Golf Smarter

945: Our guest this week is author of a very funny book 'How to Quit Golf and Get Your Life Back' by Danny Cahill.  Danny shares his own obsession with the game, the appeal of country club life, and his humorous perspective on the contradictions of golf, as well as the personal struggles that come with it. The conversation covers topics such as the decline of physical abilities, the impact of technology on the sport, and the challenges of balancing golf with other aspects of life.  We also discuss the unique communication and camaraderie that golf fosters among players, the frustrations and idiosyncrasies of the game, and the financial and time commitments involved. We also touch on the concept of consistency in golf and the compartmentalization of emotions and life issues while on the course. TakeawaysGolf can be a sacred and addictive sport, leading to obsessions and contradictions.Joining a country club can provide a sense of community and family-friendly activities.The decline of physical abilities in gol

GSfMO#409 November 5, 2013 - Topping the ball? Did someone say you lifted your head? Tony Manzoni gets pretty fired up about these misconceptions that many golfers have about those consistently frustrating errors like throwing the hands away from the body, bringing the club straight back, or rotating the body too quickly. In this Members Only episode, Tony explains why they occur and what to look for in a teacher who understands the mechanics of a swing.This is an invitation for you to join host Fred Greene and other Golf Smarter listeners for a once in a lifetime Golf Smarter Royal Adventure to Northern Ireland! We're playing 5 rounds over 7 days including:     • Royal County Down GC - Ranked as the #1 course in the world!     • Royal Portrush - Host of the 2025 Open Championship!     • Ardglass GC - One of the most beautiful courses you'll ever see!     • Royal Belfast GC - Home to the oldest clubhouse in the world!     • Ballyliffin GC - Recognized as the finest links course in Ireland!Deadline to sign up

944: Josh Zander returns to share his expertise on bunker play in golf. He emphasizes the misconception that players should hit behind the ball in bunkers, explaining that the low point of the swing should be past the ball. He also discusses the importance of body positioning and creating a steep angle of attack in bunker shots. Josh advises players to assess the lie and adjust their technique accordingly, highlighting the need for different clubs and techniques based on bunker conditions. He also emphasizes the importance of having the right attitude and mindset when approaching bunker shots. Josh and Fred cover topics such as setup, club selection, and shot selection based on the lie and slope of the bunker. They also debunk common myths and provide tips for practicing bunker shots. TakeawaysThe low point of the swing in bunker shots should be past the ball, not behind it.Body positioning and creating a steep angle of attack are crucial in bunker play.Assessing the lie and adjusting technique based on bunke

#408 October 29, 2013 - Tony Manzoni is 77 years old and is still shooting par. Lucky for us, he’s also an amazing teacher who has been a listener favorite on GolfSmarter for a long time. Outside of teaching, his instructional book, and DVD, he’s coached the College of the Desert Golf team to 27 Conference championships. His book “The Lost Fundamental - One Simple Move, Better Golf Forever” is available on Amazon. The video is only available through Golf Smarter. Write to golfsmarterpodcast@gmail.com to request the private video link. Each have received rave reviews. This is part 1 of a 2 part conversation with Tony. We get into more detail on swing mechanics in part 2.This is an invitation for you to join host Fred Greene and other Golf Smarter listeners for a once in a lifetime Golf Smarter Royal Adventure to Northern Ireland! We're playing 5 rounds over 7 days including:     • Royal County Down GC - Ranked as the #1 course in the world!     • Royal Portrush - Host of the 2025 Open Championship!     • Ardgl

943: Matt Ginella, TV personality from The Golf Channel and The FirePit Collective, discusses his obsession with L.A.B. Golf and his journey to uncover the story behind the company. Matt's interest in L.A.B. Golf was sparked when he witnessed Lucas Glover's success with the putter. He explains how his interviews with Sam and Bill Presse, the inventor of The Revealer, revealed the fascinating history of L.A.B. Golf. Matt also discusses the influence of Vaughn Taylor, Kelly Slater, and Adam Scott in the L.A.B. Golf story. The podcast series is described as an audio book, with each episode weaving together multiple voices to create a compelling narrative arc. This conversation covers a range of topics, including the importance of reporting and authenticity in broadcasting, Kelly Slater's influence on golf, the success of L.A.B. Golf and the importance of tour recognition, the marketing of golf putters and the concept of “letting go of control to gain control”, the transformation of Lucas Glover and the power of

GSfMO #328 April 10, 2012 Tony Manzoni, author of The Lost Fundamental, and longtime favorite of the GOLF SMARTER audience returns to discuss how weight shift and position can be the root of topping the ball. It's also the key to increased distance. Tony’s book "The Lost Fundamental: One Simple Move, Better Golf Forever", is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle format. This is the first time this episode has been shared publicly as it was originally a Members Only episode. This week's episode is brought to you by PXG! Learn more and get free shipping on all equipment at PXG.com/golfsmarter.This week’s episode is sponsored by Indeed. Please visit indeed.com/GOLFSMARTER and get a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT. Terms and conditions apply.This week’s episode is also brought to you by Modern Mammals. Go to modernmammals.com and use code GOLFSMARTER (*one word) for 10% off. This is an invitation for you to join host Fred Greene and other Golf Smarter listeners for a once in a lifetime Golf Smarter Royal Adventure

942 Summary Dr. Bob Jones IV returns to discuss the history of golf in Atlanta and the impact of prominent golfers and philanthropists in the city. The conversation then shifts to the legacy of Bobby Jones and situating Jones in his historical context and the intersections between history, athletics, and psychology in understanding his impact. Jones achieved early success in golf, breaking records with hickory shafted clubs and low-compression balls. The conversation also covers the formation of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. Jones faced a health crisis after World War II, but bore his illness with grace and dignity.TakeawaysAtlanta has a rich history of golf, with prominent golfers and philanthropists contributing to the sport and the community.Amateur golf was highly regarded before the rise of professional golf, and Bobby Jones was a key figure in this era.Arnold Palmer and the advent of television brought significant changes to the sport, increasing its popularity and commercializa

GS#291 July 26,  2011Tony Manzoni, discusses his new book "The Lost Fundamental: One Simple Move, Better Golf Forever", which is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle format. Also see exclusive video of Tony giving a lesson on GolfSmarterTV at GolfSmarter.com/tony.This week's episode is brought to you by PXG! Learn more and get free shipping on all equipment at PXG.com/golfsmarter.This episode is brought to you PutterCup. Go to puttercupgolf.com and use code GOLFSMARTER to get 20% off your order. And combined with the discount you get with the Pressure Putt Combo, you’ll really save! This week’s episode is sponsored by Indeed. Please visit indeed.com/GOLFSMARTER and get a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT. Terms and conditions apply.This week’s episode is also brought to you by Modern Mammals. Go to modernmammals.com and use code GOLFSMARTER (*one word) for 10% off.This is an invitation for you to join host Fred Greene and other Golf Smarter listeners for a once in a lifetime Golf Smarter Royal Adventure to North

941.  Summary: In this conversation, Jim Waldron and Fred Greene discuss various aspects of the short game in golf and dispel some common myths. They emphasize the need for solid contact and distance control in the short game, the role of pivot in generating power, the issue of scooping and Jim provides tips for controlling spin in different conditions. They cover topics such as distance wedges, taking spin off shots, the kinematic sequence, finesse swings, distance control, trajectory control, spin control, rhythm and tempo, and scoring in the short game. Jim and Fred also discuss various aspects of putting and chipping in golf. There are many misconceptions about putting, including the illusion created by watching professional golfers on TV.  The conversation then shifts to using an iron as a putter and the technique of the putt chip shot. They explore the resurgence of Scottish chipping and its technique, as well as when to use this shot. Finally, they discuss club selection and the carry-roll ratio in cla

GS#254 Oct 26,2010Tony Manzoni (RIP) returned for his second appearance on Golf Smarter by popular demand to provide details on his "Single Pivot Swing" which he believes was Ben Hogan's secret that was never revealed. A PGA instructor since 1965, Tony spent years studying Hogan's swing and breaks down the details in this interview. Since this was a Members’ Only episode, it’s nearly an hour long.This week's episode is brought to you by PXG! Learn more and get free shipping on all equipment at PXG.com/golfsmarter.This week’s episode is also brought to you by SEED. Trust your gut with Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. Go to Seed.com/GOLFSMARTER and use code 25GOLFSMARTER to get 25% off your first month.This week’s episode is also brought to you by Graybar Electric. Graybar is a trusted and leading North American distributor of electrical, communications, data networking, and industrial products that supports projects of ANY industry … construction, hospitals, industrial plants, schooling, and more. To view more i

940: Summary In this episode, Tara Fox discusses her book 'Grounded Golf' and the importance of the mental game in golf. She shares her journey as a golf instructor and how she transitioned from being a player to teaching the game. The conversation covers topics such as the future of golf, the role of visualization, leaving personal issues off the golf course, and Tara's golf travel business, TMI Golf with her husband Alan. Tara also talks about her mental game gurus and the power of energy and belief in psychic abilities. The episode concludes with a discussion on remote golf lessons and her website, GroundYourGolf.com. TakeawaysThe mental game is a crucial aspect of golf, and it is often overlooked by recreational golfers.Visualization and leaving personal issues off the golf course can greatly improve performance.Tara's book 'Grounded Golf' focuses on steady performance under pressure, with a particular emphasis on women golfers.Tara's golf travel business, TMi Golf, offers customized golf trips to destina

GS#251 This is our initial introduction to the late Tony Manzoni from episode 251 published in October, 2010. It’s also the first weekly episode from our archives we call Mulligans that is now featured on Golf Smarter every Friday.Tony developed the Single Pivot Swing after extensively studying Ben Hogan's swing. Tony was selected by inventor Ted Caldwell as a knowledgable instructor who could explain the value of his new product (2010) called “Shot Watch” which was valuable swing aide that monitors rhythm, grip pressure and swing speed. Ted also joins in to provide more details.This week's episode is brought to you by PXG! Game changer has been thrown around so much, it’s lost its meaning. I was impressed with the results of my fitting and think the P X G Driver will be a game changer for me. Check it out for yourself. Learn more and get free shipping on all equipment at PXG.com/golfsmarter and use code golfsmarter at checkout. That’s PXG.com/golfsmarter, code golfsmarter for free shipping on all equipment.

939: Dr. Don Greene, a sports psychologist, shares his background in competitive diving and how he transitioned to working with golfers and performing artists. Dr. Greene also discusses his experience working with PGA players and the impact of mental toughness in golf. He highlights the need for perspective and not taking golf too seriously. Overall, Dr. Greene emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and focus in achieving success in sports and performing arts. Dr. Don Greene discusses the cause of unforced errors in sports and music, focusing on the role of the shadow in performance. He explains how the persona and shadow influence athletes and musicians, leading to unexplained mistakes. In golf, unforced errors are often caused by the shadow's unresolved trauma. Dr. Greene emphasizes the importance of a pre-shot routine and mental quiet to overcome fear and doubt. He offers his advice for amateur golfers on how to approach mental training that can be applied to various fields.Golf Smarter Mulligans re

938: Cary Valentine returns with more interviews he conducted for Golf Smarter at this year’s Sony Open in Hawaii. Cary shares his experiences interviewing professional golfers and discusses the barriers he faced this year. The conversation then transitions to the interviews with Aaron Rye and Camilo Villegas. Cary highlights the key takeaways from each interview, including the importance of setting goals and maintaining a peak performance mindset. The episode concludes with a discussion on the evolution of mental game training and where to find Cary Valentine's resources. -TakeawaysSetting goals and maintaining a peak performance mindset are crucial for success in golf and life.Adversity can be a catalyst for personal growth and improved performance.Methods and processes for mental game training have evolved, with more acceptance and awareness of the importance of mental health.Clearing negative thoughts and emotions can lead to improved focus, confidence, and enjoyment of the game.Cary Valentine's resources

937: Dr. David Spiegel of Stanford University discusses the concept of self-hypnosis and its application to golf. He explains that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis and involves absorption, dissociation, and suggestibility. Self-hypnosis can help golfers achieve a state of flow and focus on the process rather than the outcome. Dr. Spiegel emphasizes the importance of body awareness and the connection between the golfer and the club. He also discusses the use of hypnosis for managing anxiety and doubt in golf. Dr. Spiegel shares insights on visualization, relaxation techniques, and the partnership between the golfer and their body. He concludes by discussing the development of the Reveri app for hypnosis. Dr. Spiegel discusses using hypnosis to manage pain and the concept of hypnotizability. The conversation concludes with an introduction to the Reverie app and its pricing options.- TakeawaysAll hypnosis is self-hypnosis, involving absorption, dissociation, and suggestibility.Self-hypnosis can help golfers achieve

936: Golf course architect Agustin Piza of pizagolf.com discusses the concept of the Piza effect, which emphasizes the importance of the journey and experience in golf course design. He explains how golfers should approach different types of courses and plan their shots strategically. Piza also introduces the Butterfly Golf design concept, which offers a unique and flexible approach to golf course layout. He discusses the land requirements for a golf course and the interest in his innovative design concepts. Piza also discusses the concept of Wellness Golf and how it facilities focus on connecting with nature and providing a more relaxed and enjoyable golf experience. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the innovation and unique approach to golf course architecture that Piza Golf brings. TakeawaysPiza Golf is known for its innovative and unique approach to golf course architecture.Wellness Golf courses focus on connecting with nature and providing a shorter, more relaxed and enjoyable experience.Mexico offer

935: John Marshall is a Long Drive competitor…in his 70s!!! He shares his journey in long drive competition and his transition to teaching golf. He discusses the importance of consistency and making sound decisions in golf. John also emphasizes the significance of effective practice techniques and the benefits of stack and tilt for the right golfer. He provides insights into injury prevention and the misconceptions about keeping the head down in the golf swing. The conversation covers various topics related to golf, including curving the golf ball, hitting a draw, controlling the club face, the difficulty of replicating pro shots, the difference between amateur and pro golfers, advantages of pro golfers, going on strike from watching golf, the story of Nick Dunlap, and teaching golf online. TakeawaysConsistency is key in golf, and it is important to set realistic expectations and enjoy the game.Effective practice requires a solid plan and focus on specific areas of improvement.Stack and tilt can be beneficial

934: John “Lag” Erickson of AdvancedBallStriking.com returns for his always controversial, always thought provoking thoughts on how and why the changes that the USGA and PGA Tour continue to make are ruining the game for 99% of golfers around the world. He also shares stories about his time playing professional golf with some of the greats. This week’s episode is sponsored by Indeed. Please visit indeed.com/GOLFSMARTER and get a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT. Terms and conditions apply. This week’s episode is also brought to you by HIMS. Start your free online visit today at HIMS.com/golfsmarter for your personalized treatment options. Prescriptions require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if appropriate. Restrictions apply. See hims.com/golfsmarter for details and important safety information. Subscription required. Price varies based on product and subscription plan.This week’s episode is also brought to you by SEED. Trust your gut with Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. Go to See

933: Dr. Greta Anderson returns with her insightful commentary about how golfers of all levels can find ways to stay sharp during the off-season, especially if you live in an area where golf is next to impossible for months at a time. This week’s episode is sponsored by Indeed. Please visit indeed.com/GOLFSMARTER and get a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT. Terms and conditions apply. This week’s episode is also brought to you by HIMS. Start your free online visit today at HIMS.com/golfsmarter for your personalized treatment options. Prescriptions require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if appropriate. Restrictions apply. See hims.com/golfsmarter for details and important safety information. Subscription required. Price varies based on product and subscription plan.Follow @golfsmarter on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube for daily highlights and helpful insights from our interviews on the podcast. We also post articles and video shorts on LinkedIn @FredGreene (from Novato, CA

932: Gary Waters is a mindset coach who offers a program called “Live Limitless” that helps individuals develop an empowered mindset and overcome subconscious programming that limits their life and game. Gary knows transformation is possible because of the powerful shifts that have come about in his own life, and the lives of his clients. This week’s episode is sponsored by Indeed. Please visit indeed.com/GOLFSMARTER and get a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT. Terms and conditions apply.Follow @golfsmarter on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube for daily highlights and helpful insights from our interviews on the podcast. We also post articles and video shorts on LinkedIn @FredGreene (from Novato, CA).Golf Smarter Mulligans is on hiatus until the start of April when we return with our annual Tony Manzoni marathon, including a new episode that was recently discovered that we’ve not shared before.Golf Smarter has been awarded the #1 spot in their list of Top 10 Golf Psychology Podcasts by feedspot.com Check it out a