(00:00) Weekend Golf Guys

This chapter takes you on a journey through a golf-filled weekend with John Ashton and Jeff Smith. Jeff shares his recent adventures in Arizona, including a stop at the famous corner in Winslow. Meanwhile, I recount an enjoyable day of golf at the prestigious Polo Fields in Louisville with friends and family, where the course's impeccable condition and unique hybrid bluegrass stood out. Despite initial struggles, I embraced a positive mindset and overcame a challenging uphill par-three hole, turning a past nemesis into a conquered course feature. The conversation is lighthearted and full of camaraderie, with reflections on memorable shots and the beauty of the game.

(12:25) Mindset of Former Athletes in Golf

This chapter explores the unique transition from professional baseball to golf among retired athletes, highlighting the experiences of notable former players like Howard Kendrick, Kyle Lohse, and Mark Mulder. We discuss the surprising challenge many baseball players face when they attempt to teach themselves golf despite having been coached their entire athletic careers. The conversation emphasizes the athletes' independent streak and their reliance on mental strength, honed under the pressures of their previous sport. Through anecdotes, I highlight how these athletes' mental fortitude often translates into their golf game, even if physical skills like short game techniques still need refinement. Additionally, the mindset of performing under pressure is explored, drawing parallels between pitching in a packed stadium and sinking a critical putt. The insights shared offer a glimpse into the mindset of high-level athletes adapting to new sports, showcasing both their physical prowess and psychological resilience.

(22:50) Pressure Performance in Short Game

This chapter addresses common challenges faced in short game golf, specifically flubbed chip shots near the green. I share a story about a student preparing for a club championship who struggled with touch and feel under pressure. By focusing on hitting the ball harder with higher lofted clubs like sand and lob wedges, and adjusting the ball position forward, we were able to build his confidence. The student found success in competition, achieving six out of six up-and-downs in his first round. We explore techniques to improve chipping under pressure, including using longer swings and engaging the body more to prevent stiffness and tension. These insights offer practical strategies for golfers aiming to enhance their short game performance in competitive settings.

(32:48) Improving Short Game Performance

This chapter explores the importance of selecting the right club and practicing with purpose to improve your golf game. We share an anecdote about choosing the appropriate wedge for specific shots and how a simple change in club selection can lead to better results on the course. Emphasizing the significance of dedicating time to practice short game skills, we discuss how investing 30 minutes into honing these skills can elevate confidence and expectations, leading to better performance during a round. Drawing parallels to basketball players' pre-game routines, we stress the importance of preparation and realistic expectations in achieving success on the golf course.

(36:32) Scoring Well Through Preparation and Contact

This chapter explores the parallels between the preparation of professional athletes in other sports and the often overlooked preparation in golf. We highlight how athletes arrive early, practice basic skills, and ensure they're ready to perform at their best, contrasting this with how golfers often rush to the first tee with minimal preparation. We discuss the emotional impact of hitting the ball well in golf, emphasizing the joy of solid contact over precise outcomes. By introducing a strike scale from one to five, we suggest a shift in focus from score alone to the quality of contact, promoting enjoyment and self-assessment. This approach encourages golfers to concentrate on improving their strike and gaining confidence, regardless of the scorecard, thus reshaping how players perceive their performance and overall experience on the course.

(42:36) Practice Makes Perfect in Golf

This chapter explores the often humorous and sometimes frustrating journey of golfers who may not practice as they should but continue to play the game they love. We reflect on the common tendency to focus on drivers while neglecting wedges and putters, which are crucial for improving performance, given their frequent use on the course. By embracing a playful approach, like scoring on a "suckiness to awesomeness" scale, we aim to bring more fun and enjoyment to the game. I also emphasize the importance of practicing specific skills, such as ups and downs, to truly enhance one's golfing abilities.

(00:01) Golf Course Challenges and Training

This chapter brings you into a lively conversation about golf and the unique experiences that come with playing in different regions. We start with a discussion on the contrasting weather conditions between Arizona and the low country, highlighting the stark differences in humidity. The conversation then shifts to memorable golfing experiences, particularly at the distinctive Calusa Pines in Florida, where the terrain mimics Pinehurst with its impressive elevation changes and lush pine settings. We share anecdotes from the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, emphasizing the challenging nature of Donald Ross-designed courses with their notoriously difficult greens. Additionally, we spotlight young golfer Ava Bunker's recent performance at Pinehurst, navigating the notorious course with notable success despite its demanding conditions. Throughout, we touch on the evolution of golf course maintenance, particularly how advancements have made greens faster and more challenging, posing a unique test to both amateur and professional golfers alike.

(12:49) Golf Wind and Stroke Strategy

This chapter focuses on the intricacies of improving golf performance and understanding how external factors like wind can affect play. I share insights from a day filled with various golf training sessions, including a putting school, a short game school, an AimPoint class, and a power school. During the power school, we measure club head speed and ball speed, emphasizing the importance of hitting the ball in the center of the clubface for maximum distance. I explain a simple technique using alignment sticks or tees to ensure a straight and effective swing. Additionally, I discuss the impact of wind on putting, illustrating how wind direction and strength can alter the path of a putt, especially on downhill or uphill greens. By setting up practice scenarios, I demonstrate how players can adjust their strategies to account for these elements, enhancing their overall game understanding and performance.

(23:14) Improving Golf Swing Impact With Drill

This chapter focuses on techniques for putting and driving in windy conditions, emphasizing the importance of squaring the club face to reduce spin and achieve faster ball speeds. I share creative strategies to deal with wind, such as using playing partners to block it, and highlight a scoring clinic where participants practiced driving into the wind. To help golfers square the club face, I describe a unique drill using a car wash sponge to provide auditory feedback, with the impact sound indicating how square the hit was. By wetting the sponge, golfers experience additional feedback through resistance, enhancing their feel of powering through the swing. While the primary focus is on using drivers, the methods can be adapted slightly for irons. This engaging approach offers practical tips for improving performance in challenging conditions.

(29:40) Strategies for Playing in the Wind

This chapter focuses on mastering golf techniques to improve performance, especially when dealing with challenging conditions like wind. We discuss using alignment tools like pennies or tees to enhance swing accuracy and how to adapt swings for better ball control. The key takeaway is the importance of hitting the ball solidly and squarely, as this ensures a higher ball speed and reduced spin, which helps the ball pierce through the wind effectively. We also touch on common misconceptions about adjusting stance or shot height and emphasize that without a solid strike, such adjustments may lead to weaker shots. By understanding these principles, golfers can maintain control and confidence on the course, even in windy conditions.

(43:19) Putting Strategies for Golf Success

This chapter explores the innovative putting technique I introduced, which involves putting towards the fringe rather than directly at the hole. Initially met with skepticism and laughter, this approach soon gained traction as I explained the reasoning behind it. Now, it’s a strategy embraced by my entire group, underscoring the value of listening to our show for fresh golfing insights. Additionally, we touch upon playing in the wind and encourage consistent practice to improve skills.

(00:01) Powerful Golf Swing Techniques for Distance

This chapter explores the importance of power in golf, emphasizing how crucial it is to utilize the ground effectively for better performance. Broadcasting from Talking Rock Ranch in Prescott, Arizona, we discuss the mechanics of power in the golf swing, explaining that it all starts from the ground up. By pushing against an immovable object like the ground, energy is generated and transferred through the body to the arms, enhancing the swing's speed and effectiveness. We highlight the common misconception that power is solely about body rotation, when in reality, timing the push against the ground is key. Through power schools and practical demonstrations, we explain how to harness this energy properly, ensuring that it is released at the right moment in the swing for maximum impact.

(12:25) Swing Sequencing Tools for Golf

This chapter focuses on the importance of proper sequencing in a golf swing and how it impacts energy transfer from the lower body through to the club. We explore the common issue of being out of sequence, where the arms move ahead of the torso, leading to inefficient swings. A simple solution proposed is using a rope to practice, as it naturally enforces correct sequencing since you cannot push on it. This technique helps maintain the correct order of movement: lower body, torso, arms, and then the club. Additionally, I introduce a homemade training aid using a PVC pipe inside a swim noodle to provide comfort while practicing chest rotations. This tool helps protect the arms and chest, ensuring a comfortable and effective practice session.

(23:51) Improving Golf Ball Striking Technique

This chapter explores the relationship between club head speed and effective ball striking in golf. While increasing club head speed is often emphasized for achieving greater distance, it is crucial to maintain contact with the center of the club face to optimize ball speed and overall performance. The importance of ball speed, spin, and launch angle in achieving longer shots is highlighted, and the potential pitfalls of focusing solely on club head speed are discussed. Additionally, the benefits of practicing with specialized equipment, such as the Tour Striker club, are examined. This unique club design encourages proper striking technique by requiring the golfer to drive the club downward and forward, thereby enhancing ball striking ability and maximizing smash factor.

(27:04) Improving Distance With Proper Swing Integration

This chapter explores the nuances of improving your golf game with specialized equipment and techniques. I discuss the benefits of using the Tour Striker club, which requires precise ball striking due to its design that forces players to de-loft the club for optimal launch angles and distance. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of hitting the center of the clubface to enhance distance and control, regardless of whether you're using the latest technology or a five-year-old driver. We also talk about using training aids with smaller club heads to improve accuracy and consistency. Furthermore, we cover tips on proper tee height and swing mechanics to achieve the desired launch angle and reduce spin. Finally, there's a humorous look at the use of martini tees and the common mistake of setting them too low, which can impact performance.

(42:29) Putting Technique Improvement Through Visualization

This chapter explores the importance of clarity and specificity in putting techniques, emphasizing the use of training tools like a putting rail to ensure the shaft and head of the putter move straight back and through. We discuss how the putter head will naturally arc, and it's crucial to focus on the straight movement of the hands and arms. I also share a personal anecdote about improving my pitching skills with Jeff's guidance, which has positively impacted my overall game. Notably, I overcame challenges with my five iron, successfully executing a beautiful 168-yard shot onto the green, highlighting the interconnectedness of honing different golf skills.