Those Weekend Golf Guys

Understand the three specs that matter most when buying wedges Learn how to build a wedge setup that fits your game and home course Discover simple drills to improve contact, spin, and distance control Know when to use high bounce vs. low bounce Stop guessing yardages and start scoring inside 100 yards Ball Position Tip Hold the club with your normal, relaxed grip and make a few small, natural swings back and forth — nothing forced, just brushing the grass. Notice where the club consistently strikes the ground. That spot is your true low point, and that’s where the ball should go. Wedge Fitting Tip If you’re going to get your wedges fitted, work with a brand‑agnostic fitter — someone who isn’t tied to a single manufacturer. That way, you’re choosing the wedge that fits your swing, not the one they’re obligated to sell. And make sure the fitting happens on real grass, not a mat. Mats hide fat shots, change bounce interaction, and give you a totally false sense of how the club performs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guests Jeff Smith – Top 100 instructor, Golf Digest James Hong – Renowned junior coach and teaching professional Topics Covered • Why indoor swings don’t always translate outdoors • The biggest mistakes golfers make when leaving the simulator • How to quickly recalibrate distance control on real grass • Adjusting to outdoor variables: wind, temperature, turf interaction, and uneven lies • The role of preshot routines in creating consistency • How routines help manage nerves, tempo, and decision‑making • Smart early‑season practice strategies • Managing expectations during your first few rounds of spring Key Takeaways • Indoor practice builds mechanics; outdoor golf demands adaptability. • Your first few rounds should be about reacclimating, not scoring. • Expect your distances to change — and give yourself time to re‑measure. • Turf interaction is the biggest shock when leaving mats behind. • A strong preshot routine is your anchor when conditions change. • Early‑season success comes from patience, tempo, and smart decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Golf Equipment and Club Fitting John and Jeff discussed golf equipment, particularly focusing on driver technology and club fitting. Jeff shared his experience testing new Titleist drivers and getting fitted for the right combination of head and shaft. They also talked about John's consideration of replacing his 5 and 6 iron with hybrids, with John noting that Callaway clubs felt right to him despite not having decided on the brand yet. The conversation touched on how sound affects feel when playing different clubs, and they briefly discussed the potential for replacing an entire club set rather than just individual clubs. USGA Rules Discussion Concerns Jeff discussed his concerns about USGA rules, particularly regarding penalties for balls landing in divots versus penalty areas. He expressed frustration that players who hit straight drives into divots face more penalties than those hitting sideways shots into penalty areas, and suggested a simpler approach where players could simply place their ball a few inches out of divots rather than going through complex relief procedures. While Jeff noted there is ongoing discussion about these rules among officials, he mentioned that USGA representatives are not currently engaging with him on this topic. Hybrid Golf Clubs Market Discussion Jeff and John discussed the increasing popularity of hybrid clubs among golfers of all skill levels, including professional players like Scott Monroe. Jeff highlighted the advantages of modern hybrids, including wider sole plates and increased mass that help with ball launch and forgiveness. They also referenced past marketing strategies for golf equipment, comparing current hybrid offerings to previous infomercial products that promised easy improvement for golfers. Golf Club Discussion and Recommendations Jeff and John discussed golf clubs, with Jeff recommending John consider buying a complete new set rather than just replacing specific clubs. Jeff shared insights about golf enthusiasts who frequently upgrade their clubs, comparing it to a "golf nut crazy person" behavior similar to car or boat enthusiasts. The conversation concluded with plans to have Scott Munro return to their show next week to discuss golf equipment further. Golf Equipment and Fitting Discussion Jeff and John discussed golf equipment and fitting, particularly focusing on hybrids. They planned to bring in a club fitter for an upcoming episode to discuss fitting in detail. The conversation covered how customization in golf, including stance width and club fitting, can improve performance. They emphasized the importance of getting properly fitted rather than buying off the rack, and promised more equipment and technique discussions in future episodes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You do it all. You stand behind your ball and get a bead on your target. Without taking your eyes from the target you place the club head behind the ball square to the target. Then you move your body into position and swing and the ball goes left of the target. You were aiming your body left but didn’t realize it. After this episode you will learn how to recognize where your body is aimed. Is the club head square to the target? For many of us that is another element of aiming that we have a problem doing. Here’s an easy way to make sure the club head is square to your target line behind the ball. Side hill lies are a problem? Yes! For most of us. When Johhny Miller was announcing on TV that we were looking at “hook” or “slice” lies because the balls were above or below the players feet, he was doing a great disservice to golfers because that just isn’t true. Jeff explains why and how to handle any side hill lie shot perfectly. This season you will eliminate 3 putts if you follow Jeff’s advice on green reading. Don’t rely on your eyes, use your feet to determine the slope of the green between you and the cup. Also, Jeff shares a fool proof technique to get the speed of your first putt on each hole to stop close to the cup. Another great technique packed episode of Those Weekend Golf Guys, presented by FanDuel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Todd Graves is a Golf Instructor who has studied Moe Norman's Single Plane Swing" in detail. He understands not only why it works so well for so many golfers (including himself), but also how to teach others how to use it. He can teach even those of us who have been playng many years using the swing that may not have served us very well. Todd Graves is our guest this episode of Those Weekend Golf Guys and will describe the Single Plane Swing and how to use it in great detail Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When getting ready for the new golf season there are lots of things to do. Organize your golf bag. Clean it out from last season. Make sure you have a place for everything; tee's, balls,range finder, etc. Clean your clubs. At least start with good grooves! Clean your grips. Clean them or replace them if they have lost their tackiness. Test the balls. Take a new ball and one you;ve had in the bag for a while and hold them chest high then drop them. If the older one bounces as high as the new one, keep it in the bag. We also talk about how to make sure you've alotted time in your life for golf that doesn't conflict with family's needs. How to use famiky time to practice whike having fun with the family and a whole lot more great suggestions to make this the best Golf season of your life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Not only do the guys talk about strategy on the course, but they also discuss some of the times when strategy is important. For example, if your normal distance would land the ball where there are lots of divots in the fairway, Scott suggests you maybe lay up short of there and hit a longer iron into the green. Jeff, of course, rales against the stupid rule that you cannot repair a divpt or drop your ball if you land in one Adopt course-management habit of choosing shot locations that produce an easier next shot (e.g., aim for a position where the following shot is makeable and downhill/upright preference) and reinforce this with on-course practice Confirm hole yardage before playing a hole in an event (e.g., check current yardage for 16th prior to playing Pro Am) so club selection and strategy are accurate Practice and develop consistent club-face control and repeatable short-game touches at a nearby practice area to improve ability to place approach shots and chips where desired Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pro golfers have a 50% make percentage from 8 feet. For you and I it's more like 5 feet. Can you get a wedge shot from just off the green to 5 feet of the pin for a 50% chance at a 1 putt? You will afer listening to this episode. Find the best techniques to learn what your wedges can do for you and how to manipulate them correctly Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(00:01) Choosing the Right Golf Ball This chapter takes us through the exciting time of year for sports fans, highlighting the upcoming March Madness, the Masters, the Kentucky Derby, and the Indy 500. We discuss the role of BetOnline as a resource for sports enthusiasts who want to engage in betting during this busy sports season. Additionally, we explore a listener's question about choosing the right golf ball, emphasizing the importance of selecting a ball based on short game performance rather than solely on driver speed. We touch on how golfers' equipment choices, including golf balls, evolve as they become more serious about the game. By considering the needs of the short game, we offer insights into finding the best golf ball to enhance overall performance on the course. (12:38) Choosing the Right Golf Ball Features This chapter focuses on the complexities of choosing the right golf ball based on a player's skill level and playing habits. We explore the variability introduced by human golfers compared to standardized testing methods like those conducted by the USGA. The discussion highlights how factors such as swing consistency and clubface control can affect performance and the economic considerations of purchasing higher-end golf balls. We advise that players who struggle with accuracy and lose balls frequently might benefit from choosing more affordable options, whereas more skilled golfers can justify investing in premium balls for better performance, especially around the greens. Ultimately, the context of each player's abilities and goals should guide their choice in golf equipment. (25:39) Choosing the Right Golf Club This chapter focuses on the importance of getting fitted for golf clubs by knowledgeable professionals rather than making impulsive purchases based on appearances or advertisements. We discuss how newer clubs, designed with advanced materials and engineering, can significantly improve a player's performance, especially for those with slower swing speeds or aging players. We emphasize the importance of updating equipment to match current capabilities and highlight real-life examples of golfers who have benefited from this approach. Additionally, we share insights into how subtle habits, like leaning on a club or hitting the ground during practice swings, can affect equipment integrity and performance. This episode underscores the value of proper equipment fitting and maintenance in enhancing one's golf game. (36:20) The Importance of Golf Equipment This chapter explores the common misconceptions surrounding the use of golf gloves and the importance of maintaining equipment in good condition. We humorously discuss how golfers often misuse gloves, either by using them when they are worn out or dirty, which diminishes their effectiveness in enhancing grip. The conversation shifts to when equipment truly begins to matter for a golfer's performance, particularly emphasizing the impact of having the right driver. We highlight that while average players might not see drastic improvements with better equipment, those shooting under 90 can benefit significantly from well-fitted clubs. The chapter concludes with advice on selecting equipment, urging players to test and get fitted for drivers rather than being swayed by appearances or advertisements, as having the right driver can greatly influence both practical play and psychological confidence on the course. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Smith returns from the PGA Merchandise Show with two new tools that can immediately help your putting. He reviews the “Genius Ball,” a smart golf ball with an internal chip that delivers detailed putting data, and an innovative octagonal‑sided grip designed to make finding the correct hand position easier and more consistent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(00:01) Golf Instruction and Filtering Information This chapter features a discussion on the overwhelming amount of information available online, particularly in the realm of golf. I, John Ashton, am joined by Jeff Smith, a top 100 golf teacher, as we explore the challenges faced by golfers in navigating the plethora of advice and tips available. We emphasize the importance of filtering this information effectively, suggesting that if advice doesn't consider fundamental aspects like grip, stance, or posture, it might not be useful. We also highlight the need for personalized guidance rather than one-size-fits-all solutions, cautioning against following advice that doesn't align with your unique setup and swing mechanics. (12:16) Customizing Golf Grips for Success This chapter explores the simplicity and effectiveness of customizing a golf grip based on an individual's natural arm hang. By instructing players to let their arms hang naturally and marking where their knuckles align on an imaginary club, I demonstrate how to establish a grip that feels comfortable and intuitive. The method is straightforward: aligning the mark with the top of the shaft, positioning the thumb correctly, and ensuring the club face remains square during the swing. This personalized approach allows golfers to find their unique grip without overcomplicating the process, leading to more accurate shots and faster improvement. The chapter emphasizes the importance of letting the body's natural mechanics guide the grip to enhance performance and enjoyment of the game. (18:51) Simplifying Golf Swing Mechanics This chapter explores the simplicity and natural feel of hitting a golf ball effectively. We discuss how many recreational golfers tend to overcomplicate their swing, making the process seem more difficult than it needs to be. By emphasizing the importance of a natural arm hang and grip, we reveal that the key to a successful swing is minimizing manipulation. This realization often surprises golfers, as they find that an uncomplicated approach leads to straighter and higher shots with greater ease. The conversation highlights the mental shift needed to achieve this, noting how overthinking can disrupt a golfer's natural ability. We also humorously acknowledge how golfers, despite being generally intelligent, can forget basic principles when they step onto the course. The goal is to help golfers understand that achieving a smooth, fluid swing is about maintaining simplicity and letting the body work naturally. (23:16) Grip Variation in Golf Swing This chapter tackles the complexities of golf grip techniques and emphasizes the importance of finding a grip that works for each individual golfer rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. We discuss the misconception that all professional golfers use the same grip, sharing insights from a study of 25 pros, which revealed significant variations in their grip styles. The conversation underscores that a grip suitable for one pro might not work for another due to differences in their physical attributes and swing objectives. We also highlight the risks of relying too heavily on generalized advice from books or online sources without considering personal suitability. Through a recent golf school experience, I stress the importance of understanding one's unique swing mechanics and maintaining focus on consistent practices that yield positive results, rather than constantly seeking new information. The goal is to encourage golfers to recognize what works for them and caution against the confusion that can arise from information overload. (34:33) Optimizing Stance and Balance for Speed This chapter focuses on the often overlooked fundamentals of improving a golf swing, emphasizing balance and setup over the swing mechanics themselves. We explore how starting positions, stance width, and foot flare can significantly enhance a golfer's ability to swing faster and maintain balance. By allowing golfers to find their personal "red line" or speed limit through experimentation, they can unleash their full potential without sacrificing stability. The conversation also draws parallels to baseball pitching, highlighting the importance of proper foot placement and pressure for generating power. Ultimately, we underscore that mastering these basics can make the game simpler and improve scoring, especially when dealing with uneven lies on the golf course. (42:28) Mastering Timing and Performance in Golf This chapter focuses on the importance of timing and confidence in golf, especially when making contact with the ball. We explore how nerves can lead to poor contact and how missed opportunities to communicate or act can affect performance. I share a story about a nervous new golfer who missed a swing, and demonstrate how to maintain composure and "sell" a miss as a practice swing. By keeping a calm demeanor and not letting mistakes affect you, you can regain your confidence and im

(00:01) Aging Golfers and Hybrids This chapter explores the unique challenges and adjustments that come with playing golf as we age. We highlight the irony that as we have more time to enjoy golf, our physical capabilities often diminish, leading to the need for different strategies and equipment choices. The discussion includes adapting to the realities of aging, such as reduced clubhead speed and the benefits of incorporating more hybrids into our golf bags. We also share anecdotes and insights on how many golfers overestimate their current abilities based on past performances, which can lead to on-course frustration. The goal is to embrace these changes and continue to enjoy the game, potentially even striving to shoot our age in the future. (12:28) Techniques for Penetrating Bunker Shots This chapter explores the transformative journey of four elderly women learning to play golf more effectively. Initially, they struggled with common techniques that weren't suitable for their physical abilities, resulting in a lack of control and unsuccessful shots. We discuss how adjusting their grip and stance, specifically by hinging their wrists and standing the club vertically, helped them gain better control and achieve greater clubhead speed. By positioning the ball at the bottom of their divot and making a regular swing, they could easily navigate the sand and clear obstacles, ultimately improving their game. This approach underscores the importance of adapting techniques to individual needs, especially when physical strength is a limiting factor. (21:17) Improving Golf Swing for Seniors This chapter explores the nuances of grip pressure and balance in golf, especially for older players seeking to maintain or increase their swing speed. We discuss the common misconception that slowing down can lead to better control, emphasizing instead the importance of maintaining balance and grip control to generate more efficient power. Highlighting the challenges of translating force into relatable terms, we examine how changes in stance, grip, and posture can aid in achieving a faster and more balanced swing. The focus is on finding the right grip pressure that allows for control without sacrificing mobility, enabling seniors to optimize their swing for better distance and ball speed. (34:20) Improving Golf Swing Without Tech This chapter explores adjustments to make in your golf game as you age, focusing primarily on increasing swing speed without relying on high-tech equipment. We discuss using an alignment stick to identify the loudest point in your swing, indicating where the club is moving fastest, and how shifting that point can lead to speed gains. Techniques like turning your chest toward the target and enhancing wrist action are highlighted. While we recognize the value of launch monitors, we also acknowledge that not all instructors use them due to their cost. We suggest a simple, cost-effective training tool involving a rope and a Nerf ball to help improve swing speed, emphasizing that these low-tech solutions can be surprisingly effective in enhancing your game. (44:04) Golf Course Length Strategy for Seniors This chapter explores how to determine the appropriate course length by multiplying the distance you hit with a five iron by 36, offering a practical approach to tailor your game. We also share our excitement for the upcoming 52 weeks of shows, encouraging listeners to tune in regularly or catch up on past episodes at thoseweekendgolfguys.com. Reflecting on our journey over the past 11 years, we express gratitude for the audience's support and provide a reminder to follow Jeff's advice for improving your golf experience, particularly as you age. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John's New Years resolution is to break 80 on a consistent basis in 2026. In this episode, presented by Fanduel, America's number one sports book, 2 of Golf Magazine's Top100 Teachers give tips and techniques on how to easily accomplish that. Both Jeff Smith and Scott Monroe join the podcast for some in depth advice on how to break 80. Jeff and Scott both talk about the importance of getting the basics right: i.e. primarily your grip. The wrong grip for your swing and body type can cause hooks and slices, Ball position is another basic that must be right in order to shoot a lower score consistently. And then there is the basic ability to aim your body correctly to the target. Jeff talks about the importance of getting the aim right BEFORE worrying about the ball position. And finally, a tool you can use to make sure you know when the club face is exactly perpendicular to the target. Share the expertise of 2 of America's best golf instructors this week on Those Weekend Golf Guys Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

00:00 Introduction and Show Opening 00:18 FanDuel and Betting on Golf 00:59 Improving Your Golf Game in the New Year 02:47 Debate on Golf Equipment and USGA Rules 12:14 Upside App Advertisement 13:07 Introduction of Guest James Hong 13:57 Practical Golf Tips and Strategies 14:34 Breaking 90: Tips and Advice 23:18 Understanding Reasonable Expectations in Golf 24:32 Indoor Practice Techniques for Winter 27:14 Effective Drills for Indoor Golf Improvement 31:37 The Benefits of Using Ping Pong Balls for Practice 36:34 Phil Mickelson's New Coffee Supplement 42:10 Putting Drills to Improve Your Game 45:13 Final Tips for Breaking Your Golf Number Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:30 IU Football Excitement 02:23 National Championship Hopes 03:50 Heisman Trophy Talk 05:28 Notre Dame Controversy 07:48 Christmas Golf Gifts 08:34 Golf Lessons as Gifts 18:13 Golf Merchandise Tips 23:39 Wrapping Up Golf Gifts 24:00 Foreclosure Protection Services Ad 25:08 More Christmas Gift Ideas for Golfers 26:38 Golf Accessories and Comfort Items 31:45 Golf Attire and Apparel 37:30 The Importance of Getting Fitted for Clubs 42:29 Wedge Instruction and Tips 47:09 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.