Marc Bender shared a fresh idea about playing golf. Golf is mostly about handling mistakes, not hitting perfect shots every time. The best plan is to aim for the middle of the green and trust your putting. This way, you can make the most of your round by managing the…
Eric Alpenfels talked about two common ways golfers aim their shots. One method uses a nearby spot to help line up the swing, while the other focuses directly on the flag in the distance. Both styles work well, depending on the player. Golfers are encouraged to try each one and…
https://golfsmarter.com GS#1014 August 26, 2025 Dr. Izzy Justice returns to discuss the intricate relationship between brain function and golf performance from his new book, 'Your Brain Swings Every Club', which explores the cognitive aspects of golfing performance. Dr. Justice introduces the concept of 'chasing 10 hertz' to optimize mental states…
The technology used in golf has changed a lot since the early days. Even without advanced tools, studies could still measure results by hitting golf balls and tracking their distance and accuracy. New devices like Trackman have made these measurements easier and more precise. Overall, technology has helped improve the…
Some skills can only be learned by doing. Fred Shoemaker explained how we learn best by trying, failing, and trying again. Just as children learn to walk without being told, adults also benefit from experience. The things we learn early and through effort often stay with us the longest. Listen…
Green speed can change how well you putt. Marc Bender explained that slower greens are easier for less skilled putters. Mistakes are more forgiving, while fast greens require exact control. Knowing how speed affects your putt can help you adjust your game. Listen to the full Golf Smarter episode here!:…
Many golfers get stuck thinking too much about their bodies. Eric Alpenfels noticed that amateurs often focus on shoulder turns, weight shifts, and elbow positions. But they rarely think about what the club is actually doing. Learning to pay attention to the club itself can make a real difference. Listen…
GS#1013 August 19, 2025 In this episode we welcome back Pete Charleston, co-founder of GolfLogix, to discuss the evolution of golf technology, particularly the GolfLogix app. We explore the journey from handheld GPS devices to smartphone applications, the introduction of green books for reading greens, and the legal compliance of…
Improving your downswing takes both movement and focus. Eric Alpenfels shared two helpful approaches. One focuses on moving the right arm close to the body, while the other shifts attention to the club head’s path. Research shows that both strategies can help, depending on the player. Listen to the full…
People learn golf best through experience, not just instructions. Some skills can’t be fully explained and must be learned by doing. Fred Shoemaker explained how swinging the club helps players understand what works. True improvement comes from practicing and feeling the game firsthand. Listen to the full Golf Smarter episode…
Golf simulators let golfers practice at home and play digital versions of real courses. They help players focus on tricky holes or get ready for upcoming rounds. Jason Chambers shared how these setups offer a controlled environment without outside distractions. Simulators are a useful way to improve skills and understand…
Golf course superintendents work hard every day to keep the greens smooth, firm, and fast. Tough weather makes their job even harder. Marc Bender explains how one mistake can damage the course for months. Their daily effort helps make each round of golf better for everyone. Listen to the full…
https://golfsmarter.com GS#1012: This week on Golf Smarter, we speak to Robert Jones Black, the great grandson of legendary golfer Bobby Jones. We discuss the legacy of Bobby Jones, the challenges of preserving that legacy within the family, and the importance of humility in their connection to such a prominent figure…
Putting greens have changed a lot over time. New grass types and equipment in the early 2000s made greens faster and firmer. Marc Bender explained how rollers improved the surface while using less water. Today’s putting greens are very different from those of the past. Listen to the full Golf…
Being present is one of the most important parts of playing well. It’s not taught in school, but it matters on the course. Fred Shoemaker said pro golfers often have a better sense of where the club is during the swing. This kind of awareness helps create solid contact and…
Speed in your swing starts with the arms and hands. When they move faster, the rest of the body follows. Joe Park said physics and setup matter more than forcing your hips to turn. Focusing on arm speed and body position can help increase clubhead speed the right way. Listen…
Simulator golf can be used for more than just hitting balls. It’s a place where players can practice making smart choices on the course. Jason Chambers explained how it helps with things like shot direction and target selection. You can make mistakes in a low-pressure space and train yourself to…
https://golfsmarter.com GS#1011 Summary: This week we talk to Richard Berle, founder of GolfFit.com and the Golf Fit app, a platform designed to enhance golfers' fitness and performance. He shares his personal journey, including overcoming injuries and the realization of the importance of fitness in golf. The conversation delves into the…
Simulator golf is becoming a popular way to enjoy the game. You can play a full round with friends, stay indoors, and still have a good time. Jason Chambers shared how it gives players a clean, controlled setting with no wind or uneven lies. It’s a helpful tool for working…
Golf club companies spend a lot on marketing and legal work. These teams are often more involved than the engineers. Nick Manzano explained how patents from brands like Ping or Titleist help protect designs. He shared how protecting ideas is just as important as promoting new products. Listen to the…
Most putter companies focus on looks and style. But performance comes down to what the ball does after the strike. Dan Landman said the roll matters more than how the putter looks or feels. He pointed out that face angle and MOI help, but the true test is ball movement…
Club head speed comes mostly from your hands, wrists, and forearms. Many golfers use too much of their body and not enough arm speed. Joe Park explained that fast hands lead the motion, then the arms and body follow. He shared that the lower body supports the motion but should…
htttps://golfsmarter.com GS#1010 This time on the Golf Smarter Podcast, Eric Alpenfels, Director of Instruction at Pinehurst, discusses the innovative approach of instinct putting, which encourages golfers to focus on the hole rather than the ball. Alpenfels shares insights on how this technique can improve distance control and overall performance on…
Some golfers try too hard to hit the ball farther. This often leads to poor contact and worse results. Joe Park explained that hitting 200 yards in the fairway or 225 in the rough is enough for a 10 handicap. He said it's more important to stay accurate and consistent…