On the Mark Golf Podcast

Golf is the ultimate game of life. It incorporates mind, body, spirit and soul. The truth of the matter is you are no different from the PGA TOUR players when it comes to this fact. They may hit the ball better than you but they have to deal with the very same life challenges you do. Todd Lewis (Golf Channel) and Sean Martin (pgatour.com) bring personal anecdotes from players such as Tiger Woods, Jason Day, Stewart Cink, John Senden, Wesley Bryan and Phil Mickelson to help you put things into perspective so you can approach the game from a better mind-set.

Former PGA TOUR player and Web.com Winner, Hugh Royer III, is now an established and well-respected golf instructor. He has seen the comings and the goings and he draws a parallel between "old" and "new" in this podcast. Hugh discusses tenets such as the grip, grip pressure, the link between the arms and the body, swing rhythm and tempo. Hugh also highlights simple and easy to understand ways to fix a slice and a hook and he also shares his thoughts on "getting stuck" in the downswing.

Older brother to former World's #1 golfer, Luke Donald, Christian Donald is an ex-Club Pro and a PGA TOUR caddy. He has worked for such notable players as 2-time Major Champion Martin Kaymer, Paul Casey, Brendan Steele and his brother Luke. As a result he has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he brings to you in this podcast. Christian talks about things you can learn from the professionals for whom he has worked. He then goes further and shares advice for family members who are related to talented golfers. As an added extra Christian and Mark talk about what it is like to be the older brother to a successful PGA TOUR player.

Andy Plummer brings his more than 25 years' of research and study to help you to better and more powerful ball-striking. Andy explains his Stack and Tilt approach while breaking the body into elements while explaining their function in an effective golf swing. Andy shares drills to improve the Angle of Attack and Low Point of your swing for better golf ball contact. He also talks about the action of the hands and wrists in the presentation of the clubface correctly to a productive swing arc to help ball trajectory.

Shauheen Nakhjavani has become an internet and Social Media phenomenon thanks to his easy-to-understand and smart approach to golf instruction and technique. Shauheen joins the podcast to discuss his approach to golf instruction and game improvement with a special focus on "cause and effect". Shauheen also talks about the relationship between swing habits and tendencies and their "domino effect" on each other. He advises how to identify these and recommends proper and effective practice habits in order to improve your ball-striking and your game.

Originator of the DECADE system of golf course management, Scott Fawcett, brings his novel approach to course management to you. He discusses playing vs shot-making, emotion vs discipline in decision-making, pre-shot routines, and a good formula to making smart course management decisions while out on the golf course. Scott uses PGA TOUR references such as Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods to illustrate his argument and in so doing he galvanizes the correct and effective approach to course management.

Mark Immelman talks about The Masters (2017) and shares observations and insights that will help you to lower golf scores. He investigates the approaches adopted by Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and Jordan Spieth and delves into those to open up secrets to better scoring. Mark also shares golf tips from the great Bobby Jones that will help your game.

1995 PGA Championship champion, Steve Elkington brings his unique wisdom and knowledge to help you shoot lower scores. "Elk" talks about the backswing, swing feel and body action and what he learned through his career on the PGA TOUR. He also shares anecdotes from his time spent with 1956 Masters Champion, Jackie Burke Jr. Those stories also include lessons from Ben Hogan, Jimmy Demaret on shot shaping and impact.

Respected physical trainer, Joey Diovisalvi, helped revolutionize the methods of improving the golf swing by teaching players to work out and train specifically for golf. "Joey D" is a pioneer in the field of golf biomechanics and he has used his expertise and knowledge to help many players to longer and better careers. He joins the podcast to talk about correct use of ground-forces, swing sequencing, the correct pivot and golf swing width. He talks in-depth about these factors and shares exercises you can do to improve your body and your golf swing.

We have all been there. Your game just falls apart and you are left confused, bewildered and negative while out on the course. PGA TOUR Instructor, Jason Birnbaum, shares his thoughts on what to do to "plug the leak" and salvage a decent score. He talks about "cause and effect", he recommends good practice habits and gives opinion on worthwhile course management tools to make a good score despite not having your best game.

Timing and coordination of the moving parts in the golf swing is as important a swing fundamental as any. Dana Dahlquist is an expert in biomechanics and in kinematic sequencing and he brings his knowledge and expertise to help you to time your golf swing more effectively. Dana describes the effective movement of all of the moving elements in the golf swing. He talks about why you may "stand-up" (lift your head) and early extend with your body in the downswing and how you can rectify that flaw. Dana also digs into the correct athletic posture, effective weight and pressure shift and the proper body rotation through the golf swing.

Tom Stickney is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher and an internationally renowned expert in golf instruction. In this podcast he shares his "Five Fundamentals to Lowering Your Handicap". He also shares ideas to help you improve your golf course management. In talking about lowering your handicap, Tom delves into the elements of the correct body pivot and weight shift, the orbit of the clubhead around the body, the short game, lag putting and good shot selection. As a bonus, Tom also shares four ways to straighten a slice shot. Listen in to lower your handicap.

Sir Nick Faldo assembled one of the most glittering resumes in professional golf. Faldo's prolific list of achievements includes multiple victories world-wide and six Major Championships. In this podcast Sir Nick shares tips you can learn from his three Open Championship wins and three Masters wins. Tips include hitting a "Bump and Run" like he did at St. Andrews, or a "Long Iron" off a hanging lie like he pulled off at The Masters. Faldo also passes on tips on the golf swing, course management and he comments on golf swing work and how to succeed in competition.

In our tribute to the great Arnold Palmer his grandson, Sam Saunders, joins the podcast to share anecdotes from his time and experiences with "The King". Sam tells more about his grandfather's manner, his simple and easy approach to the game and his humility. Sam also shares lessons his grandfather taught him throughout his career. He talks about the fundamentals, the backswing and downswing, weight-shift, swing rhythm, shot-shaping and putting. Sam also shares personal stories about his time with the great Arnold Palmer.

John Novosel Jr. of "Tour Tempo" brings insights on swing tempo and timing. He talks about the ratio of backswing to downswing speeds and shares information on their research of all of the leading golfers and the swing tempo's and ratio's. John further talks about the "Tour Tempo" App and how to use it. He also plays the tempo tones for the long game (3:1) and the short game (2:1) for you to hear and digest. Finally, John describes some golf tips to help you to better golf swing tempo.

Dr. Bob Rotella is one of the foremost golf coaches in the game. Specializing in Sports Psychology, Dr. Bob is consistently recognized as the leading mind in his field. Rotella joins the podcast to share thoughts and insights to help you navigate the challenges of being mentally astute on the course and in competition. He speaks about nerves, routines, visualization, temper and the balance between trying too hard and not trying enough. Rotella also talks about various leading PGA TOUR professionals, what they do to excel mentally, and what you can learn of them.

Long-time guest of the podcast, Ryan Chaney, joins the show to break down the anatomy of an effective golf lesson. Ryan explains what you as the learner should expect and advises on how you can manage the lesson so that you best benefit from your investment. He also shares insights that teachers, golf instructors and sports coaches can use to make their lessons/sessions/seminars more successful.

Jon Sherman of practical-golf.com joins the podcast for a second time. He embellishes on a few tips from his book "101 Mistakes all Golfers Make (and how to fix them". Jon also talks about the value of grit and resiliency when it comes to hanging in there" to finish rounds; he talks about overcoming adversity and shares a number of golf tips guaranteed to lower your scores.

Adam Young is a well-respected and highly researched and talented young golf instructor. He has devised various unique and effective ways to practice in order to develop any golfer's golf game and he shares those approaches with you in this podcast. Adam then delves into the difference between Skill and Technique and he helps you to understand both in order to improve your practice and as a result your play. Adam shares research that supports his approach and he lists a few tips and drills that you can employ to improve your golf game.

The 2016 Quicken Loans National Champion, Billy Hurley, is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and a Lieutenant in the US Navy. Having been through Naval training and having served on Naval Missile Cruisers and Destroyers, Hurley has an acute sense of reality and perspective. He also has a unique approach to discipline, time management, emotional control and mental control - all intangibles, and more, which have a notable effect on a golfer and his/her play. Billy shares tools to help golfers navigate these aspects that have such a real influence on performance.

Brian Manzella, a Golf Digest (USA) Top 50 Teacher and a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher, adopts a unique blend of science and art in his golf instruction. In this podcast he talks about Homer Kelley and "The Golf Machine". Brian also references elements such as D-Plane and the correct understanding of clubface release to help you to better ball-striking. In his easy to understand delivery, Brian also shares lessons you can learn from long-time client and major champion, David Toms.

Mark Blackburn is one of the notable minds in the field of golf instruction. He teaches a stable of talented PGA TOUR professionals including Harris English and Kevin Chappell and he shares golf tips you can learn from their games. Blackburn is also an expert in biomechanics and the use of golf teaching technology such as the Boditrack Pressure Mat and the K-Vest. He explains them and shares ideas on how to use them effectively to improve your ball-striking.

Nick Starchuck (@QUADpaparazzo) is one of the rising talents in golf instruction. He has a thorough understanding of all of the information and data that a launch monitor provides and he makes sense of it all for you. In so doing Nick explains the "proper" Angle of Attack for your game, the best inclination of the clubface and path for you and how you can practice those to improve your ball-striking, directional control and power.

Former professional golfer and now leading caddy on the PGA TOUR, Jimmy Johnson, takes you inside the ropes with the game's top golfers. Jimmy shares insights and lessons you can learn from three of the leading golfers for whom he has worked - Nick Price (Hall of Fame), Steve Stricker, and Justin Thomas. He talks about course management, attitude, getting out of your "comfort zone" and shooting low. He also gives a few tips that will help yo improve from Tee to Green.

Three of the thought-leaders and leading minds in golf instruction to pay homage to the great John Jacobs. Martin Hall, David Leadbetter and Nick Bradley all share personal anecdotes of their meetings with John Jacobs and they also give tips to help your game. Mark Immelman also shares a few of John Jacobs' observations and lessons you can learn from the great golfers of all time

Get every question you ever had about the "Swing Plane" answered by Chris O'Connell, golf instructor from "The Plane Truth". An expert in swing plane and the correct application thereof, Chris talks at length about swing plane and it's influence on consistent ball-striking. He also talks about "D-Plane", Swing Path vs Plane and how top players use these elements to play better golf. Chris also shares tips that will help you to identify what style of swing would best suit you and then embellishes on a few drills that will help you achieve that end and improve you ball-striking.

Justin Thomas is one of the stars on the PGA TOUR and in the global game. He took time to chat with us about junior golf, college golf, turning pro, playing on the Web.com Tour and then making it to the PGA TOUR. He shares insight about competing, and the mind-set required to compete, be successful, and win. Justin also talks about his practice regimen to help you maximize your talent. He also shares golf tips, putting drills and of course he shares a tip to drive the ball with more power.

Todd Anderson is one of the leading golf instructors in the game, and on the PGA TOUR. Vastly experienced, Todd, brings you tried and tested ideas that will help you improve the quality and the efficiency of your golf swing. He talks, in depth, about different areas throughout the golf swing, describing those positions to help you get your golf swing on point. Anderson also talks about improving your scoring clubs, as he has done with Billy Horschel, and he shares tips and drills to that end.

One of golf's notable golf teachers and instructors, David Leadbetter, joins Mark Immelman to talk in depth about golf, golf instruction, golf teachers and how to improve your game. David also talks about some of the great champions he has coached like Nick Faldo, Nick Price, Seve Ballesteros and Lydia Ko. David shares some experiences from his long career as a teacher and coach and talks about how his approach to instruction has evolved and the "A-Swing".

Senior Writer for ESPN and ESPN The Magazine, Kevin van Valkenburg joins the podcast and brings insight as he shares his experience and research to forecast the upcoming year in golf. Kevin talks at length about Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. He also addresses other leading players in Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Dustin Johnson as he and Mark Immelman set up your 2017 year in golf.

The 2017 year in professional golf is off to a fast start in the equipment industry. A number of the game's leading players have made "off-season" equipment changes. PGATOUR.com Equipment Insider, Jonathan Wall, has the skinny on everything that went down and shares it in-depth with you. Jonathan discusses Tiger Woods' Bridgestone ball change, Rory McIlroy's change in his set of irons to Callaway, Jason Day's new apparel deal with Nike, and Dustin Johnson incredible display of power at the Taylor-Made New Product Launch.

Of course you have a New Year's Resolution. Maybe it is to get back into the good physical shape and lose a few lbs after the Festive Season. TPI Certified trainer, Chris Kendrick, joins the podcast to share ideas on eating cleaner, improving your flexibility and getting more limber and strong. Chris talks in-depth about the correct protein/carbohydrate ratio in your diet. He recommends ideas on good hydration. He also talks at length about stretching and good flexibility and then he issues you a strength challenge for the first quarter of 2017.

Curt Byrum, professional golfer and announcer for NBC and The Golf Channel, joins Mark Immelman to review the 2015/2016 season in golf. Curt talks about the Ryder Cup, The Olympics, Rory McIlroy's putting, Henrik Stenson's big win at The Open, Jordan Spieth's season, Dustin Johnson's consistently great performances, and "Breakout Players" like Beef Johnston. Curt also shares his insider take on Tiger Woods and the future.

2016 Metropolitan PGA Section Teacher of the Year and Golf Digest Top 100 Club-Fitter, Kirk Oguri, talks at length about golf club-fitting and how to get the best clubs for you in your hands. More specifically Kirk discusses golf club- lofts, lies, bounce and sole-widths, and shafts and how they influence golf shots. He also shares a tip to help you hit the golf ball more crisply.

Noted golf teacher and announcer for CBS Sports, Peter Kostis, brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to the podcast. He talks of work he has done with Mark Calcavecchia, Steve Elkington and Paul Casey and illustrates things you can learn from them. He also shares anecdotal lessons from Ben Hogan and other greats. Kostis further talks about golf DNA, understanding ball-flight, the difference between "Feel and Real" and developing control of the clubface. He also talks about how you can straighten out your hook or your slice shots.

Part 3 of our series of golf tips from some of the best teaching minds in the world includes tips on grip pressure, power off the tee, employing correct "speed producers" in the swing, and better greenside scoring. Karen Palacios-Jansen, Colin Swatton (coach/caddy to Jason Day), Denis Pugh, Nick Bradley and Martin Hall share their immense knowledge in an easy to understand and apply manner so that you can get the most out of your game.

Part 2 of our 3 part series of golf tips from leading golf teachers and coaches who have joined our podcast in 2016 includes a number of tips to "lower the number in the box on the bottom of your scorecard". Hear from Gary Gilchrist, Andrew Rice, Michael Breed, John Graham, Pat Goss and Mike Small as they address clubface control and accuracy control, gaining distance off the tee, green-reading, lag putting and course management... All in a effort to help you lower your golf scores

In the first of our three part podcast series, Mark Immelman shares nuggets from conversations with six of golf's best teaching minds. Hear from Ryan Chaney, Jon Sherman, John Tillery, Scott Hamilton, Tony Ruggiero and Jonathan Yarwood as they talk about approaches to instruction, swing plane, ways to lower scores, ideas on more effective practice and straightening out your SLICE shot.

Newly minted Hall of Famer, Davis Love III joins Mark Immelman to share insights from his years of experience in the game. He also elaborates on tips and drills that his father, noted golf teacher Davis Love Jr., shared with him as he came up as a young golfer. Love also talks about the Ryder Cup and the lessons he learned from that experience leading into the victory at Hazeltine in 2016. He also shares his feelings about his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Mark Immelman shares tips (in the form of soundbites) from World Golf Hall of Famers, Major Champions, PGA TOUR Winners and players that will help you to better understand what is required to play consistently good golf. Hear from Gary Player, Ernie Els, Billy Horschel, Charl Schwartzel, Notah Begay, Brooks Koepka, Geoff Ogilvy, Nick Price, Max Homa, Trevor Immelman and Will Wilcox. The "cornucopia of tips" includes tips for power off the tee, consistency with the irons, and success around the greens as well as insights on preparation and practice.

Allistair McCaw, originator of The McCaw Method, brings his immense coaching and teaching experience to the show as he shares his 10 tips for coaching kids effectively. These simple, easy to apply, tips are tried and tested and guaranteed to help you guide your children, or your clients to success in less time with fewer headaches. Incidentally, these tips can help you to apply yourself better during practice also. Result: your goals achieved quicker!

Renowned golf teacher, Martin Hall, brings his wisdom and prolific experience to the podcast as he talks about great golf teachers, different approaches to game improvement and how to improve by employing simple, tried and tested ideas handed down from the legends of the game. Martin makes understanding of the true principles of golf ball control easy to understand and he elaborates with analogies from champions from yesteryear and today. He also shares a few tips to help you improve your golf swing, your ball-striking and your short game.

Respected golf instructor, Gary Gilchrist, (Golf Digest Top 50 and Golf Magazine Top 100 Coach) joins the podcast to talk about golf teaching, Golf Academies and golf swing technique. He specifically speaks about "cause and effect" in the golf swing and shares a ideas on how to develop a "growth mindset" to build confidence. Gary also elaborates on how to build consistency in your golf game.

Bridgestone Golf pride themselves on the ability to fit all golfers to the golf ball that best suits their respective games. Consider these numbers: 7 out of 10 golfers use the wrong ball and 75% of golfers swing at speeds less than 105mph.. Futher Bridgestone Golf has measured over 2 million golf swings and performed over 300, 000 live golf ball fittings. In other words Adam Rehberg (Bridgestone Golf R&D and Golf Ball Marketing) is uniquely qualified to give sound advice on proper golf ball fitting. Adam shares advice on this element and also speaks about Bridgestone's other equipment offerings that may help improve your game.

Noted analyst and on-course roving announcer, Jerry Foltz, has watched and called all of the top golfers on the PGA TOUR and the LPGA Tour. He thus has great insight on what the great golfers of the world do and what they employ to become successful. In this podcast Jerry shares those "trade secrets" and insights. Hear Jerry's take on what you can learn from: Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Henrik Stenson, Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods. Jerry also analyses Lydia Ko, Lexi Thompson and Brooke Henderson, among others off the LPGA Tour.

Tommy Morrisey (five years old) has made a splash in the world's game over recent months. Tommy has overcome a congenital birth deficiency and plays golf at a very high level despite not having a completely developed right arm (which he calls "Nemo".) Hear from his father, Joe, as he shares anecdotes from Tommy's life in golf. Joe also describes lessons and golf tips that golfers and parents of golfers can learn from young Tommy.

World Golf Hall-of-Famer, Gary Player, joins the podcast to celebrate his birthday, talk about life, golf and his career in golf. The "Black Knight" shares anecdotes from his travels around the world, he talks physical fitness and health, and he shares his personal workout regimen. Mr. Player also talks about golfing legends such as Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and elaborates on things golfers can learn from those great champions. And of course, one of the greatest bunker players of all time shares a tip that will help you to success out of greenside bunkers.

Scott Hamilton brings a simple and easy explanation to help you understand the swing plane and how you can improve yours. He further explains how to use a video camera or a mobile device to video yourself correctly for the most accurate feedback. Scott then also shares tips and drills you can learn from a number of PGA TOUR players in his stable of clients.

Aimpoint Certified PGA TOUR Putting Instructor, John Graham, joins the podcast to talk about putting, effective green reading and the mechanics of an effective putting stroke. John also shares tips to improve your green-reading and drills to practice and improve your putting.

PGA TOUR and European Tour Golf Professionals use the "off-season" to get into better physical shape. Why don't you? TPI Certified Physical Trainer, Chris Kendrick, talks about the value of getting yourself in better physical shape over the "off-season". He elaborates on the general components that every work-out regimen should contain and he lists exercises that golfers of every physical skill level, from Beginner through Intermediate to Advanced, can do to get into better shape during the "off" months.