The Sweet Spot - Golf Podcast

Renowned author Tom Coyne, known for his insightful golf literature, joins in to share his journey from a 15 handicap to a potential pro. He reveals the challenges of his year-long experiment detailed in Paper Tiger, including intense training, mental struggles during qualifiers, and insights into talent versus hard work. Coyne also discusses his latest work, Quiet, Please, reflecting on the beauty of golf through essays and photography, and emphasizes the importance of tangible books in our digital age.

Gene Parente, owner of Golf Laboratories and a pioneer in robotics-driven golf testing, joins the hosts to dispel myths about driver performance. He shares eye-opening insights on wet vs dry conditions, revealing how rain can increase spin and dispersion. The discussion emphasizes optimizing swing parameters over sheer speed, illustrating how a 95 mph swing can outperform a 105 mph swing with proper technique. Gene also explores the forgiving nature of mini-drivers compared to three-woods, and the fascinating dynamics of gear effects on shot accuracy.

Prepare for laughs as the hosts dive into the wild antics of a tournament playing partner who disrupted the game in style. Find out how one host dealt with being 'swing shamed' on social media and the realities of swing aesthetics versus performance. Learn about the psychology of distractions on the course and how to maintain focus. Plus, discover the fine line between acceptable behavior and chaos among golfers. It's a humorous yet insightful discussion about the quirks of golfing life!

Discover the surprising moments when you shouldn't hit a driver, like tight doglegs or risk-laden fairways. Learn to weigh distance gains against potential penalties and how pre-round homework can improve your strategy. For beginners, the basics of grip, stance, and posture are covered, plus common mistakes that can lead to chaos at impact. Adam shares insights on the Big Three skills—face control, strike location, and ground contact—that separate good golfers from the rest. Fun meets strategy in this insightful discussion!

Explore the overwhelming world of golf advice and learn how to effectively filter it. Discover why swing tips from amateurs often miss the mark and how pro insights can be misleading. The hosts discuss the pitfalls of online content and the dangers of absorbing conflicting advice. They also emphasize the importance of understanding the root causes of your swing issues. Tune in for practical recommendations on simplifying tips and evaluating coaches to enhance your game!

PGA Tour winner Mackenzie Hughes shares insights about his challenging 2025 season and the swing changes he’s implementing with coaches Chris Como and Scott Hamilton. He reveals how these adjustments are reshaping his game, from improving confidence to mastering the pressure of tournament play. Mackenzie also discusses the balance between competitive drive and family life, emphasizing the importance of focusing on process goals beyond just results. His journey embodies the struggles and triumphs of a professional golfer navigating identity and performance.

Jon and Adam dive into arc depth, the often-misunderstood element of a golf swing that can drastically affect shot quality. They share drills to help golfers train this vertical aspect for better contact. A fascinating discussion with Sir Nick Faldo reveals the importance of preparation under pressure and finding a reliable go-to shot. The hosts also tackle the impact of launch monitors on learning, debating whether tech enhances or hinders a golfer's natural instincts. Discover how small adjustments can lead to big improvements on the course!

The hosts discuss a recent tournament outburst that highlights the connections between anger, perfectionism, and self-worth in golf. They explore how different expressions of frustration can affect performance, particularly in challenging conditions. The conversation delves into the concept of ego and the unrealistic expectations players often set for themselves. Emphasizing the importance of understanding shot errors and using stoic philosophy for mental resets, they provide practical strategies to manage anger and enhance enjoyment on the course.

Learn how to master distance control with your irons to improve your scoring. Discover why most golfers miss short, and examine strategies used by pros to aim pin-high. Explore the impact of swing speed and how tempo changes your ball flight. Get tips on testing different shot methods, and find out how equipment adjustments can help solve distance issues. Plus, understand why practice ranges can sometimes mislead your confidence on the course.

In this engaging discussion, performance coach Karl Morris, co-author of The Lost Art of Golf, dives into the mindset trap of the 'I’ll be happy when…' illusion. He reveals how chasing scores often leads to dissatisfaction and suggests reframing golf as a series of puzzles for better focus. Karl introduces the 'red dot' technique as a pre-shot visual cue and emphasizes the importance of finding individualized attention strategies. His insights offer golfers a fresh perspective on achieving fulfillment and improving performance.