Those Weekend Golf Guys

John and Jeff break down how golfers can score better by practicing smarter, not longer. They explore everything from FanDuel’s growing role in golf betting to the myths behind common scoring statistics, then shift into the real keys to improvement: short‑game mastery, pressure‑based practice formats, and simple pre‑round routines that build confidence fast. Along the way they compare golf tech like Foresight and TrackMan, share creative two‑ball practice methods, and wrap with practical mental‑game strategies that help golfers stay focused, relaxed, and ready to hit better shots on the course.

This episode dives deep into the most overlooked scoring tools in the bag: wedges. Jeff and John break down how loft, bounce, grind, and gapping influence performance, why most amateurs carry the wrong combinations, and how to choose wedges that actually fit your swing and course conditions. From dialing in distances to creating reliable spin, this is a full masterclass on the clubs that can save you more strokes than a new driver ever will.

John Ashton and Jeff Smith discussed golf equipment and techniques in their podcast "Those Weekend Golf Guys." They talked about the benefits of using hybrids for older golfers, emphasizing the importance of getting properly fitted for clubs rather than buying off the rack. Jeff shared his experience testing new Titleist drivers and the process of finding the right head and shaft combination through fitting. They also discussed USGA rules, particularly regarding relief from divots in the fairway, and how these rules can be unfair to players who hit straight shots. The conversation covered the evolution of golf club technology, including the rise in popularity of hybrid clubs and how they've become more accepted in professional play. They concluded by encouraging listeners to get fitted for equipment and consider trying hybrids if they're struggling with their irons.

Moe Norman had a unique swing. It worked very well for him. He was able to hit the ball consistently well. Todd Graves is a golf Pro who realized the power of Moe's swing and studied it in depth and now teaches it. He calls it "The Single Plane Swing". Can it help YOU play better golf? Listen to the techniques and find out.

John Ashton, Jeff Smith, and Scott Monroe discuss golf strategies and conditions. They highlight the challenges of playing in cold weather, including snow in Florida and frost delays. They emphasize the importance of adapting to course conditions, such as using the right clubs and strategies for short par-4s. Scott shares his experience of using hybrids and knowing exact distances. They also stress the value of practice, course knowledge, and using technology like GPS to improve game strategy. The conversation concludes with tips on mental preparation and the benefits of having a variety of clubs for different conditions.

Get ready to elevate your golf game by understanding the nuanced challenges and unique experiences offered by different regions. Join us as we explore the stark contrasts between Arizona's dry heat and the sultry humidity of the low country, setting the stage for tales from legendary courses like Calusa Pines and Pinehurst. We celebrate young golfer Ava Bunker's remarkable achievements at Pinehurst, highlighting her skillful navigation of the infamous Donald Ross-designed greens. Our conversation also touches on the evolution of course maintenance, which has made greens faster and more challenging for golfers at all levels. Discover strategies to harness the power of external factors like wind in boosting your golf performance. Through engaging anecdotes from a day packed with training sessions, including putting and short game schools, we emphasize the critical importance of center clubface hits for maximum distance. Simple yet effective techniques using alignment sticks or tees ensure a straight swing, while practical strategies address the wind's impact on putting. By simulating various scenarios, we offer insights for adjusting your game to excel in different conditions, leaving you with a deeper understanding of how to optimize your play. Unlock the secrets to mastering golf techniques even in the windiest conditions. Creative strategies such as using playing partners as wind buffers and employing drills with car wash sponges help golfers achieve solid strikes and higher ball speeds. We introduce innovative approaches to both putting and driving, enhancing control and confidence on the course. Our discussion also includes a fresh putting technique that has revolutionized play within our group, demonstrating the value of new perspectives in advancing your golfing prowess. Tune in to embrace these insights and transform your approach to the game.

Jeff Smith has returned from the PGA Merchandise Show and talks about a couple of the new things he found that will help every golfer with putting. It's called a "Genius Ball" and has a computer chip inside that reads out all the pertinent data we would need to imprve our putting. He also found a new ocyagonal sided grip that will make finding your perfect grip on the club much more simple a task.

Uncover the secrets to enjoying golf as you age and discover strategies to enhance your game even as your physical capabilities change. This episode promises to equip you with innovative techniques and equipment adjustments, like using hybrids, to keep your golf game strong despite the natural aging process. We share insightful anecdotes about golfers who hold onto past performances, often leading to frustration, and offer practical advice on how to embrace these changes and set realistic goals, such as shooting your age in the future. Journey with us as we recount the inspiring stories of four elderly women who redefined their approach to golf by modifying their techniques. These ladies found success by adjusting their grip, stance, and swing, allowing them to tackle challenging bunker shots with newfound confidence and control. Their experiences highlight the importance of personalizing golf techniques to suit individual strengths and limitations, paving the way for improved performance and greater enjoyment on the course. Enhance your golf swing without high-tech equipment by mastering grip pressure, balance, and swing speed adjustments. We explore the myth that slowing down improves control and instead focus on maintaining balance and grip control to generate efficient power. Learn how simple tools, like an alignment stick and a Nerf ball, can serve as cost-effective solutions to improve your game. We also guide you on determining the optimal course length tailored to your capabilities, ensuring a fulfilling and satisfying golfing experience as you age. Join us as we celebrate the joy of golf, regardless of age, and look forward to 52 weeks of engaging and informative episodes.

In this episode of Those Weekend Golf Guys, hosted by John Ashton and Jeff Smith, golf enthusiast James Hong joins in discussing effective ways to hit your golf target numbers this year. Sponsored by FanDuel, the discussion kicks off with excitement over various sports events and betting options available on the platform. They underscore the difficulty of handicapping golf but provide betting tips for picking winners in tournaments and finishing positions. Shifting focus, they emphasize the importance of golf lessons over new equipment for game improvement. They address common questions about USGA rules and equipment regulations, shedding light on their impact on average golfers. Practical advice includes winter practice strategies with indoor drills, honing putting skills, and the importance of realistic goal setting. Sponsors Pitch In with smart suggestions for integrating performance supplements into daily routines. The episode ends with encouragement to seek personalized coaching from PGA professionals to effectively break whatever personal golf score barriers listeners aim to surpass.

**After the holiday break, it's time to get back to what matters: golf, memories, and the legends who shaped the game.** The beloved Skins Game used to light up our screens with nine holes on Thursday and Friday—players competing for real money while just being themselves on camera. (Those were the days.) Now we're mourning the loss of Fuzzy Zoeller, a golfer who brought genuine joy to every round he played. The man would fish at North Carolina golf courses between shots and buy drinks for strangers at his own Covered Bridge course. Remember when Greg Norman rode in a jitney from Indianapolis to the Wolf Challenge and drank American beer like water while staying completely composed? That was the kind of era we're talking about. But here's a question worth considering: are today's explosive, 300-yard-driving athletes actually destroying their bodies for success? Justin Thomas just had back surgery. Will Zalatoris has dealt with injuries. These modern players swing faster and harder than Ernie Els or Fred Couples ever did, conditioning themselves like NFL athletes but perhaps paying a brutal price. **Want the full conversation about golf's evolution and what we're sacrificing for distance? Listen to the complete episode.**

Podcast Summary Unlock the secrets to refining your golf skills year-round with our latest episode, featuring Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher Jeff Smith. We promise that by the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how indoor golf facilities are changing the game, offering both entertainment and performance-enhancing opportunities. Whether you're a casual golfer looking for a fun outing or a serious player aiming to improve your skills during the off-season, Jeff shares invaluable insights into the world of indoor golfing. From state-of-the-art simulators to the importance of high-quality equipment, we cover it all. Get ready to explore the pros and cons of practicing golf indoors, as Jeff and I dive into the technology and tools that make these facilities a game-changer. You'll learn about the benefits of realistic mats and massive screens that replicate outdoor conditions, as well as the challenges, like perfecting your putting indoors. With potential venues in hotspots like Las Vegas and South Florida, these facilities are garnering attention from golf enthusiasts. Jeff also highlights how simple visual training tools can make a significant difference in understanding and improving your game. Finally, join us for some light-hearted anecdotes that add a humorous twist to the conversation. We'll discuss the convenience and affordability of indoor golfing compared to playing iconic courses like Pebble Beach. Plus, there's a playful nod to sports betting and coaching changes that spice up the narrative. So, whether you're looking for a laugh or aiming to break personal records, this episode offers a unique perspective on staying connected to the game all year long.

Podcast Summary Unlock the secrets to a more satisfying golf game as we explore the fascinating evolution of golf clubs with expert Dick Smith. Discover why many golfers, especially older players, are moving away from the traditional 3-wood in favor of more forgiving options like the 5-wood, and learn how these alternatives offer easier handling and similar distances. This episode uncovers how these modern club choices can enhance your performance and reduce on-course frustration, leading to a more enjoyable golfing experience. Our discussion takes an intriguing turn as we draw parallels between the resilience needed in rebuilding after hurricanes and the determination golfers must have to improve their performance. With a focus on equipment adjustments for increased speed, we highlight the importance of assessing physical capability before investing in new gear and the crucial role of a qualified fitter. Plus, enjoy some lighthearted anecdotes that capture the social joy of the game, adding humor to the serious business of selecting the right clubs. Finally, we delve into the intricate dance of timing and technique that transforms effort into effortless power. We provide insights into increasing swing speed through targeted exercises and the use of innovative training tools. Whether you're learning from the prowess of long-drive champions like Justin James and Jason Zubak or refining your own technique, this episode offers a treasure trove of strategies to elevate your golfing prowess.