Steven's range session went terribly - huge divots, grip problems, pure frustration. David uses the Ryder Cup's analytics approach to explain course management: minimize mistakes instead of trying hero shots you can't pull off.

What we discuss:

• Steven's catastrophic range session and why trying harder made it worse
• The "holding an egg" grip philosophy and finding flow state
• Fall golf tip: don't use yellow/red balls when leaves are changing
• How Team Europe "moneyballed" the Ryder Cup with simulation analytics
• Course management = playing defensive, not trying to slam home winners
• Why "if I flush my 6-iron" thinking leads to snowmen on scorecards
• Steven's argument that life is more fun with less risk (and scrolling phones)
• The extreme debate: conservative golf vs. YOLO hero shots
• Sam Ryder's legacy and how enthusiast fools create lasting traditions

Key moments:

• Steven couldn't figure out why he was so bad the entire range session
• David's confession about not being able to hit a chip for weeks
• The ping pong serving analogy that Steven completely rejected
• Steven's philosophy: "I don't regret being careful" (said sarcastically)
• The escalation to "most people just want to scroll phones safely at home"
• Discovery that Sam Ryder died in 1936 and never saw what he created

Bottom line: Course management means playing conservatively and minimizing mistakes. Don't be a hero when you're not qualified - aim for sevens instead of posting eights trying impossible shots.

Steven wants an angry golf instructor to yell at him like a wrestling coach. David shares his lesson experiences - from terrible virtual sessions to finding the right in-person instructor - and explains why Steven's limiting himself to 9 holes is disappointing.

What we discuss:

• Steven's executive course commitment and why 18 holes sounds "exhausting"
• David's disappointment as golf ambassador - did he oversell the difficulty?
• Steven's request for an abusive golf instructor (spoiler: that's not how it works)
• David's three instructor experiences: two virtual disasters, one great in-person
• How to find the right instructor: look for awards, competition experience
• Red flags: virtual lessons, green flags: instructor of the year accolades
• The importance of documenting lessons and practicing between sessions
• AI coaching potential vs. human interaction preferences
• Steven's economics approach: maximizing equilibrium of golf joy at 9 holes

Key moments:

• Steven interpreting David's 18-hole advice as "just stick to 9 forever"
• The wrestling coach golf instructor fantasy gets shut down immediately
• David's virtual lesson instructor who bragged about being too busy to help
• Steven's business professor approach to "optimal level of enjoyment"
• David having to cut the episode short with a "hard out"

Bottom line: Good lessons require the right instructor match - look for credentials, avoid virtual sessions, document everything, and practice what you learn. Also, don't let honest expectations about 18 holes scare you away from the full golf experience.

Steven can't imagine golfing alone - for him, the magic is in joking around with friends between holes. David reveals he's played 4.5 solo rounds this year and explains why Steven hasn't "caught the bug" like other golfers do.

What we discuss:

• Steven's realization: golf is fun because of friends, not the actual golf
• David's disappointment that Steven hasn't caught "the golf bug"
• Why solo golf is like rock climbing or hiking alone - meditative and disconnected
• Managing expectations when paired with strangers as a solo player
• David's awkward experience crashing a guys' weekend scramble
• The difference between being a "guest" vs playing your own game
• Why most golfers are focused on their own terrible shots, not yours
• Steven's confession: he'd rather play with friends than strangers
• David's 103-degree solo rounds because he has "the bug"

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Key moments:

• Steven comparing solo golf to his solo rock climbing - finally gets it
• David's brutal honesty: "I'm terrible" when asked how good he is
• The realization that when people give advice, it's really for themselves
• Steven's promise to maybe try going alone at "some ridiculous hour"
• David's slight disappointment that Steven isn't planning golf trips around courses

Bottom line: Solo golf isn't for everyone, but it can be meditative practice time. Most golfers are too worried about their own game to judge yours. Steven may never catch "the bug" - and that's okay.