

GolfWell Podcast
Cordie Walker - Formerly Golf Science Lab
Most golfers stay stuck doing the same things. We’re here to change that.
Cordie Walker talks with the best coaches, players, and researchers in the game to figure out what actually helps you improve. Then we break it down into simple, practical ideas you can use right away.
No jargon. No fluff. Just real conversations, smarter strategies, and tools that move your game forward.
If you love the process of getting better and want to train with purpose, this show is for you.
Cordie Walker talks with the best coaches, players, and researchers in the game to figure out what actually helps you improve. Then we break it down into simple, practical ideas you can use right away.
No jargon. No fluff. Just real conversations, smarter strategies, and tools that move your game forward.
If you love the process of getting better and want to train with purpose, this show is for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2025 • 39min
Coach Will Answers Critics: Does the Scoring Method Really Work?
Want to lower your golf scores without rebuilding your swing? Coach Will explains the Scoring Method-how smarter decisions, better course management, and simple drills can help golfers of all levels break 80, avoid big numbers, and finally play consistent golf.From breaking 80 without obsessing over swing changes to avoiding costly triple bogeys with smarter course management, this episode dives into the real purpose behind the system.We tackle the biggest criticisms head-on:-Is the Scoring Method only for beginners or high handicaps?-How can you “keep it in play” if you slice everything?-What’s more important: swing mechanics or scoring IQ?-Why bogey avoidance matters more than birdie hunting.-Practical drills: wedges at 25/50/75/100 yards, go-to clubs, and dispersion mapping.Whether you’re a 25-handicap or a single-digit player, you’ll learn how better decisions—not just better swings-can transform your game.📌 Topics include: course strategy, short game benchmarks, practice purpose, real player stories, and insights from coaches like Scott Fawcett and Mark Broadie.If you want to lower scores, reduce frustration, and finally understand what “scoring” really means in golf, this episode is for you.📩 Want more instruction like this every Thursday? Join the free Golfwell Weekly: https://golfwell.co

Sep 9, 2025 • 38min
Are You Gripping Your Golf Club Wrong?
How tight should you hold the golf club? Is it really a “3 out of 10” like you’ve always heard… or is there more to the story?In this episode, we break down brand-new research on grip pressure with insights from Liam Mucklow, who has studied golfers of every skill level using pressure-sensor grips. From Tour pros to slicers and high-handicappers, we’ll show you what really happens with the hands at setup, transition, and impact - and why most golfers get it wrong.You’ll see why:-Tour pros grip firmer than you think (and why their “3/10” isn’t yours)-High-handicappers often grip too lightly and lose control of the club-Hooks and slices both come from hand pressure patterns gone wrong-Grip strength and even grip size can change your swing speed and contactThis is practical, research-backed info you can use the next time you tee it up.📩 Want more instruction like this every Thursday? Join the free Golfwell Weekly: https://golfwell.co

17 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 35min
How to Practice So Your Range Swing Survives Tournament PRESSURE
Ever wonder why your perfect range swing falls apart the second you tee off in a tournament? 🏌️♂️ This video reveals the real reason - and how to fix it starting today. I sit down with performance coach Dr. Luke Benoit @rypgolf to uncover exactly why your golf swing changes under pressure - and how to finally take your practice swing to the course.Learn more about Ryp and the Ryp Ignite program here - https://rypgolf.com/pages/ryp-igniteWe break down:-The real reason your swing collapses in competition-The 3 training stages (Workshop, Lab, Arena) that build consistency-How to use pressure practice drills to bulletproof your swing-Mental strategies to stop overthinking and trust your game-Drills that simulate tournament pressure so your swing holds up when it matters mostWhether you’re chasing a club championship, playing in your first amateur event, or just trying to beat your buddies, these tips will help you swing with confidence when the stakes are high.⛳ Watch now and learn how to:-Fix your golf swing under pressure-Build a consistent swing that transfers from range to tournament-Use mental game strategies for better scoring

Jul 16, 2025 • 44min
What Pros Do (and You Shouldn’t) Before a Golf Trip
It’s Open Championship week — and we’re talking all things prep, practice, and the gear moves players make when it matters most.Nico Darras is back for a wide-ranging conversation on how pros get ready for majors, the difference between sticking with your stock shot or adapting to links golf, why some players tinker with gear (and why most of us shouldn’t), and the weird things wind does to your short game in Scotland.We also dive into amateur golf trip prep — how to actually practice before your buddies' trip, why “golf shape” is real, and the unspoken rules around bags, headcovers, merch, and yes… staff bags.If you’re into golf, gear, tour talk, or just love a good rant about golf trip etiquette — this one’s for you.🎧 Follow for more conversations on golf practice, tour insights, and playing your best. Podcast & newsletter powered by GolfWell.

10 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 54min
I Asked a Golf Scientist How to Get Faster… Here’s What He Said
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Alex Ehlert, a sports scientist at PGA Frisco, delves into the world of golf speed training. He uncovers how to boost your swing speed and break through performance plateaus using biomechanics and physical conditioning. Listeners will learn why vertical jump is a key performance predictor and how to effectively structure a training session. Ehlert also discusses the importance of grip strength and the benefits of speed sticks. This is the perfect listen for golfers eager to enhance their swing and overall performance!

19 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 38min
How Tour Pros Really Practice Wedge Play (And Why You Should Rethink Yours)
Dr. Nico Darras, a specialist from Golf Blueprint, dives into the world of distance wedge play, unraveling why tour pros seldom hit 60-yard shots. He challenges common myths and emphasizes strategic decision-making and shot shaping that set elite players apart. Nico shares insights on how wind and course conditions affect play, as well as the critical role of video analysis in refining technique. Packed with practical tips and engaging stories from the tour, this discussion will reshape how you approach your golf practice.

May 28, 2025 • 34min
Two Drivers in the Bag?! Here’s Why It’s Actually Genius
What if the 3-wood is the most overrated club in your bag?In this episode of the Golf Well podcast, I sit down with Marty Jertson, VP of Fitting & Performance at Ping, to talk about the rise of the Thriver—a shorter, higher-lofted second driver that's replacing fairway woods for tour players like Neil Shipley and Preston Summerhays.We break down:– Why the 3-wood is becoming obsolete for high-speed players– How a Thriver setup can drastically improve accuracy off the tee– Fitting insights using Ping’s in-house strokes gained calculator– Why your course strategy might need a total re-think– How to build one yourself (or get it built the right way)This might be the most under-the-radar gear trend in golf right now—and after hearing this, you might want to build one yourself.

Sep 2, 2024 • 52min
Decoding Shot Shaping & Iron Size: Dr Sasho MacKenzie breaks down new research
Join Dr. Sasho MacKenzie, a leading biomechanist and co-founder of STAC, as he dives into the science of shot shaping and iron size. Discover why smaller irons aren't always superior for shot control. Learn how club kinetics and ground interaction can transform your wedge play. MacKenzie shares mind-bending analogies, like car doors affecting swing speed, and offers tips to optimize your stance for maximum speed. He also teases his groundbreaking research on ground reaction forces, pushing the boundaries of golf performance.

Aug 14, 2024 • 39min
3 Unique Insights from the 2024 World Scientific Congress of Golf w/ Dr Paul Wood
In this episode, Dr. Paul Wood, Vice President of Engineering at Ping and President of the Golf Science Organization, discuss insights from the recent World Scientific Congress of Golf.
They delve into various research topics, including the physics of putting on sloping surfaces, technological advancements in measuring putting dynamics and the latest buzz in the research community.

Oct 26, 2022 • 33min
Smylie Kaufman shares the success in keeping it simple
After Tony Ruggiero and Smylie Kaufman reflect on their years working together – Smylie was one of the best students Tony ever had. Smylie shares the secret to his success it was his understanding of his swing and keeping his focus simple, by having three to four things he’d monitor. They dive into specific techniques and approaches, as well as the best advice he’s ever received, what the best players can do and how his greatest strengths as a player have helped him in broadcasting.