Join us as we dive into the legendary PGA West, exploring its fascinating history, iconic holes, and the challenge it presents to players like us. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our upcoming month-long golf road trip, filled with camaraderie, strategy, and a whole lot of fun!

Key Topics

• The origins and evolution of PGA West and La Quinta in the 1970s
• The design and challenge of Pete Dye’s stadium course and iconic holes like 17
• Famous tournaments (Skins Game in 1986, American Express) and memorable moments
• Strategies for tough holes: to send or to lay up?
• Practical insights: equipment evolution, course conditions, and preparing for the trip
• Personal stories and banter between friends about golf adventures and experiences
• Planning the ultimate golf itinerary: courses, accommodations, and food

Timestamps

00:00 - Opening chat: cold weather frustrations and tropical escapes
02:03 - Club logistics: clubs, golf bag updates, and social media plans
04:23 - Details of the 30-day golf trip and expectations
06:24 - History of PGA West and its development from the 1970s
09:15 - Deep dive into the evolution of La Quinta and early golf legends
13:10 - The challenge of Pete Dye’s designs and the story behind the stadium course
16:35 - The 1986 Skins Game: iconic moments and televised drama
18:49 - The spectacle of stadium courses and their stadium-like design
26:12 - The infamous 17th island green: history and strategies
28:14 - Handling bunker shots on the fault-line at 16 and risk management
50:22 - The hypothetical: to send or lay up on the final hole, and decision making
55:56 - Analyzing challenging shots and mental approach in tournament situations
62:03 - The final shot scenario: going for glory or playing it safe?
67:09 - Celebrating the "Send It or Lay Up" champion and humorous bets
70:34 - Reflecting on equipment changes from past legends to today’s technology
74:13 - Comparing golf legends of yesteryear with modern pros under the influence of technology
79:04 - The excitement of experiencing PGA West in person versus TV
81:52 - Preparing mentally and physically for the trip, gaining knowledge from recent tournaments
83:11 - Personal workout plans and maintaining fitness for the adventure
84:10 - Final thoughts: sharing the journey, costs, and upcoming plans for food and lodging

In this engaging conversation, Bob and Joseph discuss their experiences in golf, focusing on the setup of a swing lab, the importance of practice during winter, and preparations for an upcoming golf trip. They share insights on golf club maintenance, the significance of muscle memory, and the excitement of playing at bucket list courses. The conversation also touches on health and hydration strategies for golf, making it a comprehensive guide for golf enthusiasts.

takeaways

• Bob expresses gratitude for Joseph's hospitality in his swing lab.
• The importance of having a reliable setup for practicing golf indoors during winter.
• Bob's excitement about unveiling his golf clubs after a long time.
• The significance of muscle memory in improving golf skills.
• Planning a golf trip to Southern California with a focus on relaxation and enjoyment.
• The duo discusses their bucket list golf courses and the architecture behind them.
• Bob shares his journey of getting back into shape for golf.
• The necessity of hydration and health management for golfers, especially in hot weather.
• Practice with purpose is emphasized as a key to improvement in golf.
• The conversation ends with a light-hearted note about keeping it in the short grass.

Sound Bites

• "I can work with this."
• "Practice with purpose."
• "I feel good."

Chapters

00:00Welcome to the Swing Lab

02:35Unveiling the Golf Clubs

04:17Setting Up the Swing Lab

06:30Winter Golf Practice

09:15Preparing for the California Golf Trip

12:09Golf Course Architecture and Design

14:42The Importance of Practice

16:59First Swings in Years

17:59Reflections on Golfing Experience

20:05Final Thoughts and Future Plans