Golf Smarter

644: Dr. Joseph Parent, best-selling author of the most popular book on golf’s mental game “Zen Golf: Mastering The Mental Game” makes his twelfth appearance on Golf Smarter. (Check out his other incredibly helpful interviews on episodes #1,70, 77, 221, 222, 300, 331, 332, 382, 383, 521). He’s been the mental coach for numerous PGA and LPGA Tour players including Vijay Singh and Cristie Kerr in addition to countless up and coming golfers. If he can help the best players in the world on their mental approach to better golf, imagine what he can do for you. And this episode doesn’t disappoint. We talk about how reacting to your shot has an impact on your next one, the pre-shot and post-shot routines, putting, and his exclusive PARR approach to golf “Preparation. Action. Response to Results”. These are my favorite types of interviews because they can have an immediate impact on your next round, whether you’re practicing a lot or only hit balls when you play. He also introduces us to a fun new mental game golf pro

643: TwoGuysWithGolfBalls.com sells premium used golf balls at the lowest prices. These balls aren’t those you find in the woods, either. Every ball is hand inspected and graded into 3 categories: Eagle; Birdie; Par. Eagle grade are basically brand new balls, but may have a logo on them. How clean are they? Let’s define a “used” golf ball…Pull a brand new, expensive ball out of the sleeve. Tee it up and swing. THAT’S now a used golf ball. This week’s conversation is with Sam Hogan, one of the founders of this company that also donates a portion of their sales to Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation.  At the time of this writing, a new box of Titleist Pro V1 on golfballs.com is $48. twoguyswithballs.com sells them for $24. And for a new box of 2015 Pro V1 (you’ll learn the difference here) is only $19!!SAVE an additional 15% on any purchase from twoguyswithgolfballs.com at checkout with code “golf smarter 15”, and that includes balls or any of their membership clubs. These are savings you can’t afford to miss. T

642: Many golf pros prefer a playing lesson over driving range lessons. This gives them a chance to see how you handle yourself in difficult situations and get a better sense of your thought process on the course. In this week’s episode we talk to Grant Shafranski from his base in Minneapolis. Grant takes us through a couple of holes with an imaginary average player and shares his insights from tee to green on how to make better decisions that will help lower scores. He also provides tips on how to get close to the hole from around the green. You can find the Grant Shafranski Golf Academy page on Facebook or he teaches at the North Oaks Golf Club in the greater Minneapolis area.The episode we teased last week about golf balls is going to be next week. So DO NOT buy any golf balls until you listen to episode 643 with Sam Hogan. You'll learn more about the best ball for your game and how to save a LOT of money in the process.

641: The iconic image of Payne Stewart winning the 1999 U.S. Open is etched into our collective golf memories forever. Did you know that he only won twice on the Tour between his 1991 and 1999 US Open victories? One of those wins was also in 1999, which is the year he switched to a SeeMore putter. SeeMore was also the winning putter for both of Zach Johnson’s Majors at the 2007 Masters and his incredible clutch putting performance at the 2015 Open Championship at St. Andrews. SeeMore can help you too because of their patented RifleScope Technology (RST) which allows you to set up to the putter perfectly each and every time in relation to your intended target line. Our guest is the CEO of SeeMore, Jim Grundberg who talks about the history and design of the putter and how it’s heaven sent for amateur golfers.Tell them Golf Smarter sent you at SeeMore.com and get a free hat or t-shirt. Pay only $25 to have your initials etched in your new SeeMore putter (normally $40). This episode of Golf Smarter is brought to

640: This week we go up to the coast to play Ocean Dunes Golf Links in Florence, OR. Our guest is Bob Rannow, PGA, a native of Oregon who has been teaching and working in his home state since he was 14. Bob gives us an overview of Oregon coastal courses and get a TeeTour of Ocean Dunes Golf Links. The second half of our conversation covers his tournament history and tips and insights to play better at links style courses. If you’d like to see photos of Ocean Dunes, there’s a video from the first part of our conversation on our GolfSmarterTV channel.This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, Fred answers a question about trying the new High Heat 257+ clubs from KnuthGolf.com (episode #637). Once Fred receives his review clubs from Knuth Golf, he’s going to take them to his favorite club fitter, Nick Manzano (episode #405), and put them up against his Callaway XHot Driver, 4 wood, and Ping Hybrids on the trackman computer system to see if these clubs do go farther and straighter than clubs that were fit specificall

639: Golfers who love to travel say that the Bandon Dunes Resort of courses on the Oregon coast rival the legendary courses of the UK.  But for those who are a little more budget conscious there are still plenty of fabulous options throughout the state of Oregon. From Portland, to Eugene, playing the Coast, to Bend and back to Medford/Klamath Falls. The courses that populate Oregon are not only challenging and beautiful, they have tremendous history too. In this week’s episode we learn more about Oregon golf from Casey Mills, curator of OregonCourses.com who shares stories and tips on where, and when, to play in Oregon.We’re taking a break from the Golf Smarter Academy this week to give Tony Manzoni a well needed rest. If you have a question about your game, let us help! Submit your question by calling toll free 415-761-1498. Listeners who get answers receive a diploma from the Golf Smarter Academy, and the all new Golf Smarter ball marker!  Get more at GolfSmarter.com/Academy 

Josh Zander made a big impression with Golf Smarter listeners last October (2017 episodes #607 & #608) when he allowed us to record his short game clinic. We also have some really good videos on our YouTube.com/GolfSmarterTV channel from that clinic. “Getting Your Golf Pitch Shot Up in the Air” and “Block Practice vs Situation Practice”. In this episode our conversation is on Distance & Direction from both the fairway and the green. He also has some great drills to improve your long lag putts.This episode of Golf Smarter is brought to you by Peter Millar Golf. Head over to PeterMillar.com/GOLFSMARTER to check out some of my Peter Millar favorites. Use this link and you'll receive complimentary shipping and a free hat valued at $30! Peter Millar is a premium American lifestyle brand featuring a wide range of casual sportswear, tailored menswear, and luxury performance golf apparel.This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, Fred from CA isn’t sure if getting fitted for a putter is as valuable as a regular c

637: Dean Knuth, the Pope of Slope, first introduced us to his retirement project back in 2016. Now, the High Heat Drivers, Fairway Woods, and Hybrids just got hotter! In 2016 the USGA permitted a conforming golf face to have a much higher “trampoline” effect, known as CT, on the toe and heel of the club face so that you don’t lose any distance or accuracy with mishits. Get all the details at KnuthGolf.com and make sure you take advantage of our exclusive discount! Save 15% when you let them know at checkout that you heard about the new High Heat 257+ clubs on Golf Smarter!This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, Allen from Atlanta is struggling with hitting the ball of the toe of the club and wants advice from Tony. Maybe he should get that 15% discount on a couple new High Heat 257+ clubs that we just discussed on the episode! If you have a question for Fred, Tony, or any other past Golf Smarter guests, let us help with your game or equipment! Submit your question by calling toll free 415-761-1498. Even if yo

Rob Labritz is the Director of Golf at GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford Hills, NY who has competed in five PGA Championships. He’s also made routine appearances on the Golf Channel. In his conversation with host Fred Greene, Rob has fabulous advice on correcting common amateur problems like hooking and slicing.This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, Dustin from Canada has a detailed question on his setup and swing with his driver. If you have a question for Fred, Tony, or any other past Golf Smarter guests, let us help with your game or equipment! Submit your question by calling toll free 415-761-1498. Even if you want to ask another golf instructor who’s been on Golf Smarter before, we’re here to help! Listeners who get answers receive a free copy of Tony Manzoni’s DVD “The Lost Fundamental”, a diploma from the Golf Smarter Academy, and the all new Golf Smarter ball marker!  Get more at GolfSmarter.com/Academy 

Tony Jaklin was the most successful British player of his generation, winning two Majors, and four time European Team Ryder Cup Captain. But now in his 70s he’s trying something new. Along with Shelby Yastrow, Tony has co-authored “Bad Lies: A Story of Libel, Slander, & Professional Golf”. We talk to Tony about his career and this really compelling book. Shelby, a retired attorney joins us to complete the conversation.  The book is being released on the same day as this podcast, so get your copy now!This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, Ron from Northern Virginia calls in with a question for Tony about club fitting, and another for host Fred Greene about Lincoln Park Golf Course in San Francisco. If you have a question for Fred, Tony, or any other past Golf Smarter guests, let us help with your game or equipment! Submit your question by calling toll free 415-761-1498. Even if you want to ask another golf instructor who’s been on Golf Smarter before, we’re here to help! Listeners who get answers receive a

Don Byers was playing golf with his buddies when one of them was so impressed by his play that asked Don to join the college golf team where he coached. Even though Don's eligible to play college sports, he’s kinda busy with work and his grandchildren!! But now he’s also a college student (ugh) and playing for the Bellevue Bruins (wow). This is one of the stories Fred can’t pass up because it’s just crazy enough to work on Golf Smarter.This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, Bernd from Germany has called the Academy back because he’s still struggling to break 80. Our Academy Professor, Tony Manzoni has important advice that will work for all golfers, no matter if you’re trying to break 100 or 70!  What about you? Let us help with your game or equipment! Submit your question by calling toll free 415-761-1498. Even if you want to ask another golf instructor who’s been on Golf Smarter before, we’re here to help! Listeners who get answers receive a free copy of Tony Manzoni’s DVD “The Lost Fundamental”, a diploma

Mike Jick is a PGA Teaching Professional who started his career in golf as a LPGA Tour Caddie and also got some time on the bag on the Tour. In this episode Mike shares stories from inside the ropes of his lessons, embarrassments, and what he learned that has made him a better golfer.This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, David is having issues with casting his clubs and asks our Academy Professor, Tony Manzoni for drills and tips on how to stop.  What about you? Let us help with your game or equipment! Submit your question by calling toll free 415-761-1498. Even if you want to ask another golf instructor who’s been on Golf Smarter before, we’re here to help! Listeners who get answers receive a free copy of Tony Manzoni’s DVD “The Lost Fundamental”, a diploma from the Golf Smarter Academy, and the all new Golf Smarter ball marker!  Get more at GolfSmarter.com/Academy 

632: Dave Pelz, returns for part 2 of our conversation about the fun and tremendous benefits of having a backyard practice area. Before the episode we open with an impressive recap of Dave’s MASTERS predictions. In the full interview, Dave shares his favorite games, tips, and drills to practice that will improve your putting, chipping and pitching skills and lead to lower scores. Even if you don’t have your own area to practice at home, this advice can be used anytime you practice or warm up before a round. Have you seen his amazing backyard? This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, Rick from Florida returns with a follow up question to the advice he received from our Academy Professor, Tony Manzoni a few weeks ago. What about you? Let us help with your game or equipment! Submit your question by calling toll free 415-761-1498. Even if you want to ask another golf instructor who’s been on Golf Smarter before, we’re here to help! Listeners who get answers receive a free copy of Tony Manzoni’s DVD “The Lost Fundam

631: Phil Mickleson’s coach, Dave Pelz, may be the most recognized short game instructor in golf today. Part of his mastery comes from being a physicist who loves golf, the other is that he possesses one of the most spectacular practice areas in his backyard that you’ll ever see.  In Part 1 of our conversation with Dave, we discuss how having a backyard practice area has improved both his game and his family life. When he was on Golf Smarter last April (episode 586), Dave introduced Host Fred Greene to an outdoor practice product called SynLawn. As we record this episode Fred’s new 5 hole putting green/chipping area installed by SynLawn Bay Area is being completed. Up next week, Dave returns to provide us with drills, games, and advice on how to best utilize your home practice to impact your scores on the course.This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, Dustin from Ohio has done a lot to improve his swing, but can't seem to stop his head from moving back and forward during his swing. Also, his backswing is just

630: Jeff Ritter, a regular contributor to the Golf Channel and Golf Digest is also a Golf Smarter favorite, as this is his 13th appearance on our podcast. Jeff is known for his unique approach to teaching the game. His passion for inspiration, body health and mental flexibility has set him apart as a purveyor of not only playing well but living well. Jeff announced his Make The Turn (MTT) initiative on Golf Smarter on episode 356 (11/6/12) that was the most popular series with more than 20 million viewers on Golf Digest TV. Now he’s here to report the release of the comprehensive MTT app that provides golf and health improvement tips, tricks and advice.This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, Steven from San Antonio, TX needs some putting warmup drills and Tony has an answer that could help all of us. In his answer he talked about advice from five time Major winner, Dave Stockton. Dave was a featured guest on Golf Smarter #430 on 4/1/14 and I highly recommend that you check it out. If you’ve already heard it,

629: Jay Delsing was part of the legendary UCLA golf team in the early eighties that included Corey Pavin (1982 Player of the Year), Steve Pate (1983 Player of the Year), Duffy Waldorf, Tom Pernice, John Perles, and Roger Gunn. He then spent the next 20 years as a Touring Pro. Some of his fabulous advice and insights inspired today’s show title. Now, still associated with golf, he’s a sideline reporter for PGA Tour Live and a businessman focused on golf entertainment and hospitality. His father, Jim Delsing, played baseball for the St Louis Browns and is the answer to one of the all-time great random trivia questions. Jay is a fabulous story teller so we cover a lot of topics including St Louis sports, his touring years, and working with amateur golfers.This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, Patrick Lee from Lexington, KY has listened to Tony Manzoni’s last episode on the Single Pivot Swing at least 50 times, but he still wants some help from our Academy Professor. Let us help you too! Submit your question by

628: Roger Gunn is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Alumni  who has experienced a variety of pro tours, but then discovered that teaching suited his personality, game, and lifestyle more than being on the road all the time. Currently Roger’s the Director of Instruction at Tierra Rejada Golf club in Moorpark, CA. The subject of this conversation was inspired by a video Roger did called Diagnosing Your Mistakes https://youtu.be/nHC7utWGb1w.Roger has worked with many PGA Tour pros, but one of his mentors was Jim Hardy who also talks about ball flight patterns as a way to identify swing issues. We featured Hardy’s book Solid Contact in two episodes back in 2012 on Golf Smarter. Here are the links if you’d like to check those out too. Episode #329 "Solid Contact! The New Book from Legendary Coach, Jim Hardy" and  #330 "Solid Contact! Part2 with Jim Hardy.  This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, Josh from California struggles with different clubs to hit a variety of shorter distances, but Tony has an answer. Let us help you

627: We’ve all heard it. More golfers are quitting the game each year than those who are starting to play because it takes too long, it’s too expensive, and it’s too hard. Golf entrepreneur Harvey Silverman has created a solution called Quick Golf.  Quick Golf is designed for golf courses to offer a pay per hole program. Joining us in the conversation is Shellie Sinitiere, Asst Golf Pro at Pinewood Golf in a suburb New Orleans that is has eliminated their twilight rate and implemented a Quick.Golf rate for less than 9 holes at $2.50 per hole that includes a cart ($1.50 per hole to walk).  If you’d like to see the the most recent research paper from the National Golf Foundation on 2017 Golf Participation in the U.S. check out this interesting pdf.This week on the Golf Smarter Academy, Ben from Florida is struggling with a dead pull, but Tony has an answer. Let us help you too! Submit your question by calling toll free 415-761-1498. Listeners who get answers receive a free copy of Tony Manzoni’s DVD “The Lost F

626: Now that the Winter Olympics in South Korea are over, we say hello to Kathy Cho, from a large South Korean family who, after High School moved to Mexico, and then to Southern California to study English and discover golf. Being tenacious, she worked on her game and became a Class A Teaching Pro focused on families and children getting started in the game. In this conversation we also discuss how to successfully approach a course you’ve never played before. Along with writer Paul Cervantes (co-wrote Tony Manzoni’s “The Lost Fundamental”) Kathy wrote ”From The Hole To The Tee: Guide to Teaching Golf To Children”.This week on the Golf Smarter Academy presented by HealthIQ, Mark from Canada wants to turn his slice into a fade. Let us help you too! Submit your question by calling toll free 415-761-1498. Listeners who get answers receive a free copy of Tony Manzoni’s DVD “The Lost Fundamental”, a workout shirt from HealthIQ, a diploma from the Golf Smarter Academy, and the all new Golf Smarter ball marker!  Ge

625: Most amateur golfers consider the time getting loose before a round as practice, but that's actually warming up and it may not be the best time to experiment or tinker with your swing. This week our guest is John Battaglia, a PGA Professional teaching at the PGA West Golf Academy in La Quinta, CA. His early training at Jim McLean’s academy has not only made him a better teacher, but a better golfer as well. In this week’s conversation, we explore the differences between warming up and practicing. John also offers online lessons for anyone around the world at 360GolfLesson.com.This week on the Golf Smarter Academy presented by HealthIQ, Todd from Philly has a question for Tony Manzoni about hip rotation. Let us help you too! Submit your question by calling toll free 415-761-1498. Listeners who get answers receive a free copy of Tony Manzoni’s DVD “The Lost Fundamental”, a workout shirt from HealthIQ, a diploma from the Golf Smarter Academy, and the all new Golf Smarter ball marker!  Get more at GolfSmarte