Son of a Butch with Claude Harmon

Claude catches up with his longtime friend Bob Philion, the man who helped build Puma Golf from the ground up. They talk about his rise to leading Puma North America, how athletes and influencers shape modern sports marketing, and what’s next for one of golf’s most forward-thinking executives.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claude welcomes instructor Matt Gallant to the podcast for a conversation about the fine line between good and great players. Matt shares lessons from his own journey as both a competitor and coach — from facing Brandt Snedeker in high school to now teaching at The Floridian. They discuss the mental edge that separates elite golfers, why pros constantly tweak their swings, and the importance of balancing technical knowledge with on-course instincts. Plus, Matt and Claude reflect on the shared challenge — and joy — of a game that’s never easy to master. ______ This podcast is brought to you by PLATFORM Golf — the first-of-its-kind technology transforming off-course golf.   Ever feel like practicing indoors never truly prepares you for real course conditions? PLATFORM Golf solves that. Their TrueSlope platform brings uneven lies and breaking putts indoors, fully integrated with most golf simulators.   It’s not just realistic — it’s immersive. From sidehill lies to sloping greens, PLATFORM creates an experience that feels like you’re actually on the course. Whether you’re a weekend player or a tour-level pro, this is the future of off-course golf.   Learn more at platformgolf.com and discover why I, along with many of the world’s top PGA teaching professionals, trust PLATFORM Golf to elevate teaching, training, and performance.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claude welcomes Ben Giunta, owner of The Tour Van, to discuss his career, his experience fitting pros on both the PGA Tour and LIV, and how he applies that expertise to help amateur golfers find the perfect equipment for their game. ______ This podcast is brought to you by PLATFORM Golf — the first-of-its-kind technology transforming off-course golf.   Ever feel like practicing indoors never truly prepares you for real course conditions? PLATFORM Golf solves that. Their TrueSlope platform brings uneven lies and breaking putts indoors, fully integrated with most golf simulators.   It’s not just realistic — it’s immersive. From sidehill lies to sloping greens, PLATFORM creates an experience that feels like you’re actually on the course. Whether you’re a weekend player or a tour-level pro, this is the future of off-course golf.   Learn more at platformgolf.com and discover why I, along with many of the world’s top PGA teaching professionals, trust PLATFORM Golf to elevate teaching, training, and performance.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claude welcomes pro golfer Brett Rumford to the podcast to reflect on his playing career and his recent transition into coaching. They dive into the strategies Rummy uses to help his clients sharpen their short game and master the bunker. ____   This episode of Son of a Butch is brought to you by PLATFORM Golf — the world-class solution bringing uneven lies to off-course golf.   Whether you’re hitting indoors on a simulator or training from an in-to-out bay, PLATFORM Golf lets you practice like you’re out on the course — with sidehill, uphill, and downhill lies adjusting right beneath your feet.   It’s the first-of-its-kind solution giving players and coaches the ability to replicate real-world conditions, in or out of the studio. You don’t need to be on the 10th fairway to learn how to handle an awkward stance or sloping green — now you can train for it inside the studio. Trusted by me and top PGA teaching professionals, PLATFORM Golf is changing how golf is practiced.    Visit platformgolf.com to learn more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claude and Ryan Crysler explore surprising ways you can sharpen your golf game just by paying closer attention to the pros.  ______ This podcast is presented to you by PLATFORM Golf. PLATFORM Golf is on a mission to transform golf by closing the experience gap between off-course and on-course play – allowing players to make real putts on a tilting green and hit approach shots from uneven lies.   As a coach, one of the biggest challenges has always been the disconnect between practice and on-course performance. Teaching on a flat surface limits the ability to simulate real-world conditions.   PLATFORM Golf’s moving platforms bridge that gap in both putting and full-swing training—giving players the opportunity to train the way they play enabling me to coach with greater precision in a truly realistic environment.   Learn more at platformgolf.com.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Co-Founders Thomas Hackett and Rory Flanagan join Claude to discuss how PLATFORM Golf is reshaping the training and performance landscape by addressing the experience gap in simulator golf. In partnership with many OEMs, University programs, and PGA Pros, their technology is delivering an off-course solution that allows golfers to take full swing shots and sink real putts directly into a simulator experience.  ______ This podcast is brought to you by PLATFORM Golf — the first-of-its-kind technology transforming off-course golf.   Ever feel like practicing indoors never truly prepares you for real course conditions? PLATFORM Golf solves that. Their TrueSlope platform brings uneven lies and breaking putts indoors, fully integrated with most golf simulators.   It’s not just realistic — it’s immersive. From sidehill lies to sloping greens, PLATFORM creates an experience that feels like you’re actually on the course. Whether you’re a weekend player or a tour-level pro, this is the future of off-course golf.   Learn more at platformgolf.com and discover why I, along with many of the world’s top PGA teaching professionals, trust PLATFORM Golf to elevate teaching, training, and performance.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary instructor Butch Harmon joins the pod to break down Tommy Fleetwood’s thrilling victory at the Tour Championship. Butch shares exclusive insights into Fleetwood’s preparation, mindset, and the key moments that led to his long-awaited PGA Tour win. He and Claude also dive into this year’s Ryder Cup picks, offering their takes on the selections and what to expect. Lastly, as Butch celebrates his 82nd birthday this week, the duo reflects on his remarkable career and lasting impact on the game. ____   This podcast is presented to you by PLATFORM Golf. PLATFORM Golf is on a mission to transform golf by closing the experience gap between off-course and on-course play – allowing players to make real putts on a tilting green and hit approach shots from uneven lies.   As a coach, one of the biggest challenges has always been the disconnect between practice and on-course performance. Teaching on a flat surface limits the ability to simulate real-world conditions.   PLATFORM Golf’s moving platforms bridge that gap in both putting and full-swing training—giving players the opportunity to train the way they play enabling me to coach with greater precision in a truly realistic environment.   Learn more at platformgolf.com.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claude dives into the importance of speed when putting and lays out a drill he does with DJ to ensure you're working on that element of your game. ______   This podcast is brought to you by PLATFORM Golf — the first-of-its-kind technology transforming off-course golf.   Ever feel like practicing indoors never truly prepares you for real course conditions? PLATFORM Golf solves that. Their TrueSlope platform brings uneven lies and breaking putts indoors, fully integrated with most golf simulators.   It’s not just realistic — it’s immersive. From sidehill lies to sloping greens, PLATFORM creates an experience that feels like you’re actually on the course. Whether you’re a weekend player or a tour-level pro, this is the future of off-course golf.   Learn more at platformgolf.com and discover why I, along with many of the world’s top PGA teaching professionals, trust PLATFORM Golf to elevate teaching, training, and performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claude shares how a lesson from The Open Championship with Dustin Johnson transformed his approach to practice. He contrasts traditional block practice with more effective random practice, emphasizing the importance of real problem-solving. Personal anecdotes illustrate how using different clubs enhances skills and adaptability on the course. The discussion highlights creativity in practice—essential for improving the short game and achieving consistent performance.

Claude welcomes back Senior Instructor and Coach Ryan Crysler for a deep dive into how everyday golfers can stay competitive, even when their swing isn’t cooperating. They explore practical strategies like having game plans A, B, and C, using tactical pauses, and relying on “auto-pars” to keep scores on track when technique falters.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.