Gary Christian was one of the oldest rookies in PGA Tour history. He joins the show to share his inspiring story of how he fulfilled his dreams of making it to the highest level of professional golf after a long series of setbacks on developmental tours. This is one of the most emotional stories we've ever shared on the Sweet Spot; you won't want to miss this one!Thank you to our show sponsors Hack Motion, Bal.On and The Indoor Golf ShopWe are giving away three HackMotion wrist sensors this month, the ultimate training aid trusted by golfers worldwide.Enter the giveaway now, winners will be picked January 24th: https://hackmotion.com/sweetspot•In the world of golf today, speed is the name of the game. Young elite golfers are already hitting farther than today’s top players. If you want to compete, you have to start with your foundation. You have to own the ground. That’s where BAL.ON comes in.BAL.ON’s smart wearable device slips seamlessly into your golf shoe to measure magnitude and distribution throughout your swing. Understanding this information leads to greater ball speed and lower scores.See the unseen with BAL.ON’s industry-leading, award-winning technology and connected app to unlock your fastest, most powerful swing. It’s the missing tool to supplement the holistic development of today’s golfer. For more information on BAL.ON, please visit www.bal-on.golf.•As we head into the fall season, you'll want to check out The Indoor Golf Shop for your at-home golfing needs. I've been trusting them for years and recommend them to anyone who wants to improve their home setup. They have all the top launch monitor brands, like SkyTrak, Uneekor, Foresight, and Trackman, and options that will fit any budget. Right now, they are running some huge sales on some of these names.Whether you want to build your dream simulator set up by yourself or have their team custom build something for you as they did in my house, they can help you make the right decision. To learn more, visit their website - shopindoorgolf.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover whether golfers really need in-depth knowledge about their swings to improve. Personal anecdotes reveal the vital role of club fitting and swing mechanics. Learn about the impact of hydration and mindset on performance. Delve into the psychological factors influencing a perfect swing, as experts advocate for maintaining a balance between technique and instinct. Plus, insights on optimizing equipment, like adjusting lie angles for iron clubs, will enhance your confidence on the course.

Discover how to enhance your golf game by cultivating positive habits both on and off the course. Explore the role of strategic decision-making, the benefits of walking while playing, and the importance of warm-up routines. Learn about the impact of mindfulness and gratitude on performance, alongside innovative tools like the Bal.on device for improving swings. Plus, get insight into goal-setting for better accountability and celebrating your successes, all while maintaining sun safety practices. It’s all about making the game more enjoyable!

In this insightful discussion, Paul Wood, VP of Engineering at Ping Golf and an expert in golf club design, shares his extensive knowledge on wedge play. They explore PING's innovative research involving over 4,000 shots, revealing how swing dynamics and angle of attack influence performance. Paul explains the significance of ground contact patterns and the impact of tailored wedge fitting for improved accuracy. Listener's will discover how technology shapes successful golf techniques and the importance of understanding one's own swing mechanics.

Winter is the perfect time for golfers to refine their skills! Discover innovative practices like impact training to improve ball striking. Experiment with swing tempo using metronomes to boost efficiency. Learn how longer driver shafts can enhance distance while maintaining control. Personal experiments challenge traditional techniques, emphasizing the importance of functional impact over aesthetics. Plus, unlock your distances and enhance your wedge technique with smart practice strategies for a successful golf season ahead!

Discover the significance of speed in modern golf, with young players surpassing seasoned pros. Delve into the benefits of on-course playing lessons compared to traditional techniques. Hear personal reflections on golfing challenges and the impact of aging as the hosts share their year-end game evaluations. Explore strategies for improving swing speed, putting accuracy, and overcoming psychological hurdles. Gain insights into the role of data in enhancing performance, alongside light-hearted tales of friendship and shared golfing experiences.

Will Knauth, a standout college golfer and Byron Nelson Award winner, now combines his passion for golf with data as a PhD candidate in statistics. He shares insights on making effective swing changes and the unique pressures of PGA Tour events. Knauth discusses the role of launch monitors and algorithmic coaching for performance improvement. He also dives into strategies for managing nerves during tournaments and the importance of understanding course dynamics for better decision-making on the green.

Gene Parente, founder of Golf Laboratories, brings decades of expertise in robot testing and golf equipment analysis. He shares fascinating insights about the history of golf technology, influenced by aerospace materials after the Cold War. Discover how different tee heights affect driver performance and the differences between persimmon and modern drivers. He also debunks myths about blade versus cavity back irons, explores swing speed impacts on club performance, and discusses his work with Bryson DeChambeau at high swing speeds.

Practicing golf without feedback is like playing darts blindfolded. The hosts dive into how technology, like launch monitors and innovative tools, can enhance practice efficiency. They discuss the vital impact of ball striking location on flight and performance. Ground contact techniques, like using foot spray, are highlighted for better ball striking. The conversation covers the importance of shaft lean in shot control and how personalized feedback can transform a golfer's game. Engaging with feedback is essential for every golfer's improvement.

Dive into the world of golf mechanics with a focus on shallowing the club for improved swing performance. The hosts unravel how this technique impacts golfers of all levels while sharing personal experiences. Transitioning to the first tee, they tackle the common jitters and offer mental strategies to maintain focus and calmness. Learn how rational thinking can alleviate pressure during tournaments and make the game more enjoyable. Plus, discover insights on advanced training tools that enhance swing analysis.