golfsmarter.com GS#989 Summary We welcome back Jim Waldron for his 36th appearance! This week, Jim shares his extensive experience in golf instruction, focusing on the evolution of his teaching methods, particularly in chipping and putting. His insights on the importance of bounce in wedges and proper wedge selection. He's also…
Learning golf takes time. Justin Tang shared that good coaching focuses on the person, not just their swing. Instead of overloading students with techniques, coaches should understand their goals. Some just want to enjoy weekend games with friends. Listen to the full Golf Smarter episode here!: https://www.golfsmarter.com/category/podcasts/ With Justin Tang…
Learning a new golf swing takes patience and the right mindset. Billy Bondaruk illustrated this with a story about two bread delivery men in Italy—one who resented the uphill ride and one who embraced it. The man who found joy in the process ended up getting promoted when the bakery…
Golf viewership isn’t necessarily shrinking, it may just be returning to pre-Tiger Woods levels. Mac Barnhardt discussed this shift and the impact of LIV Golf’s new structure and TV deal with Fox. With strong talent, big personalities, and financial backing, professional golf still has plenty of opportunities for growth. Listen…
The rising prize money in professional golf might not be sustainable in the long run. Mac Barnhardt compared this to how the NBA struggled to keep viewers after Michael Jordan retired. Like basketball lost fans post-Jordan, some worry that golf's popularity could decline without Tiger Woods in the spotlight. Mac…
GS#988 Summary This week's guest is Will Foust from Cache Creek Casino Resort and the Yocha Dehe Golf Course in Northern California. They discuss the history and development of the Yocha Dehe Golf Course, the management practices that keep the course in top condition, and the unique relationship between the…
TGL is changing the way golf courses are designed by focusing on creativity instead of copying famous layouts. Instead of recreating courses like St. Andrews or Pebble Beach, they are building holes that no golfer has seen before. Augie Piza, who is part of one of the design groups, shared…
Reading the green is about focusing only on the surface your ball will roll on. John Graham shared tips on ignoring distractions like distant mountains and high points. Just like walking, where the body adjusts naturally for balance, golf requires noticing small changes in elevation. Learning these details can improve…
The "flow state" in golf helps players stay focused and perform better. Stephen Baker talked about how staying calm and prepared makes a bigger difference than just practicing harder. Without practice, a bunker shot can feel overwhelming, making the mind overthink. But with the right training, staying relaxed allows skills…
The putter industry is filled with competition and innovation. Sam Hahn explained how big companies often buy new technology just to keep others from using it. Their company refused to sell and continued creating new designs instead. Their success proves that persistence and creativity can lead to big achievements. Listen…
Golf Smarter podcast #987 https://golfsmarter.com Our guest this week is Ken Holloway who discusses the integration of self-hypnosis into the mental game of golf. He emphasizes the importance of the mental aspect of golf, explaining how hypnosis can help golfers improve their performance by addressing common mental challenges such as…
Hiring in the golf industry requires careful thought. Sam Hahn shared insights on choosing between experience and fresh talent. An experienced worker needs less training but may resist new ways of doing things. A beginner takes longer to train but is more open to learning your methods, making both choices…
Every golfer’s swing is unique, shaped by individual strengths and habits. Jim Hardy pointed out that copying another golfer’s swing can lead to frustration and poor results. Instead, they highlighted the importance of understanding your swing and making specific adjustments. You can turn your swing into your biggest advantage by…
Golf manufacturing often prioritizes market demands over innovation, which impacts the development of new products. Sam Hahn shared his company's struggle to remain agile, with marketing influencing release schedules. This shift can slow the introduction of groundbreaking designs. Despite this, research and development are vital to maintaining quality and advancing…
Hypnosis is a process that helps guide your mind to a focused and relaxed state. Ken Holloway explained how hypnosis isn’t about losing control but accessing a deeper level of focus. The hypnotist acts as a guide, helping you reach your mental goals. This method can be a powerful tool…
Handling bad shots is about seeing them as opportunities to learn and grow. Ken Holloway emphasized that mistakes, like a ball landing in the bunker, can teach you valuable lessons. Every swing is a chance to improve your skills and mindset. This approach helps golfers stay motivated and enjoy the…
Improving your putting can make a big difference in your golf game. John Graham talked about the gap between the best and worst putters being smaller than the gap between the best and worst ball strikers. Since putting rarely leads to penalties, players often feel more confident practicing it. He…
Staying focused during a round of golf can be challenging. Ken Holloway explained how frustration after a few bad shots can ruin concentration. They shared techniques that help golfers stay calm, like using mental cues and deep breathing. Staying mentally focused can help you recover quickly and improve your overall…
Success in golf depends on more than just physical skill. Stephen Baker discussed how mental focus is just as important as physical technique. He explained that staying relaxed and calm during play can lead to better performance. By managing your mindset, you can play more smoothly and enjoy the game…
The mental side of golf plays a big role in performance. Stephen Baker explained how golfers often perform well on the driving range but struggle under pressure during a game. The issue isn’t their physical skill but the difference between their practice performance and game performance. Focusing on the mental…
Negative thinking can harm both personal performance and success in golf. Dr. Robert K. Winters pointed out how negativity can limit progress. He explained that replacing negative thoughts with positive ones can lead to better outcomes. Believing in your abilities gives you a real chance to succeed. Listen to the…
The 'flow state' is when a person is fully focused and performing without overthinking. Stephen Baker talked about how this mental state helps athletes stay calm under pressure. Training the brain to enter this state can improve performance in sports and other areas. Staying present and focused can lead to…
Golf Smarter podcast #986 https://golfsmarter.com Justin Tang from Singapore, returns to share valuable insights from his 20 years of coaching experience, which includes lessons he's learned from Golf Smarter with a PGA Teaching Professional who asked Justin for mentorship. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that coaching is about teaching…
Golf Smarter podcast #985 https://golfsmarter.com Summary Course Architect, Augie Pizá returns to discuss the innovative golf league TGL, focusing on its unique format, the excitement surrounding its events, and the collaborative design process behind the golf holes. They explore the creative challenges faced by the designers. The conversation highlights the…