Golf Smarter Mulligans

PGA Instructor Mike Austin drove over 500 yards in his 60s! Jaacob Bowden lowered his handicap from 14-scratch with Austin's method, now he's teaching it. Originally, this was Members Only episode #336, published in JUNE 2012, so it’s the first time it’s being shared publicly for free!

242: Aubrey McCormick a contestant on Golf Channel’s Big Break Atlantis joins us to discuss what it took to get on the show for a third time, the level of anxiety that is part of the competition, and why she chose to play Dixon Golf balls on the show. Golf Channel's Big Break was a reality competition show that ran from 2003-2015. This conversation was originally published on May 25, 2012 as Golf Smarter episode #335

241: Mike Pedersen trained to compete for the Olympics Decathlon and is now focused on golf swing biomechanics, hitting the ball more efficiently, longer drives, and pain free golf. We get into detail on how to properly rotate your hands through impact. Originally, this was Members Only episode #334, published in May 2012, so it’s the first time it’s being shared publicly for free!

240: Have you ever noticed the direction of your divot? Are you getting a divot? You may not be a pro, but you can strike like one and be amazed at the results. Martin Chuck returns to update us on Tour Striker, talk about hitting down on the ball and answer a listener's question. This conversation was originally published on May 15, 2012 as Golf Smarter episode #333

239: This week we continue our conversation with Dr. Joseph Parent, author of the celebrated Zen Golf. Our conversation focuses on short game and anger management. For more visit http://zengolf.com . Originally, this was Members Only episode #332, published in May 2012, so it’s the first time it’s being shared publicly for free!

Dr. Joseph Parent, author of Zen Golf returns to discuss the book's P.A.R. approach and celebrate his incredibly popular mental game book's 10th anniversary. Dr. Joe is a regular on GOLF SMARTER because of his advice and insights on how to be a better golfer by getting out of your own way. Originally episode 331 from Golf Smarter published May 1, 2012.

This week we feature an hourlong in-depth Part 2 conversation with PGA Teacher of the Year, Jim Hardy. His simple +/- checklist outlined in his new book, Solid Contact, helps all players self-diagnose and correct the swings and misses. This was originally a Members Only episode, published in April 2012. This is the first time it's been shared publicly for free. Find Jim's four books, including the one we discuss in this episode "Solid Contact" on Amazon .

Legendary PGA Teacher of the Year Jim Hardy, father of the 1-plane, 2-plane concept discusses his impressive list of PGA, Nationwide, and Champions Tour students. This is #1 of 2 episodes. His book Solid Contact is available on Amazon .

Course Architect Jeffrey Brauer talks about contributing factors that influence the design of a golf course, including theme, landscapes, owner/developers needs and player strategy. The NFL themed golf course, Cowboys Golf Club in Dallas is featured. Originally episode 327 from Golf Smarter published April 3, 2012

In part 2 of our conversation with Wall Street Journal golf columnist John Paul Newport, we go into depth about his Feb 26, 2012 weekend article “Golf’s Biggest Delusions - Nine things people say about the game that aren’t true -- and one that is.” This was originally a Members Only episode that has never been shared publicly for free.

John Paul Newport, weekly golf columnist for the Wall Street Journal discusses reporting on the four majors each year. Also he shares his feelings about various players he's interviewed including Tiger, Phil, Rory and others. This is part 1 of 2 originally published in March 2012.

Tripp Davis returns for part 2 on golf course design enhancing golf IQ. Tripp says, “... it’s really become more about power. The game is about scoring. It’s not about how you hit the ball, it’s about how quickly you get the ball into the hole..” This was originally a Members Only episode, published in February 2012. This is the first time it's been shared publically for free.

Golf Course Architect Tripp Davis talks about some of his unique projects, the state of course architecture, and how the PGA Tour has affected the demands on new course construction. Part 2: How understanding course design can lower your scores.

Jeff RItter returns to discuss what you as a golf student need to understand where you are now, where you’re trying to go, why you’re trying to go there, and then decide if you are doing the right amount, not enough or too much to reach your goals. Originally published on February 28, 2012 as a Members Only episode, so this is really valuable information that is being released to the public for the first time.

Jeff Ritter, named Golf Digest Best Young Teacher in America, has been promoted to National Director of Instruction at the Nike Golf Schools and Junior Camps. In Part 1 of this 2 part conversation, Jeff talks about how to advance a Junior Golfer’s game, self esteem, and overall approach to a full life at these camps. But if you are more in need to improve your own game, Jeff has teamed up with his college buddy, and inventor/instructor of the Tour Striker Golf Academy, Martin Chuck. These programs are designed for players of all levels, ages, and also include a Ladies' specific program. Jeff returns next week for part2, to address how most players need to take ownership of their game before they can improve. These episodes were originally published in Feb 2012.

Jim Waldron is concerned that he’s being too technical when he discusses the physics of ball flight, club face angle, body rotation, and other details that are raging in the teaching community. He also let’s Fred know that most students are more concerned with consistency than accuracy. Originally published on February 14, 2012 as a Members Only episode, so this is really valuable information that is being released to the public for the first time.

Jim Waldron of Balance Point Golf Schools returns to warn us that if your set up is not right, then your ball striking is doomed. He shares a story of one of his students who was absolutely convinced that he had a thorough knowledge of ball striking based on watching YouTube videos, but Jim immediately noticed that he was aiming 30 degrees to the right of the target. In the past, Jim has discussed the mind/body connection and mental game, but he wanted us to make sure that he's actually deeply committed to teaching mechanics too. This is part 1 of a two part conversation with Jim. He returns next week for a Members Only episode. Originally published in February 2012.

Chris Fry returns to provide us with off-season drills to keep our swings sharp and our putting distance toned. He also has great advice on how to avoid Back 9 blowups. All while I try to finish the interview without completely losing my voice, sorry. This was originally published as a Members Only episode in January 2012 and has never been shared to the general public.

PGA Instructor Chris Fry goes into depth about various pitch shots around the green, the ratio of air:ground that you should calculate before your shot and how visualizing the shot before committing to the shot increases your chances for success. We also discuss what it is about Dixon Golf’s eco-friendly golf balls that appeal to his game and how a golfer can select a ball that will compliment theirs. Originally published as episode 317 of Golf Smarter on January 24, 2012

We ponder, we pontificate, yet we can be at a loss when others ask us. Why DO we golf? Author Paul Staley has self published the answer in his book “Why We Golf”. In this Members Only episode, Paul and host Fred Greene break down chapters in his book to see if there really is an answer. Does it really matter? Not as long as we love to play! Originally published on January 17, 2012 as a Members Only episode, so it’s the first time it’s been released to the public.