Resilient Golf Improvement

In this episode, we dive into the next phase of the golf improvement journey—what happens after the big gains. Zach reflects on cutting his handicap from an 8 to a 4 in a single year, only to discover that going lower isn’t just harder—it’s a different game entirely. We unpack the illusion of linear progress, the brutal reality of plateaus, and why sustaining or advancing your game with limited time and increased life demands might require a shift in mindset. This is a brutally honest look at what it really takes to keep improving.
 
00:00 – Milestone Episode & The Season Ahead05:00 – From 8 to 4: The Easy Part of Improvement15:00 – The Reality of Plateauing and Life Constraints25:00 – Rethinking Goals: Inputs vs. Outcomes35:00 – Cost per Round, Family Tradeoffs & Changing Priorities45:00 – Playing Muirfield: A Brutal But Beautiful Experience

In this episode, we analyze Zach's golf practice data, discussing the relationship between club path and angle of attack before focusing heavily on the nuances of club selection in the wind. We highlight the importance of realistic expectations and the concept of 'unteachable lessons' in both life and golf. 
 
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
01:14 Golf Practice Sessions and Strength Training Impact
03:28 Analyzing Swing Data and Path Deviations
11:52 Shot Shaping and Wind Conditions
22:53 Analyzing Shot Patterns and Club Selection
23:54 Overcoming Pride in Club Choice
24:53 The Bandon Story: Lessons from a Caddy
27:03 Understanding Wind Effects on Shots
30:33 Unteachable Lessons in Golf and Life
37:45 The Importance of Setting Realistic Expectations

Zach and I discuss some playful 'Podcast Bros Beef' over new recording software AI's clipped edits, which accidentally made Zach appear 'insane.' We also delve into Zach's golf game progress, covering his simulator training during the off-season, swing path improvements, and balancing workouts with practice to avoid injury. The conversation transitions to a spirited debate sparked by a Twitter post from a popular online golf instructor criticizing the term 'swing rebuild,' leading to a discussion on significant versus minor swing changes. They reflect on a compelling podcast episode by Adam Young and John Sherman, which features the impressive golf journey of Will Knauth and highlights the importance of tournament play, consistent practice, and motor learning principles. Key takeaways include the relevance of fitness, unconventional employment, and the skill required to excel in varying golf environments from practice ranges to competitive play.
 
00:00 Podcast Bros Beef: AI Edits Gone Wrong
01:49 Golf Game Update: Swing Speed and Training
05:17 Simulator Sessions: Practice and Enjoyment
11:51 Fitness and Golf: The Energy Connection
17:37 Internet Fight: Swing Rebuild Debate
19:17 Legal Insights and Swing Rebuilds
19:36 The Subjectivity of Swing Rebuilds
19:49 Navigating Online Golf Content
21:40 Marketing vs. Education in Golf
23:27 Personal Swing Journey
25:34 Comparisons to Tiger Woods

Zach & Jared reunite after the holidays to catch up on life and golf. They discuss their holiday experiences, the importance of routines, and their gift-giving strategies. The conversation shifts to golf improvement, focusing on the principles of motor learning, diagnosis of swing faults, and the strategies needed to get better at golf. They delve into the practicality of achieving a scratch handicap and the sacrifices required for significant improvement. The episode ends with a teaser about upcoming discussions on social media disputes with golf instructors.
00:00 Holiday Catch-Up and Gift Giving01:18 Why Holidays Can Be Awful03:07 Surprise Vacation and Family Dynamics05:22 Golf Improvement Strategies10:49 Motor Learning and Practice Techniques18:15 Diagnosing and Iterating on Golf Skills26:09 The Elephant in the Room: Improving Beyond a 4 or 5 Handicap27:30 Defining Scratch: What Does It Mean to You?29:32 Home Course Challenges: Slope, Rating, and Expectations31:19 Handicap Calculations and Bell Curves35:07 Balancing Life and Golf: Time Constraints and Goals39:12 The Reality of Improvement: Reps, Rounds, and Realistic Goals46:02 YouTube Adventures and Unanswered Questions49:04 Wrapping Up: Future Topics and Social Media Beef

How do you rack up 10,000 reps in a year without losing your mind (or your swing)? In this episode, I’m joined by Zach to talk about the grind of practice, our experiments with ‘redneck speed training,’ and why playing golf with just three clubs might actually improve your game. We keep it real with plenty of dry humor, a few wild ideas, and some solid tips you can actually use. If you’re ready to level up your game without taking yourself too seriously, this one’s for you.

Zach and I discuss some nuance about speed training, golf gambling, and the AI podcast of the book. Link to AI podcast below.
https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/eb1e4068-6d31-40a1-8276-f8a113e3978d/audio
 
Join us for a lively discussion about speed training, golf swing transformations, and the nuances of golf improvement. Zach and I delve into the intricacies of how speed training can be integrated into your practice routine without compromising your swing. We also explore the challenges and triumphs of revamping a golf swing, the importance of motor learning, and how to maintain consistency under pressure. Plus, we touch on the fascinating world of podcasting and the depth (or lack thereof) in content. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to help you on your golf journey.
Introduction and Outfit Upgrades
Speed Training: Risks and Rewards
Off-Season Goals and Swing Improvements
Understanding Context in Speed Training
Golf Swing Variability and Practice Cues
Inside Info on Justin Thomas
Recreating Old Swings and Progress
Gambling on the Golf Course
AI Podcast Reflections
Breaking Down Golf Improvement Quotes
Playing Golf in November
 
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Zach and I discuss his 2nd 71 of the season, our recent live virtual lesson, and Chris Como.

Zach and I discuss a downswing lesson we recently did and Game of Thrones.
 
In the Kansas City area? Get an indoor coaching session from me.
Subscribe to the newsletter and get a free PDF copy of the book. 
Follow me on Twitter
Buy Resilient Golf Improvement in Paperback on Amazon
Buy the Kindle version