Those Weekend Golf Guys

In this episode, John and Jeff take you on a guided tour of every golfer’s favorite vacation spot: the thick, nasty, ball‑eating rough. Jeff breaks down how to survive it without turning one bad swing into a full‑blown scorecard crime scene. Step one? Check your clubface, because if it’s pointed at the parking lot, that’s exactly where your ball’s headed. The guys hammer home the golden rule of trouble shots: don’t be a hero when a bogey is still on the table. Punch it out, take your medicine, and live to fight the next hole instead of auditioning for the Dumb Decisions Hall of Fame. Speaking of which… Jeff drops a story from his days as a Big Ten rules official where one player made such a spectacularly bad choice in the rough that it didn’t just cost him strokes — it cost his entire team the championship. And no, that wasn’t a rulebook penalty. That was a DA penalty — the Dumb Ass penalty — the kind you give yourself when you know better but do the dumb thing anyway. The guys also clear up the real rules around declaring an unplayable lie, when you should do it, and how knowing the USGA Rules of Golf can save you from both actual penalties and the self‑inflicted DA variety. They wrap it all up with a friendly reminder: read the rules, make smarter choices, and subscribe, because the more you listen, the fewer Dumb Ass penalties you’ll hand yourself this season.

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.