistence, not just quick fixes or lessons.
• Online coaching can be just as effective as in-person lessons with the right communication.
• The psychological aspect of golf is crucial; understanding your mental game can improve performance.
• Golfers often overlook the importance of proper training and practice routines to achieve better results.

A North of Par production.

https://www.northofpar.co.uk