Golf IQ

JWall and Uncle Gene dive into the latest golf gear trends and testing practices. They put Amazon's new golf ball to the test, revealing it falls short in distance compared to top competitors. The discussion also includes insights on driver performance and how aesthetics play a role in gear adoption. Uncle Gene shares his exciting experience with Mr. Beast, adding a fun twist to the episode. Overall, the Amazon ball may suit budget-conscious players, though it compromises on performance for serious golfers.

Drew Powell, Associate Editor at Golf Digest and the mind behind their Mythbusters series, dives into gripping down on clubs. He discusses its effects on distance, accuracy, and trajectory, contrasting robot testing with human variability. Fascinatingly, gripping down an inch improves control but going two inches worsens dispersion due to altered dynamics. Drew also explores which clubs benefit most and offers alternatives like swing adjustments. His key advice? Grip down about an inch for the best results in your game.

Frankie Borrelli, a Barstool Sports personality and content creator, dives into his competitive experiences in the Internet Invitational. He shares how nerves manifest physically and the pressures of performing in front of an audience. Frankie reflects on the counterproductive nature of fighting nerves and discusses techniques from sports psychologist Dr. Brett McCabe. He reveals how embracing failure and utilizing a 'fuck it' mindset can liberate golfers, leading to better performance and growth. It's an insightful exploration of managing pressure on the course.

In this discussion, Will Irwin, a scratch golfer and Golf Digest's social media editor, shares his insights on dealing with snap hooks, a common driver issue. He breaks down different types of hooks and why they can devastate your game. Will recounts his own experiences with sudden hooks, exploring practical fixes like adjusting tee height and stance. They suggest drills to combat hooks while maintaining a positive mindset, emphasizing how mental approach can influence performance. This chat is a goldmine for golfers struggling with their drives!

JWall and Uncle Gene dive into the latest fall gear releases, featuring exciting new drivers and putters. They explore how weather influences local golf conditions and share insights into robotic testing and data collection. The duo highlights the shifting trends in the industry, including varying design paths among manufacturers. Discussions on how tour visibility impacts consumer perceptions and equipment adoption lead to a vibrant debate on the influence of internet personalities versus traditional tour players.

Will Irwin, Golf Digest Social Media Editor and scratch golfer, opens up about the mental challenges all golfers face. He shares compelling insights on how past mistakes can create 'scar tissue' that influences future shots. Irwin provides three actionable strategies to combat negative thoughts: stepping away to reset, acknowledging fears, and focusing on specific targets instead of broad outcomes. By adjusting expectations and easing into games, players can improve their mental game and enjoy golf more.

In this engaging discussion, guest Will Irwin, Golf Digest's social media editor and scratch golfer, shares his top five anti-steep drills to enhance your swing. He explains the Thumbs-Up Drill for preserving lag and the Figure-of-Eight Drill to help prevent over-the-top slices. Will reveals the Wall-Drag Drill to teach proper hand positioning on the downswing and offers insights on the Choke-Down Drill to avoid early extension. Plus, discover the Right-Hand-Softness Drill to achieve a shallower release, all emphasizing the importance of consistent practice and commitment.

Chris Marchini, Director of Golf Performance and Innovation at Dick's Sporting Goods, joins the hosts for a deep dive into essential gear components often overlooked by golfers. They explore how the loft sleeve, wedge grinds, and club sizes can instantly enhance performance. Chris also tackles common myths surrounding shafts and discusses the balance between data and player feel during fittings. Lastly, he reveals insights on when to replace irons and the concept of tipping a shaft, making this conversation a treasure trove for golf enthusiasts.

Baden Schaff, co-founder of Skillest and expert in digital golf coaching, shares his insights on leveraging remote lessons for golfers. He discusses how Skillest connects students with coaches while emphasizing the benefits of small, frequent lessons for lasting improvement. Baden explains the value of experimenting independently and staying connected with coaches through ongoing messaging. He also offers tips on finding the right coach and highlights the emergence of proactive coaches who provide free content to engage students early in their journey.

Drew Powell, a seasoned golf coach and writer, shares his insights into the mindset of scratch golfers. He discusses how small changes in thinking make a big difference, like adjusting strategies instead of hating on difficult holes. Powell emphasizes the importance of measuring distances precisely and estimating wind effects in yards for better decision-making. The duo also highlights the ongoing nature of improvement and the need to adopt specific practices, focusing on intent during long putts, which ultimately sets successful golfers apart from amateurs.