

Golf Beneath The Surface
Dr. Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper
Performance Consultant Dr. Raymond Prior and Golf Instructor Chase Cooper talk about all things golf in their new podcast titled 'Golf Beneath The Surface.' Dr. Raymond has worked with some of the best players in the world and brings a unique perspective on what it takes to get in the right mindset to perform when the stakes are the highest. Chase Cooper has travelled the world educating coaches how to use some of the latest golf technologies, taught some of the games greatest golfers, and played at a very high level. Together Dr. Raymond and Chase make a team unmatched in helping you the listener play better golf.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 24min
John Dunigan
In this episode, Raymond and Chase sit down with longtime friend and renowned coach John Dunigan to talk about what real skill development looks like—and why most golfers spend their time on the wrong things. John breaks down the difference between improving a motion and improving a skill, why perfection and “consistency” often hold players back, and how tools like external focus, exaggeration, and the Goldilocks principle help golfers learn faster.They also dig into why low point, face-to-path, and predictable curve matter far more than picture-perfect mechanics, how to blend block and random practice the right way, and why practice should mirror the shots you actually face on the course—not just what feels good on the range.John also shares his work with the Skilled Coaching Alliance, where coaches learn to apply motor learning science in real lessons, and the Practice Coach app, which builds structured, disciplined training sessions that help players get better where it counts.You can try the Practice Coach app on the iOS App Store for a discounted rate using the code: CCGTo learn more about the Skilled Coaching Alliance, visit: https://www.skilledcoachingalliance.com/

Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 35min
The Science of Practice — with Dr. Will Wu
In this episode, Raymond and Chase sit down with Dr. Will Wu, professor at Long Beach State and one of the leading experts in motor control and learning, to talk about how to design practice that actually transfers to performance.They dig into the difference between motor learning and motor control, why block practice feels great but rarely holds up in tournaments, and how contextual interference and practice variability help players build adaptable, tournament-ready skills.Will also shares how he’s bringing this research to life through two powerful tools: the Skilled Coaching Alliance, a program that helps coaches learn and apply the science of motor learning to their teaching, and the Practice Coach app, which builds personalized, data-driven practice sessions designed to accelerate improvement.If you’ve ever wondered why your range game doesn’t show up on the course, this episode will change how you think about practice.You can try the Practice Coach app on the IOS AppStore for a discounted rate by using the code: ccgolf To learn more about the Skilled Coaching Alliance, visit: https://www.skilledcoachingalliance.com/

Sep 30, 2025 • 59min
Transferring Your Skills
Why can you stripe it on the range but not when it matters? In this episode, we unpack the gap between practice and performance—and what it really takes to transfer skills from a controlled setting to the course. From Scott Fawcett’s DECADE framework to blackjack analogies, we dig into decision-making, judgment, and why context always matters.We explore how conservative swings under pressure can backfire, why warmups aren’t fortune tellers, and the training principles—spacing, randomizing, experimenting with extremes—that create freedom when it counts. If you’ve ever walked off the range feeling ready, only to tighten up on the first tee, this one’s for you.

Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 10min
Q & A 9.0
We’re back.......In episode 44 of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast we started off by answering questions on the difference between freedom and perfection. We unpack Scottie Scheffler’s “decoupling” of identity from golf, the arrival fallacy, and how intrinsic motivation fuels consistency. We cover journaling that actually changes behavior, the four core needs kids have in sports, and why chasing “perfect” mechanics kills freedom on the course. Plus: simple grip fixes, what great caddies look for (fast return to baseline), and the best advice we’ve ever gotten. Enjoy!

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 16min
Q & A 8.0
You asked and we answered. In this Q and A, the boys explore topics such as: letting go vs. trying too hard, what it takes to reset after anger, and why out-of-position swings demand more athleticism—not less.We also dig into what college coaches should look for when recruiting players, how parents can create more resilient kids, and why multitasking only works in non-judgmental spaces.A wide-ranging conversation on performance, presence, and the risks we have to take to play freely. Enjoy’

29 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 17min
Pre Tournament Gameplan
Hosts discuss the mental strategies crucial for golf competition, highlighting the significance of internal dialogue and self-talk. They emphasize mindset mastery and the balance between process-oriented goals and staying present. The impact of leaderboard pressure is analyzed, contrasting risk-embracing with risk-averse approaches. The podcast also addresses managing anxiety and the interplay of motivation and fear in high-stakes scenarios. Finally, the importance of focus, learning from failures, and experiencing the freedom of play are explored to elevate the golfing experience.

May 13, 2025 • 49min
Mega Q and A (part 2)
In Part 2 of our post-Masters MEGA Q&A, we cover how often you should really take lessons, coaching juniors at different levels, and helping kids play with more freedom and less fear.We dig into why kids glance at parents after bad shots, what that says about confidence, and why parents often need to do less.We also tackle emotions on the course — why players like Tyrrell Hatton sometimes play better when they’re mad, and how anger can help or hurt your game.Finally, we discuss why swing feels fade over time, how to recalibrate, and why top players can move the ball both ways on command.Thanks as always for the great questions — keep them coming!

18 snips
May 6, 2025 • 1h 1min
Mega Q & A (part 1)
This discussion dives into the quirky restroom setups at Augusta National and the contentious opinions surrounding the famed pimento cheese sandwich. It explores the psychological battles golfers face, including how negative shots linger in their minds and the power of visualization. The conversation highlights strategies to cope with bad rounds, the importance of genuine confidence, and how body language affects performance. Listeners also learn the ideal frequency for golf lessons and the importance of community in overcoming feelings of isolation.

Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 16min
Parenting 101
In this episode, we take a deep dive into how parenting styles can shape a young athlete’s development — and how kids respond to their parents during lessons. We unpack the power dynamic between parents and kids, the importance of autonomy, and the three core parenting styles: permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative. We also explore how to support kids who have big goals in golf (or any pursuit), what to do when motivation fades, and why the ride home is often the most pivotal moment in a junior golfer’s experience.

Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 33min
Speed, Strength & Smart Training with Mike Carroll (Fit For Golf)
In episode 38, we sit down with Mike Carroll from Fit For Golf to break down the key components of golf swing speed — mobility, strength, and power — and the best ways to train them. We explore gender differences, force production (wrist, ground, and rotation), and how tension contributes to generating speed. Mike also unpacks common myths around “stability” in golf fitness and shares insights on golf-specific vs. general athletic training — including whether golf can ever be trained as systematically as other Olympic sports. To learn more, visit fitforgolf.app, follow Mike on social @fit_for_golf, and check out his training app, Fit For Golf, designed specifically for golfers.


