Golf IQ What to do when you just can't get past a milestone
Jan 19, 2026
Nick Chertock, a key player behind Open Forum, shares insights into breaking through golf milestones. He discusses common challenges faced by intermediate golfers, such as compensations that hinder progress. Nick emphasizes the importance of finding root causes with a coach to tackle long-term issues. He also explores advanced strategies, from effective grip pressure to early weight transfer, ensuring golfers maximize their performance. This enlightening conversation provides practical advice for those stuck at critical junctures in their game.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Golden Handcuffs Of Small Fixes
- Small compensations that let you improve from beginner to mediocre become "golden handcuffs" that prevent higher-level progress.
- Nick Chertock argues these paired fixes make golfers resist change because removing one can initially make them worse.
Humble, Chaotic Origins Of Open Forum
- Nick recounts the chaotic first Open Forum in a bar with no AV and a couple hundred people showing up.
- The event succeeded by keeping a lively mix of debate and party atmosphere and became annual.
Compensations Mask Alignment Problems
- Compensations like an open clubface paired with a strong grip become stable solutions that mask root alignment problems.
- Luke Kerr‑Dineen and Nick note amateurs chase aesthetic fixes rather than the underlying cause.