Episodes

GS#1018 In this episode Jon Schram shares his journey through the world of golf, detailing his early passion for the sport, the challenges of competition, and the mental struggles he faced. He discusses the importance of flow state in performance and how understanding psychology has shaped his approach to golf and coaching. Schram's story highlights the balance between joy and anxiety in sports, the role of support systems, and the transformative power of mental focus. We also explore the concep...

GS#436&437 May 13, 2014. Robert Trent Jones Sr. is regarded as the most historically significant golf architect of the 20th century. The fabric of golf in America - possibly the world - is embodied in the extraordinary career of Robert Trent Jones Sr. in golf course design. In this conversation with New York Times bestselling author and internationally distinguished historian James R. Hansen, he shares the compelling life story of the man who designed or redesigned a staggering 400+ courses spre...

GS#1017 This week we speak with Matt Williams about the evolution of indoor golf and simulators, and the integration of AI technology in the sport. We delve into the journey of Golf Track, a successful indoor golf facility, and the development of the Noonan app, which leverages data from launch monitors to enhance golfers' on-course performance. The conversation highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making in golf and the entrepreneurial spirit driving innovation in the industry. Th...

GS#432 & 433 April 15, 2014 What does it take to drop 10 strokes from your score? Traditional stats -- fairways/greens/putts per round -- don't answer these questions. Just before the release of his book, Every Shot Counts: Using the Revolutionary Strokes Gained Approach to Improve Your Golf Performance and Strategy, Professor Mark Broadie introduced us to his theory. He wasn't sure if this idea would be accepted, but today, it's critical on every level of competitive golf. This is the full 65 m...

GS#1016 September 9, 2025 This week on the Golf Smarter Podcast, Chris Finn returns to delve into the myths surrounding golf fitness. Chris is a Titliest Performance Institute Certified Medical Professional, a Certified Preceision Nutrition Coach and Golf Digest Top 50 Golf Fitness Professional. We explore a recent study on the impact of footwear on golf performance, emphasizing the significance of spikes and proper shoe fit in enhancing club head speed and overall performance. Chris also discus...

GS#430 & #431 April 1 & 8, 2014 Dave Stockton has won 5 Majors on the PGA and Champions Tour. He's one of the Pro Tour’s hottest coaches working with Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickleson and Annika Sorenstam. This full hour+ interview about his new book is two episodes along with some bonus material that's never been shared publicly before in this format. Get more when your visit the refreshed golfsmarter.com! Introduce an Upcoming Episode: Receive free gifts for recording a show opening by clicking on...

GS#1015 September 2, 2025. This week we speak with Ben Helmrath, VP PGA Tour Superstores, and "caddie" for the TGL Champion Atlanta Drive about the exciting developments in golf, particularly focusing on the rise of golf simulators. Ben shares insights into the partnership with the PGA Tour, the growth of golf retail, and the evolution of golf experiences, especially during the pandemic. He recounts his firsthand experiences with TGL at SoFi Stadium and his strategic role during matches, highlig...

GS#429 March 25, 2014 In the last episode, we stumped Richard Todd on a few details of specific rules. In part 2 we get the correct explanation and discuss other rules that are broken regularly because we don’t know the exact USGA wording or ruling. Unlike the painfully dry legalese of the USGA's Rules of Golf, Richard's book takes you on a round with a typical foursome as they encounter...and break.. the rules. http://TheGolfRules.com In addition to being a lifelong golfer, Richard’s also one o...

GS#1014 August 26, 2025 Dr. Izzy Justice returns to discuss the intricate relationship between brain function and golf performance from his new book, 'Your Brain Swings Every Club', which explores the cognitive aspects of golfing performance. Dr. Justice introduces the concept of 'chasing 10 hertz' to optimize mental states for better performance and emphasizes the importance of utilizing wait times effectively on the golf course. The conversation also discusses the intricate relationship betwee...

GS#428 March 18, 2014 Richard E. Todd was trained on the rules of golf by the USGA and the PGA. His new book "The Golf Rules: Stroke Play - Learn The Rules of Golf By Watching Others Break Them" is an entertaining little book that presents the rules of golf in a funny, short story format. Unlike the painfully dry legalese of the USGA's Rules of Golf, Richard's book takes you on a round with a typical foursome as they encounter...and break.. the rules. In addition to being a lifelong golfer, he's...

GS#1013 August 19, 2025 In this episode we welcome back Pete Charleston, co-founder of GolfLogix, to discuss the evolution of golf technology, particularly the GolfLogix app. We explore the journey from handheld GPS devices to smartphone applications, the introduction of green books for reading greens, and the legal compliance of these tools. Pete shares insights into the mapping techniques used to gather data for greens and the challenges of user interface design, including battery life for mob...

GS#427 March 11, 2014 David MacKenzie is a mental game coach that will help you consistently play to your potential. His Golf State Of Mind method is designed to help eliminate mental mistakes. He says that small changes to your mental game can cut 5-7 shots per round. We go into depth on visualization, how to practice the Mental Game, course management, and his 9 shot drill for the practice range. *David comes to us from a suggestion by a GOLF SMARTER listener. http://GolfStateOfMind.com Get m...

GS#1012: This week on Golf Smarter, we speak to Robert Jones Black, the great grandson of legendary golfer Bobby Jones. We discuss the legacy of Bobby Jones, the challenges of preserving that legacy within the family, and the importance of humility in their connection to such a prominent figure in golf history. Robert shares personal anecdotes about growing up with the legacy of his grandfather and the responsibility he feels to maintain the brand of Bobby Jones in today's world. Robert discusse...

GS#420 January 21, 2014 NFL head coach Pete Carroll was a long time friend, and former sports psychology student at University of Pacific of this week’s guest, Dr. Glen Albaugh. On the cover of Glen’s book, “Winning the Battle Within” Coach Carroll is quoted as saying “Glen’s teachings helped form my coaching philosophy.” Whether you’re rooting for Pete or not, you have to admire his attitude, and his approach to competition and winning. Dr. Glen Albaugh has created a unique Applied Sport Psycho...

GS#1011 Summary: This week we talk to Richard Berle, founder of https://home.golffit.com/ and the Golf Fit app, a platform designed to enhance golfers' fitness and performance. He shares his personal journey, including overcoming injuries and the...

GS#411 November19, 2013 Kenny Giannini has created putters for Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Mark O’Meara and “pretty much everyone”. In this conversation, World class putter designer Kenny Giannini discusses putter components that go into creating a great putter. From this episode, you'll become more informed on each element of a putter, why it works, and what works best for you. Get more when your visit the refreshed golfsmarter.com! Introduce an Upcoming Episode: Receive free gifts for recordi...

GS#1010 This time on the Golf Smarter Podcast, Eric Alpenfels, Director of Instruction at Pinehurst, discusses the innovative approach of instinct putting, which encourages golfers to focus on the hole rather than the ball. Alpenfels shares insights on how this technique can improve distance control and overall performance on the green, while also discussing the evolution of golf equipment and the importance of trust in the putting process. His latest book, 'Evidence-Based Golf,' contrasts empir...

GS#405 October 8, 2013 Despite strict USGA guidelines, not all golf clubs perform the same. Golf Professionals play with sticks that are meticulously tailored to their swing. Amateur golfers make purchases based on what the Pros play. No matter their skill level, few golfers take advantage of being fitted for clubs that compliment their swing style. Host Fred Greene is in the market for a new Driver, fairway driver, and hybrids and was amazed to learn how different each club performs for his swi...

GS#1009 Summary: This week we speak to Marc Bender, Managing Partner for multiple golf companies including Hidden Links Travel, Golfpac Travel, TeeTimes USA, Go Play Golf Card, and Upper Deck Golf. In this episode, Fred and Marc discuss their connection at the Masters, the intricacies of golf course architecture, and the evolution of golf greens. Marc is well connected in the golf industry and has met and played with some of the top names in our sport. He's also traveled extensively to golf cour...

GS#402 September 17, 2013 “You’ll become a ‘golfer’ when learning becomes more important than the outcome of your shot.” Be prepared to have your normal perceptions of improvement challenged, Fred Shoemaker of Extraordinary Golf talks about his DVD. Please check out this article about Fred's golf and podcast journey called "A Lifetime On The Air" that was published in the NCGA Magazine (Northern California Golf Association) recently! Get more when your visit the refreshed golfsmarter.com! Intr...

GS#1008 Summary: This week we speak to Jason Chambers, a golf instructor at Onyx Golf Academy in Orange County, California. We discuss the rise of simulator golf, its benefits and challenges, and how it caters to the needs of golfers in a densely populated area. The conversation also touches on the importance of golf instruction, decision-making in golf, and the potential of new formats like TGL to attract a younger audience to the game. We also explore the social aspects of simulator golf and h...

GS#395 Drivers sell. The new adjustable Drivers sell REALLY well. But do they work? Club Fitter Nick Manzano and Fred Greene discuss what is unique about the latest Drivers. We also cover purchasing used clubs, last year’s models, or getting your clubs repaired. **We usually play our archived episodes in a row, but unfortunately many conversations have been lost so there will be a gap. That's why this episode is part2, but couldn't find part 1. Sorry. Please check out this article about Fred's ...

GS#1007 Summary: In this episode we meet golf professional Joe Park and hear about his journey in the golf world, the importance of influential instructors, and the nuances of the golf swing. Joe emphasizes the significance of weight shift, the role of arms and hands in generating club head speed, and the balance between consistency and distance in golf. He introduces his five fundamentals of golf, which include grip, posture, backswing, downswing, and impact, and discusses how these principles ...

GS#392 July 9, 2013 Ken Doherty, Head Golf Pro at Marin Country Club discusses how your intent impacts mechanics. No matter the situation, as long as you focus on a target and are clear about your intent, then you stop thinking about mechanics which will free you to hit better shots. Please check out this article about Fred's golf and podcast journey called "A Lifetime On The Air" that was published in the NCGA Magazine (Northern California Golf Association) recently! Get more when your visit t...