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

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John Ashton and Top 100 teacher Jeff Smith reflect on their post-Thanksgiving weekend, discussing the return to golf after the holiday festivities. They reminisce about the beloved "Skins Game," a televised match play golf competition that featured nine holes on Thursday and Friday, where players competed for substantial prize money while being themselves on camera. The hosts pay tribute to Fuzzy Zoeller, the legendary golfer who recently passed away, sharing memorable stories about his infectious humor and charismatic personality. They recall watching Zoeller play tournament golf with genuine enjoyment and spontaneity, including a charming anecdote about fishing at a North Carolina golf course, highlighting how Zoeller brought joy and levity to the game. The speakers reminisce about Fuzzy Zoeller's charismatic personality and his memorable golf course at Covered Bridge, where he hosted the Wolf Challenge tournament. They share anecdotes about Fuzzy's generous nature, including a story where he bought drinks for strangers at his course. The conversation highlights celebrity appearances at the Wolf Challenge, such as Alice Cooper, and a memorable encounter where the speakers transported Greg Norman in a jitney from Indianapolis to the event, during which they witnessed Norman's remarkable tolerance for American beer while remaining completely composed. John and Jeff, hosts of a golf podcast, discuss how Fuzzy Zoeller's comments were taken out of context by media when they were actually jokes that Tiger Woods understood and appreciated. The hosts reflect on their twelve-year podcast journey, which started as a way to make golf tax-deductible after John left radio. They humorously discuss how they've managed to turn their passion for golf into a sustainable venture, joking about potentially becoming "vintage" themselves soon and playfully ribbing each other about their setup differences and physical challenges that come with age. The speakers discuss the rise of back injuries among young professional golfers, using Justin Thomas's recent surgery as an example. They explore whether modern teaching methods, increased athleticism, or more violent swing techniques contribute to these injuries. A golf instructor notes that contemporary players generate swings with greater speed and force than previous generations, combined with higher playing frequency. The conversation raises questions about whether golf instruction bears responsibility for developing safer techniques, and whether the modern athletic approach to golf—where players condition themselves like NFL athletes—might actually be causing more harm through excessive stress on the body. The speakers discuss how modern golf has evolved dramatically, with equipment improvements and athlete development pushing players to achieve unprecedented distances, now exceeding 300 yards as standard. Jeff Smith and John Ashton explore whether the intense physical demands of contemporary golf are causing preventable injuries, comparing the sport to other athletic pursuits. They debate whether golfers are damaging their bodies by performing movements at speeds and frequencies their bodies aren't designed for, contrasting today's explosive athletes with smoother, more fluid swingers like Ernie Els and Fred Couples. The conversation highlights how professional golfers increasingly sacrifice their physical health for competitive success, a trend mirroring injury patterns seen in other sports. The speakers discuss whether the graceful, fluid swings of longer hitters like Payne Stewart and Phil Mickelson are safer than the aggressive, fast swings of younger players like Justin Thomas and Will Zalatoris. They speculate that faster swings may increase injury risk, particularly back injuries, and wonder if younger players are making calculated sacrifices, accepting potential long-term damage in exchange for short-term success and financial gain. The conversation explores how modern physical training at tour stops aims to build both strength and injury protection, with Rory McIlroy exemplifying this philosophy—athletes knowingly push their bodies to dangerous limits to compete at the highest level, accepting injury as an inevitable cost of dominance. The speakers discuss a situation where someone made a straightforward decision to prioritize their own wellbeing and longevity in their career. Rather than viewing this as an excuse, they recognize it as a practical and sensible choice. The speakers appreciate this person's unwillingness to sacrifice their own interests, viewing it as a mature and reasonable approach to protecting their professional future.

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(00:01) Improving Golf Swings With Proper Setup

This chapter focuses on the love and passion for golf and the complexities involved in improving one's game. We share a candid exchange about the Indiana Hoosiers and the changes in their sports programs, particularly the unexpected shift from a basketball powerhouse to a promising football team. Amidst the light-hearted sports banter, we address the challenges golfers face with their swings, emphasizing the importance of adapting to one's physical abilities rather than forcing movements that lead to discomfort and injury. By encouraging golfers to swing naturally without the pressure of hitting a ball, we highlight the benefits of finding a comfortable and effective stance to enhance their performance.

(13:08) Improving Golf Swing With Natural Grip

This chapter explores the transformative power of a simple grip adjustment in golf, illustrating how a minor change can significantly enhance a player's performance. We discuss the importance of aligning a golfer's grip with their natural arm hang position, allowing for increased swing speed and improved distance without compromising accuracy. Using the example of Intrepid producer Mark, we show how altering his grip enabled him to maintain straight shots while gaining more yardage. Additionally, we provide guidance on how golfers can self-actualize their correct grip by observing the natural orientation of their lead hand and adjusting their hold on the club accordingly. The conversation emphasizes the benefits of these small tweaks, making the game more enjoyable by enhancing performance and keeping competitive dynamics intact.

(27:43) Using Fun to Improve Golf Performance

This chapter is all about finding joy in the game of golf, even when it doesn't go as planned. We explore how experimenting with different techniques, like perfecting a punch shot from the trees, can transform a potentially frustrating situation into a fun and rewarding challenge. The conversation highlights the importance of trying new strategies instead of repeating ineffective ones, emphasizing that success is more enjoyable than failure. We also discuss the benefits of practice and how it can build confidence, making it easier to handle tricky situations on the course. Finally, we suggest separating practice time from leisure activities, like enjoying adult beverages, to enhance performance and enjoyment both on and off the golf course.

(33:39) Designing Golf Courses for Fun

This chapter is all about elevating your golf game by focusing on the quality of your shots rather than the quantity. I introduce Jeff's fun scale, a unique method for rating your golf shots from one to five, where the focus is on the strike rather than the flight of the ball. We explore how practicing with this mindset helps improve confidence by acknowledging the good shots and minimizing the impact of the less-than-perfect ones. We also discuss the psychology behind golf course design and how visual trickery can influence a golfer's perception of difficulty, ultimately affecting their game experience. The goal is to make golf more enjoyable and to encourage players to come back for more by creating memorable and successful finishes to their rounds.

(46:48) Relax and Improve Your Golf Swing

This chapter focuses on improving your golf game by simplifying your practice routine. We explore a straightforward method to boost your skills by recommending that you spend time swinging a club without a ball to loosen up and build confidence. By removing the intimidation factor of the ball, you can focus on maintaining a straight club face aimed at your target. Once you feel comfortable, practice hitting a tee instead of the ball to refine your technique. This approach aims to enhance your performance on the course, ensuring you have more fun and potentially hit the ball farther.

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(00:01) Indoor Golf Facilities and Game Improvement

This chapter explores the transition from outdoor to indoor golf as the colder months approach, highlighting the growing popularity and benefits of indoor golf facilities. We discuss the advanced technology available at these venues, such as launch monitors and simulators, which provide golfers with detailed feedback on their game, including club head speed and ball flight information. While some facilities offer a more entertainment-focused experience, others provide a hybrid of entertainment and performance enhancement, akin to venues like Topgolf. We emphasize the importance of certain metrics like club head speed in improving one's game, while also noting that not all available data is necessary for every golfer. The chapter highlights how these modern facilities cater to both casual players seeking fun and serious golfers aiming to maintain or improve their skills during the off-season.

(13:42) State-of-the-Art Indoor Golf Facilities

This chapter focuses on the pros and cons of indoor golf facilities, particularly in terms of practicing different aspects of the game like putting and hitting off mats. I explore the advancements in indoor golfing technology, including massive screens and realistic mats that replicate the feel of real grass, and how these can benefit practice sessions. We discuss the limitations, such as the difficulty in perfecting putting indoors, and how high costs reflect the quality of the equipment used. Additionally, we touch on the potential for such facilities in areas like Las Vegas and South Florida, and how they might attract more visitors. The chapter underscores the importance of investing in quality equipment for a realistic golfing experience, even when playing indoors.

(25:50) Visual Golf Training Tools and Techniques

This chapter focuses on the transformative power of simple tools in enhancing skills and understanding in golf. We discuss the potential of showcasing these tools in a video format, emphasizing how visual demonstrations can profoundly impact learning and skill improvement. Highlighting both high-tech and no-tech solutions, we explore how these tools can offer significant benefits, often surprising users with their effectiveness. A particular focus is placed on a magnetic pointer tool that attaches to a golf club face, helping golfers understand club face alignment. By providing a visual representation, this tool aids in improving aim and swing, ultimately enhancing overall performance and understanding of the game. Through seeing and understanding these simple yet effective tools, golfers can achieve greater satisfaction and improvement in their game.

(32:24) Improving Golf Skills Indoors

This chapter explores the benefits of practicing golf indoors, emphasizing the confidence and skill improvement that comes from visualizing and aligning your swing correctly. By using a launch monitor, you can get instant feedback without losing balls, making it easier to practice specific shots repeatedly. We highlight the advantages of using the same golf balls indoors that you would use on the course to maintain consistency in feel and flight. Indoor practice becomes especially valuable during seasons when outdoor play is less comfortable, providing an opportunity to continue improving your game and working towards breaking your personal goals.

(37:32) Indoor Golf Benefits and Fun

This chapter covers a range of topics, beginning with a light-hearted discussion about sports betting on FanDuel, particularly focusing on Indiana University's match against Penn State and the coaching changes affecting both teams. We then shift gears to talk about the world of golf, touching on the dismissal of Auburn University's coach, Hugh Freeze, due to his golfing habits, and exploring the advantages of playing golf indoors with modern technology. We highlight the affordability and convenience of virtual golf experiences, comparing them to the costly adventure of playing iconic courses like Pebble Beach. I share personal experiences from my travels to renowned golf courses, emphasizing the importance of embracing the full experience rather than skimping on such memorable journeys. Throughout the chapter, there's a playful nod to nostalgic pop culture references, adding a touch of humor to the conversation.

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(00:00) Customized Golf Instruction Based on Personality

This chapter focuses on the diverse approaches to learning and improving in golf, emphasizing how personalized methods can enhance a player's experience and performance. I share insights into teaching golf in California, highlighting the universal nature of learning the sport, regardless of location. We explore how different personalities, such as analytical thinkers like accountants and engineers, benefit from a structured approach that satisfies their need for logic and problem-solving. Meanwhile, more creative types, such as artists, thrive on feeling and visualization. By tailoring teaching methods to individual learning styles, I aim to help each golfer find the right balance between understanding the mechanics and experiencing the fluidity of the game.

(14:50) Improving Golf With Simple Techniques

This chapter focuses on simplifying golf techniques for recreational players, emphasizing the importance of understanding the fundamental actions required for effective swings rather than getting bogged down by complex instructions. I illustrate this by recounting experiences with players who learned to approach their swings more intuitively, leading to improved performance. A key highlight is a lesson on bunker shots, where I demonstrate multiple methods for hitting the ball out of the sand, emphasizing the significance of getting the club below the ball to create an explosion of sand that propels the ball upward. This approach shows that understanding the underlying principles can make the game feel more accessible and enjoyable.

(25:32) Simplifying Golf Techniques for Success

This chapter focuses on simplifying the mental approach to playing golf and emphasizes the importance of balance and comfort in achieving better performance on the course. We explore how overthinking technical aspects can hinder enjoyment and performance, highlighting the experience of a golfer who follows a rigid checklist for different shots. Instead, we stress the value of feeling stable, comfortable, and balanced, encouraging golfers to take practice swings and adjust setups rather than overanalyzing during the swing. We also discuss how slight tweaks in stance or ball position can significantly impact performance, as illustrated by a two-handicap player who improved his swing by simply aligning the ball correctly. Through these insights, we aim to help golfers maintain a simple, effective approach that enhances both enjoyment and skill.

(34:51) Immediate Results in Golf Instruction

This chapter focuses on the art of communication and adaptability, drawing parallels between painting styles like Michelangelo and Jackson Pollock to highlight the importance of tailoring communication to different individuals. We explore the significance of being a good listener and observer to provide clients with immediate results, especially in contexts like sports coaching, where clients seek quick improvements. I share a story about a golfer with arthritis who believed he was a long-term project but found immediate relief and improvement through simple adjustments in posture and stance. This underscores the importance of not self-diagnosing or assuming problems are unsolvable, emphasizing that while golf and other sports may be easy to understand, achieving a high level of performance requires nuanced, often immediate, solutions.

(43:21) Holiday Season Golf Gift Advice

This chapter reminds listeners to give Thanksgiving its due recognition before rushing into the Christmas season. We touch on the tradition of post-Halloween candy sales, with some of us stocking up enough sweets to last through Thanksgiving and beyond. As we transition from holiday chatter to golf, we offer crucial advice for holiday shopping for golfers: avoid buying clubs unless specific instructions have been given, and opt for a gift certificate instead, ensuring a perfect fit. We emphasize the simplicity of the game—just swing and aim to improve with each outing.

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(00:01) Improving Aim in Golf Swing

This chapter explores the importance of proper aiming in golf, inspired by a video from renowned golf teacher Kelly Stenzel. We address the common mistake of setting up to the ball before aiming and emphasize the correct order of aiming first, then setting up. We discuss how many golfers, like my regular playing partner, mistakenly think they are aligned correctly when they're not, leading to shots that miss their intended targets. The discussion highlights the need for golfers to recognize what good alignment looks like and the potential pitfalls of adjusting one's swing or grip unnecessarily due to poor alignment. By focusing on proper alignment and ball positioning, golfers can improve their accuracy and consistency on the course.

(11:44) Improving Alignment for Golf Success

This chapter explores the often-overlooked importance of proper alignment in golf. We discuss a real-life example of a student who believed he had a swing issue, but the real problem was his alignment and ball position. After addressing these factors, he consistently hit straight shots, showcasing how many golfers mistakenly focus on swing mechanics when alignment is the root cause of their problems. We emphasize the value of recognizing one's consistent swing patterns and how visual elements like trees can affect perception and performance on the course. The conversation highlights the common tendency among golfers to overcomplicate their technique, often influenced by instructional videos that don't address their specific issues, and the significant improvement that can be achieved by simplifying their approach and trusting their natural swing.

(23:18) Defining Golf

This chapter explores the multifaceted nature of golf and its classification as a sport, game, or athletic endeavor. We discuss the leisurely aspects of golf, emphasizing enjoyment and camaraderie, while acknowledging that many players seek improvement and competition, leading to a more serious approach involving fitness and practice routines. The conversation highlights the distinction between golf and traditional sports by noting the absence of direct human opposition in golf, with the course itself providing the challenge. We compare this to sports like football and baseball, where opponents actively try to thwart each other's success, reinforcing the unique nature of golf in the realm of athletic activities.

(28:43) Defining Golf as a Sport

This chapter explores the nuanced differences between sports and athletic endeavors. We discuss how activities like downhill skiing, water skiing, and triathlons require physical prowess but differ from sports like basketball, where there's a direct physical opposition from others. We also debate the nature of competition in sports, using examples like golf and the mental challenges faced by professional players such as Tiger Woods. Our conversation highlights how sports often involve mental and physical barriers, whether from opponents or the environment, and touches on the unique mental hurdles presented by spectators in golf. Finally, we invite listeners to explore our updated website, where they can access a treasure trove of past episodes, celebrating our 11-year journey and award-winning podcast legacy.

(42:46) The Fun and Challenge of Golf

This chapter focuses on the multifaceted nature of games, with a particular emphasis on golf as both a sport and a recreational activity. We explore the idea that games, including golf, are fundamentally meant for fun and socializing. There's a comparison to board games like Parcheesi and its modern counterpart, Sorry, illustrating the competitive and strategic elements that make games engaging. Golf, much like these games, offers enjoyment whether played for fun or competition. We discuss the satisfaction of improving one's skills and achieving scores closer to par, highlighting the joy and fulfillment that come from enhancing your game and reaching new personal milestones. Ultimately, this chapter underscores the importance of embracing the fun and challenge that golf provides, encouraging listeners to appreciate the game as a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

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