What if golf isn’t just a game, but maybe moral code or even more? I open up and share the moments that made me see golf as a kind of secular faith—rituals, standards, and the quiet work we do when nobody’s watching.

We talk about how COVID packed tee sheets without truly creating more "golfers", why bunkers go unraked and greens riddled with ball marks, and what Scotland gets right: community at the heart of the course, honest handicaps, firm ground that teaches scoring from the soil up. From there, we build a case for self-policing and leading by example. Fix three ball marks a green. Rake every bunker that needs it. Take your hat off inside. Thank the staff. These aren’t fussy rules; they’re small choices that protect pace, conditions, and the shared experience that makes golf feel sacred.

Along the way, we get into accountability and the inner game: the solitude between shots, the sting of imperfection, and why progress comes from owning the miss, not excusing it. We explore golf karma, the difference between talking improvement and doing it, and the story of a competitor reminding Tiger Woods to replace his mark with a title on the line—a perfect snapshot of honor over outcome. If you’ve ever felt the course ask more of you than a number on a card, this conversation is for you.

If this resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a playing partner who needs to hear it. Tell us your code: what standard do you hold when no one’s looking?

The roars at Bethpage were real—but so was the unease. I was on the ground for the 2025 Ryder Cup, and what I witnessed was a jarring split-screen: world-class golf from both teams and a fan atmosphere that too often went from passion to hostility. Europe executed in foursomes and four-ball with poise and precision, while the U.S. mounted a gutsy Sunday charge that turned the final day into must-watch drama. From JT’s magic to Rose vs. Cam Young on 18, the shots were worthy of the stage. The question is whether the stage—and the crowd culture around it—honored the game they showcased.

We talk through how the event tipped toward spectacle: chants that crossed lines, personal attacks aimed at players and families, and a security presence that told its own story. I unpack why the TV narrative missed how tense it felt on the course, why this wasn’t just “New York energy,” and how operating decisions—from choosing an MC to tolerating provocation—shaped behavior. Then we get practical. Bethpage’s fallaway surrounds erased sightlines, corporate structures walled off views, movement clogged in choke points, and basic amenities lagged. If the goal is to grow the game, pricing out families while delivering a poor live experience is a losing play.

We also tackle the pay debate head-on. These are professionals, their allocations go to charity, and comparing them to Olympian amateurs is a category mistake. Respect the craft, reward the performance, and focus on reforming fan culture rather than scapegoating players. Finally, I lay out fixes: choose venues with natural viewing berms (consider anchor sites), reduce corporate obstruction, enforce a clear code of conduct with real ejections, and channel crowd energy into supporting your team rather than demeaning the other. The rivalry is the point; contempt is not.

If you care about golf’s future—and love the Ryder Cup at its best—listen, share, and tell us what you’d change. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the conversation so we can push this event back toward the standard the players set.

The debate about optimal short game technique has heated up in golf instruction circles, with many coaches advocating for the "double-digits down" approach to chipping and pitching. But does this technique really deliver the promised results for all golfers? Michael dives deep into the biomechanics of the short game with scientific precision and measured data.

Using sophisticated equipment including Swing Catalyst dual force plates and TrackMan launch monitors, Michael demonstrates the actual effects of different attack angles on ball flight and spin production. The findings are eye-opening: increasing attack angle from 7.8 to 11.5 degrees downward only added about 150 RPMs of spin while significantly decreasing landing angle from 30.4 to 23.5 degrees. The result? A ball that actually rolled out further despite the steeper attack—precisely what most golfers are trying to avoid when seeking more spin.

What makes this analysis particularly valuable is the clear distinction between center of pressure and center of mass—concepts often confused in golf instruction. The data reveals that pressure distribution (83% on the lead foot with steeper attack angles versus 64% with more neutral setups) is what creates the difference in club delivery, not body position. This has profound implications for how golfers should approach their short game technique based on their individual biomechanics.

For players who struggle with vertical force production—which includes most amateurs—staying heavily on the lead side through impact creates significant challenges. It restricts the backswing, steepens the club too early, and requires precise timing that many find difficult to master consistently. Michael makes a compelling case for tailoring your technique to your physical capabilities rather than following trends that might work beautifully for tour players but poorly for your unique body.

Whether you're a coach looking to better understand the science behind different short game approaches or a player trying to find the most effective technique for your game, this episode provides evidence-based insights that cut through the noise of competing instructional philosophies. What matters isn't which technique is "right"—but which one is right for you.

What happens when you mix child psychology, creative play, and golf instruction? You get a revolutionary approach to junior golf that's changing how young players connect with the game.

Meet Lisi Mueller, an assistant golf professional who left a high-paying corporate job to pursue her passion for teaching golf to children and women. Drawing from her educational background in child psychology and development, Lisey brings a refreshingly innovative toolkit to the driving range—complete with stuffed animals, ribbons, and hopscotch patterns that translate complex golf movements into age-appropriate learning experiences.

Throughout our conversation, Lisi shares the beautiful simplicity of her teaching philosophy: meet children where they are, not where traditional golf instruction expects them to be. Her monkey named Rory teaches body rotation, her octopus Shelly demonstrates grip pressure, and her creative hopscotch patterns help four-year-olds understand weight transfer without ever using those technical terms. The results? Children who hit "a million balls" while having fun, develop critical self-awareness, and keep coming back to the course with excitement rather than obligation.

Beyond teaching methods, we explore deeper questions about golf's accessibility, particularly for young girls who rarely see themselves represented in the game. Lisi's courage to be visible in predominantly male spaces creates pathways for future generations of female golfers. Her reminder that "no one owns golf" and "golf can look like whatever you want it to look like" offers a powerful counterpoint to an industry increasingly focused on professional competition over recreational enjoyment.

Whether you're a parent hoping to introduce your child to golf, a coach looking for fresh teaching approaches, or simply someone who believes golf should be more inclusive and joy-centered, Lisi's insights will inspire you to see the game through new eyes. Connect with her on social media @lisilea_tothetee to learn more about her innovative teaching methods.

What if your biggest obstacle in golf isn't your swing but your mind? In this illuminating conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Klein, we uncover the powerful psychological elements that separate elite performers from struggling golfers – regardless of physical ability.

Dr. Klein brings a unique perspective as both a trained psychologist with over 18,000 therapy sessions and an experienced golf mental coach working with players from juniors to tour professionals. His central message? While not everyone can move like a pro, anyone can learn to think like one.

We explore how anxiety manifests on the course through two primary channels: future-oriented worry ("don't hit it in the water") and past-focused grief over missed opportunities. Dr. Klein offers practical strategies for regulating emotions, including breath control techniques, walking rhythm adjustments, and accessing feelings of gratitude to flush out negativity.

The conversation delves into the critical importance of pre-shot routines – how professionals perform the same sequence every time, creating a dependable framework that allows them to execute under pressure. We examine the concept of "agency" – the psychological feeling that you're capable of the task at hand – and how selecting shots from your actual repertoire builds genuine confidence.

Perhaps most revolutionary is Dr. Klein's perspective on finding your authentic golf identity. Not everyone needs to adopt the stoic Tiger Woods approach to succeed. Some players thrive with more emotional expression, while others perform better with quiet focus. The key is discovering how you function best rather than forcing yourself into someone else's model.

Want to transform your mental approach and experience more freedom on the course? This episode provides the roadmap to thinking like a champion, regardless of your handicap.

Standing on the first tee of the Old Course at St. Andrews, a strange calm washed over me. The nerves that typically plague my game had vanished. Six holes later, after holing out an eagle on the ninth, I turned to where my father would have stood and whispered, "That's for you, Dad." Twenty years after his passing, I broke down in tears on golf's holiest ground, feeling his presence in a way I hadn't experienced since losing him.

This transformative journey through the UK revealed the stark differences between American and Scottish golf cultures. While American courses often emphasize manicured aesthetics and cart-based play, Scottish links golf embraces the natural terrain and walking. At Carnoustie, I watched children and women casually enjoying the same championship courses the pros struggle with during major championships. The local clubs function as community centers where golf is accessible to all – with memberships at world-class venues costing a fraction of American prices and programs ensuring every child receives free lessons and equipment.

Course design philosophy differs dramatically as well. Conversations with architect Mike DeVries reinforced that great courses should be playable and engaging for everyone, not just elite players. This contrasts sharply with American golf's obsession with length and difficulty that caters to professionals while forgetting that most golfers shoot in the 90s and drive the ball modest distances. The Scottish approach treats golf as more than a game – it's a communal experience, an honor code, and a way of life connecting generations.

After playing 169 holes in seven days (all rounds under four hours while walking!), I've returned with a renewed connection to why I love this game. The experience at St. Andrews wasn't just about golf – it was about reconnecting with joy on the course and feeling my father's influence once more. If you have the means to take the person who introduced you to golf to St. Andrews, do it. There simply isn't a better way to honor what this game truly means.

Unlock the secrets to enhancing your golf game by tuning into a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Mark Bolt, a trailblazer in golf performance and physiology. Broadcasting from Lisbon, Portugal, Dr. Bolt sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of golf training, including the impact of growth cycles, inherited beliefs, and the normalization of injuries among young athletes. Discover how his innovative Bowl 3D capture system revolutionizes the analysis of movement patterns in adolescent collegiate golfers, offering insights that challenge conventional approaches to coaching and development.

Explore the evolution of technology in golf training and its dual-edged influence on player skill acquisition. With insights from the origins of Advanced Motion Measurement software to its integration into modern systems, we delve into the balance between data-driven coaching and intuitive skill development. Uncover how excessive reliance on analytics can lead to "de-skilling," and learn about the critical importance of physiological buffers that help manage stress and optimize performance, particularly in high-stakes environments.

Our discussion also ventures into unexpected territories, such as the influence of dental health on physical performance and the profound impact of visual systems and ground reaction forces. Embrace the art of inquiry and curiosity, fostering a safe environment for exploration and failure, much like how early sports pioneers intuitively understood performance principles that are now validated by modern science. Join us as we redefine the responsibility of golf practice, emphasizing intention and personal accountability, while championing a shift in mindset that prioritizes wellness and continuous learning in the dynamic world of golf.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be recognized as one of Golf Digest's Best Young Teachers? This solo episode of the Measured Golf Podcast gives you an inside look at my personal journey to earning that accolade. Embarking on this path wasn't easy, especially running Measured Golf, an independent facility without the luxury of a built-in customer base. The unwavering support of my wife, Buffy, and the collaborative push from my business partner, Paul, and trusted advisor, Aram Kushigian, have been essential in overcoming these challenges. Their belief and partnership have allowed me to focus on what I love most—coaching golf and making the sport accessible to everyone.

Rediscovering my passion for coaching has been a journey fueled by continuous learning and teamwork. I share how collaborating with industry professionals like Aram Kushigian from Smash Factor Performance has elevated our approach, aligning strategies to enhance clients' physical and golf skills. This episode also touches on the importance of understanding human biomechanics and how our offseason in Michigan serves as the perfect opportunity for players to grow and prepare. My unexpected partnership with Aram, forged amidst the pandemic, further exemplifies the power of building strong relationships within the golf community.

Transitioning from a prestigious career to follow my passion for golf coaching was a leap of faith, but it has been worth every risk. The financial strain of acquiring advanced tools like force plates and the quest for more affordable coaching resources highlight the challenges faced by coaches today. Join me as I express gratitude to all who've been part of this journey, and reflect on our shared mission to grow this incredible game by breaking down barriers and fostering enjoyment for all.