Those Weekend Golf Guys – Details, episodes & analysis

(00:00) Weekend Golf Show Banter and Tips

This chapter takes us back to a previous summer episode, where we chat about the sweltering conditions in Arizona and the difference a dry heat makes compared to the humid South. We reminisce about an impressive golf experience at Calusa Pines in Florida, known for its rare elevation changes reminiscent of Pinehurst, despite Florida's typically flat terrain. We also touch on the challenges posed by the tricky Donald Ross-designed greens, like those at Pinehurst and French Lick, emphasizing how their undulating surfaces test even the best players. Highlighting Ava Bunker's recent performance at Pinehurst during the North South Junior, we explore how these notorious greens can make or break a golfer's day.

(12:24) Wind and Putting Techniques

This chapter explores how wind can significantly impact a golfer's putt, especially on greens with varying speeds. Starting with the basics, we examine how wind affects putts on municipal course greens rolling at a nine on the stimp meter, requiring about a two-club wind to make a difference. On faster greens rolling at a ten or more, a one-club wind is sufficient. After conducting a power school class where participants improved their ball speed and distance, we transition to understanding wind's influence on putting. Through practical demonstrations using aim point techniques, we illustrate how a two-club wind can negate the natural break of a downhill putt. By rolling balls down a ramp, we observe how gusts of wind can alter the ball's trajectory, emphasizing the need to judge wind conditions carefully. The discussion highlights the nuanced relationship between wind, ball speed, and putting strategies, particularly on downhill versus uphill putts.

(24:21) Improving Golf Swing for Wind Resistance

This chapter explores techniques for improving golf swings, particularly focusing on achieving a square clubface to reduce spin and enhance ball speed. We discuss how many golfers inadvertently create glancing blows due to improper form, resulting in increased spin and less control, especially in windy conditions. A practical drill using a carwash sponge is introduced, where the sound produced upon impact provides immediate feedback on the squareness of the clubface. The exercise can be enhanced by wetting the sponge or wrapping it in a towel for added resistance, helping golfers feel the power needed for a direct hit. While the drill is primarily designed for drivers due to their flat face, alternative methods for practicing with irons are also suggested. The emphasis is on experiencing the feel of a direct, powerful impact, which can significantly improve distance and accuracy.

(31:51) Wind Resistance Golf Techniques

This chapter focuses on the challenges golfers face when dealing with wind on the course and the importance of striking the ball solidly to overcome these obstacles. We compare learning the basics in class to facing real-world complexities, highlighting how a solid shot is crucial regardless of weather conditions. There's a discussion on common misconceptions about altering techniques, such as moving the ball forward to combat wind, and how such adjustments often lead to poor contact and weak shots. We emphasize the necessity for amateur golfers to master hitting the center of the clubface before attempting advanced strategies like using the wind to their advantage. We share humorous anecdotes about playing with partners who overestimate their skills and provide practical advice on simplifying their approach to improve consistency and reduce ball loss.

(43:17) Putting Techniques for Windy Conditions

This chapter focuses on a unique putting technique that initially drew skepticism but ultimately gained popularity among a group of golfers. I share my experience of how this unconventional method, which involves putting to the fringe rather than directly to the hole, made sense after explaining the reasoning behind it. As more people adopted this approach, it became a staple practice within the group. Additionally, we highlight the importance of consistently listening to the advice shared on the show, especially when it comes to improving skills like playing in the wind.

(00:01) Weekend Golf Guys

This chapter explores the lighthearted banter and golfing wisdom shared between John Ashton and Jeff Smith. As the winter thaw begins, we touch on the humorous differences in climate between snow-laden Indiana and sunny Southern California. Jeff recounts a playful exchange with a director of golf about the unexpected presence of clouds in California, highlighting his signature sarcastic humor. Shifting gears, we address the often confusing advice given on how tightly to grip a golf club, critiquing vague analogies like holding a bird or a tube of toothpaste. Jeff shares a practical experiment he conducted with a squeezy ball to illustrate how grip strength is subjective and varies from person to person. Through this exercise, we emphasize the need for individualized understanding of grip strength to improve one's golf game.

(12:08) Improved Grip Pressure for Better Control

This chapter focuses on the importance of grip control in improving a golfer's game. We emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding the right grip pressure, but achieving the right grip is crucial for consistent performance. I share an exercise where golfers use only their left hand to test their control during a backswing, often revealing a lack of grip stability. By adjusting the placement of the club in the hand, particularly at the base of the pinky finger, golfers experience better control and power. This newfound control not only enhances ball striking but also boosts confidence, leading to improved overall performance. Through this simple adjustment, golfers feel a stronger connection with the club, making it an extension of their arm, without altering their grip orientation in a way that feels uncomfortable.

(23:54) Right Hand Force in Golf

This chapter explores the transformative process of improving golf skills, starting with the short game to build confidence and control. We begin by focusing on the importance of making solid contact with the ball and understanding the mechanics behind it. By addressing common issues like scuffing and sculling, we help players achieve immediate success and comfort around the greens. As they progress, they gain control over longer shots, seeing straighter and cleaner ball flights. The discussion highlights the significance of using both hands effectively, particularly the often-overlooked role of the right hand, in enhancing performance. Through practical exercises and common-sense comparisons to other sports, we demonstrate the importance of applying pressure to the backside of the shaft for better control and power. The goal is to shift the mindset from simply turning the body to engaging the hands actively, leading to more accurate and powerful swings.

(34:40) Generating Power Through Firm Foundations

This chapter explores the essential role of stability and a solid base in generating power during athletic movements. We examine how athletes, from golfers to baseball and tennis players, leverage a firm connection to the ground to maximize force and efficiency. By using examples such as the stance of a pitcher or the balance of a tennis player, we illustrate how coiling against a stable base enhances performance. A key takeaway is the transformation seen in a golfer's swing when proper stance adjustments are made, resulting in a significant increase in driving distance. This insight underscores the importance of efficient energy use and the potential for improvement by refining one's foundational technique.

(43:43) Weekend Golf Game With Those Guys

This chapter focuses on the concept of "powerful effort" versus "effortless power" in the context of improving your golf game. We emphasize the importance of understanding the distinction between making a strong effort and harnessing natural, effortless power to enhance performance on the course. By exploring this idea, we provide listeners with insights and strategies to refine their skills. We encourage listeners to revisit past episodes for further entertainment and valuable information, reminding them of the wealth of content available to help improve their game. We also invite questions and interaction with Jeff for personalized advice, reinforcing the interactive and supportive community we strive to create. Join us weekly and make us a part of your journey to becoming a better golfer.

(00:01) Golf Talk and Thanksgiving Banter

This chapter brings together the unique perspectives of golf enthusiasts as we kick off with an entertaining look at the vibrant atmosphere of Palm Springs, humorously dubbed "La La Land." We share insights on the remarkable talent of Caitlin Clark, noting her prowess not only in basketball but also on the golf course, where she's making waves by playing alongside legends like Annika Sorenstam. The conversation takes a playful turn as we speculate about Caitlin potentially outplaying Tom Brady in golf, a notion that's both amusing and intriguing. We also touch on football dynamics, mentioning recent changes in NFL teams, and humorously comment on the rivalry between the Giants and the Jets. As we approach Thanksgiving, we acknowledge the seasonal slowdown in golf activities while anticipating the joys of the holiday season.

(14:24) Effective Teaching Strategies and Adaptation

This chapter focuses on the dynamic process of teaching and how to effectively guide instructors to adapt their methods based on individual student needs. We explore the importance of sharing successful strategies among teachers and obtaining feedback to understand what works and why certain methods may not be as effective for everyone. Emphasizing the need for adaptability, we discuss how different teaching techniques can resonate with various students, especially in group settings, and the significance of personalized instruction. Additionally, we highlight the importance of recognizing when a teaching approach is not working and making necessary adjustments, as illustrated through a personal anecdote involving a student's breakthrough moment. Overall, we stress the value of flexibility and communication in teaching to ensure that each student receives the most effective guidance.

(24:26) Effective Communication in Teaching Golf

This chapter focuses on the challenges and nuances of conveying golf instruction effectively through digital platforms. We explore the difficulties faced by coaches when providing generalized tips online, acknowledging that not all advice is suitable for every player. We discuss how golfers often misinterpret information found in videos or magazines, leading to confusion or even detrimental effects on their game. Highlighting the importance of personalized coaching, we emphasize that face-to-face interactions remain invaluable for truly understanding a player's needs and abilities. The discussion also touches on how high handicappers might misidentify themselves as "better players" when engaging with advanced tips, underlining the need for careful judgment and guidance from coaches. Through shared experiences, we stress the importance of tailoring instruction to each individual and staying focused on their unique requirements.

(37:16) Fixing Your Golf Slice

This chapter unpacks the complexities of fixing a golf slice, highlighting the multitude of factors that must be considered, such as start line, curve size, launch angle, and the specific part of the club impacting the ball. We discuss how a generic two-minute solution often fails to address the individual nuances each golfer faces. The conversation emphasizes the importance of identifying the ball flight that causes the most frustration, such as a pull hook, and working to eliminate that specific issue to improve overall performance. By focusing on alleviating the most dreaded shot, golfers can achieve mental clarity and play more comfortably, even if their practice time is limited. We also share personal anecdotes to illustrate the emotional connection golfers have with their game and how targeted solutions can lead to more satisfying experiences on the course.

Get Up And Down every time! As daunting as it is, those two shots from off the green for par (hopefully for par) are knee knockers. But if you follow Jeff Smith’s instructions this week, you should be getting that ship close enough for an easy par putt. It’s not as hard as you might think to get up and down if you listen to Jeff Snith’s chipping and putting instructions. Also, if you have a business with 5 employees or more we have our new client, Jonathan Pittard from refundsasap.com explain how you can get up to $26,000 cash back from the government if you stayed open during the pandemic. Another great episode this week on Those weekend Golf Guys: The Second Best Golf Show In The World.

The answer to your putting woes may be the grip of your club! Yup, the flat part may not be best  laying at a 90 degree angle from your putter face. Your arms hand differently from person to person. It could be that your arm’s natural hang is incompatible with your grip position. This means that you may never be able to aim the putter right until you change the orientation of your putter grip. Jeff Smith and our guest instructor, Sara Stone discuss this and other techniques that are revolutionizing the golf instruction field and may just ne the secret to you actually getting better after all these years.

Your Golf Game is a MESS! MESS, the Mental, the Emotional, the Social, and the Spirit side of golf. Brooke Watts from Round Rock Texas joins us on this weeks program and talks about how “MESS’d” Up your golf game can get from many outside sources. So often, if you are off mentally (maybe there’s a work thing going on that’s messing up your thinking) or you’re emotionally challenges these problems manifest themselves as performance problems. Maybe a glitch in your swing or you aren’t turning completely, or some other element of performance is affected. But it isn’t a performance issue! In order to fix the performance, we need to identify the cause which could be any of the elements of the MESS!

Your Golf Game is a MESS! MESS, the Mental, the Emotional, the Social, and the Spirit side of golf. Brooke Watts from Round Rock Texas joins us on this weeks program and talks about how “MESS’d” Up your golf game can get from many outside sources. So often, if you are off mentally (maybe there’s a work thing going on that’s messing up your thinking) or you’re emotionally challenges these problems manifest themselves as performance problems. Maybe a glitch in your swing or you aren’t turning completely, or some other element of performance is affected. But it isn’t a performance issue! In order to fix the performance, we need to identify the cause which could be any of the elements of the MESS!

Strange as it may be John and Jeff actually agree with the new rules that take effect on January 1, 2023. They all seem to make sense but really only come into play in some serious competition. And speaking of serious competition, a very serious competitor, Ava Bunker joins us in studio. She is one of Jeff’s students and won the Junior World this past summer and a bunch of other tournaments plus the Indiana High School Girls Championship. We talk about routine, preparation, and practice with a champion. Another opportunity for you to get a lot better this week on the World’s Second Best Golf Show, Those Weekend Golf Guys

WE got a message through the Instagram account (john.thegolfguy) from a listener, Craig Burden. He had just listened to the “If You Think, You Stink” episode. The message from Craig was “…it changed my life!” He had listened to Jeff Smith counsel us to stop over thinking everything, develop a repeatable pre-shot routine and stick to it. Well, Craig took the advice to heart and on this week’s episode he tells us how it helped. A listener with measurable results from just one episode! Craig Burden is our guest this week on the second-best golf show in the world, Those Weekend Golf Guys

This week another great episode of Those Weekend Golf Guys, the Second Best Golf Show in the world! Joining John Ashton and Jeff Smith is Kellie Stenzel, another of Golf Magazine’s Top 100 teachers. If you listen you will hear so many wonderful tips and tricks that will help you shoot a lower score as soon as your next round. Jeff and Kellie discuss some techniques for a much better short game; some ideas about using wedges that can revolutionize your short game. http://www.kelliestenzelgolf.com/”>Kellie Stenzel, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher and PGA Master Professional  joins the guys this week for another great episode of Those Weekend Golf Guys.