Episodes

GS#1010 This time on the Golf Smarter Podcast, Eric Alpenfels, Director of Instruction at Pinehurst, discusses the innovative approach of instinct putting, which encourages golfers to focus on the hole rather than the ball. Alpenfels shares insights on how this technique can improve distance control and overall performance on the green, while also discussing the evolution of golf equipment and the importance of trust in the putting process. His latest book, 'Evidence-Based Golf,' contrasts empir...

GS#405 October 8, 2013 Despite strict USGA guidelines, not all golf clubs perform the same. Golf Professionals play with sticks that are meticulously tailored to their swing. Amateur golfers make purchases based on what the Pros play. No matter their skill level, few golfers take advantage of being fitted for clubs that compliment their swing style. Host Fred Greene is in the market for a new Driver, fairway driver, and hybrids and was amazed to learn how different each club performs for his swi...

GS#1009 Summary: This week we speak to Marc Bender, Managing Partner for multiple golf companies including Hidden Links Travel, Golfpac Travel, TeeTimes USA, Go Play Golf Card, and Upper Deck Golf. In this episode, Fred and Marc discuss their connection at the Masters, the intricacies of golf course architecture, and the evolution of golf greens. Marc is well connected in the golf industry and has met and played with some of the top names in our sport. He's also traveled extensively to golf cour...

GS#402 September 17, 2013 “You’ll become a ‘golfer’ when learning becomes more important than the outcome of your shot.” Be prepared to have your normal perceptions of improvement challenged, Fred Shoemaker of Extraordinary Golf talks about his DVD. Please check out this article about Fred's golf and podcast journey called "A Lifetime On The Air" that was published in the NCGA Magazine (Northern California Golf Association) recently! Get more when your visit the refreshed golfsmarter.com! Intr...

GS#1008 Summary: This week we speak to Jason Chambers, a golf instructor at Onyx Golf Academy in Orange County, California. We discuss the rise of simulator golf, its benefits and challenges, and how it caters to the needs of golfers in a densely populated area. The conversation also touches on the importance of golf instruction, decision-making in golf, and the potential of new formats like TGL to attract a younger audience to the game. We also explore the social aspects of simulator golf and h...

GS#395 Drivers sell. The new adjustable Drivers sell REALLY well. But do they work? Club Fitter Nick Manzano and Fred Greene discuss what is unique about the latest Drivers. We also cover purchasing used clubs, last year’s models, or getting your clubs repaired. **We usually play our archived episodes in a row, but unfortunately many conversations have been lost so there will be a gap. That's why this episode is part2, but couldn't find part 1. Sorry. Please check out this article about Fred's ...

GS#1007 Summary: In this episode we meet golf professional Joe Park and hear about his journey in the golf world, the importance of influential instructors, and the nuances of the golf swing. Joe emphasizes the significance of weight shift, the role of arms and hands in generating club head speed, and the balance between consistency and distance in golf. He introduces his five fundamentals of golf, which include grip, posture, backswing, downswing, and impact, and discusses how these principles ...

GS#392 July 9, 2013 Ken Doherty, Head Golf Pro at Marin Country Club discusses how your intent impacts mechanics. No matter the situation, as long as you focus on a target and are clear about your intent, then you stop thinking about mechanics which will free you to hit better shots. Please check out this article about Fred's golf and podcast journey called "A Lifetime On The Air" that was published in the NCGA Magazine (Northern California Golf Association) recently! Get more when your visit t...

GS#1006 Summary: Our guest this week is Dan Landman, the creator of SpoiLER Golf, a new putter design that emphasizes the concept of lead edge roll. We explore the innovation behind the putter, its advantages over traditional designs, and the insights gained from working with golf professionals like Joe Hallett. Dan shares the journey of developing the putter, the importance of understanding ball roll, and how SpoiLER Golf aims to position itself in a competitive market. Dan's insight into the i...

GSfMO#391 July 2, 2013 - NFL Quarterback Peyton Manning defied all the odds by having a successful season after recovering from neck surgery. Muscle Activation Technique (MAT) Therapy developed in Denver, CO by Greg Roskopf has been credited to his miraculous recovery. MAT Therapy has also been significant for other NFL stars like John Elway and Chris Simms. PGA Professionals and amateur golfers have also testified to being able to play more, better, and pain free even after their first session!...

GS#1005 Summary: As we always have engaging conversations with Matt Ginella, this time is no different. In this episode we explore our shared backgrounds in media, the influence of legendary broadcasters, and the evolution of sports journalism. We discuss our personal journeys, the impact of family connections on their careers, and the current landscape of podcasting and storytelling in sports media. Matt also shares his journey from passion to business in the golf media landscape. He discusses ...

GSfMO#389 June 18, 2013- John Grund, PGA says that you CAN become a better putter, it’s a learnable behavior! John sticks around for another hour of our conversation on Vector Putting. Of course you realize that every scorecard automatically gives you 2 putts for each hole. Even if you don’t drive the ball 300 yards, if you can read greens better and achieve multiple 1-putts per round, breaking 80 will regularly follow. John’s theory of STAG putting is covered in detail. S=speed T=Two feet & str...

GS#1004 Summary: This week host Fred Greene speaks with Caleb Kroloff, Director of Metal & Woods R&D for PXG to discuss the new PXG Wildcat set, designed for beginner golfers and those with slower swing speeds. We also discuss the latest innovations in golf equipment, including hybrids, irons, and the new Blackhawk putter. Caleb explores the design philosophy behind these clubs, the importance of fitting for golfers of all skill levels, and the introduction of the Secret Weapon mini driver. The ...

GS#388 June 11, 2013 Former Tour player and instructor John Grund returns to discuss Vector Putting and how his own “S.T.A.G.” putting system will enhance your skills at green reading, alignment, distance, and direction. In this first episode of two, John introduces us to the ‘S’ of STAG. Part 2 goes into full detail of STAG - Speed, Two Feet & Straight, Aim, Green Reading. Visit tourstriker.com/TSGA and use the code GOLFSMARTER to get your first month of the Tour Striker GolfAcademy Online fre...

GS#1003 Summary: Our guest this week is Gene Parente, inventor of the "Iron Byron" golf-ball hitting robot and contributor to Golf Digest. But that's not where our story begins! Gene shares his deep personal connection to the golf industry, particularly through the legacy of Tony Manzoni. The conversation explores Gene's father's journey in golf, the rise of Callaway Golf, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drove both Gene's father and Tony to create innovative golf products. We discuss the cha...

GSfMO#387 June 4, 2013: John “Lag” Erickson returns for a Members Only episode to break down his teaching method of improving your swing from impact backwards. We also discuss why bifurcation should be in place so that the USGA and the Tour have different rules. John feels very strongly that it all started going downhill when they allowed metal clubs instead of woods. We get into a deeper conversation about why he thinks everyone would play much better if they knew how to hit with persimmon woo...

GS#1002 Summary : Dr. Rick Sessinghaus returns to discuss the evolution of the mental game in golf, emphasizing its growing importance alongside technological advancements in the sport. Host Fred Greene questions Rick about how technology is being utilized to measure mental states and performance, the critical role of confidence in a player's success, and the impact of self-talk on performance. The conversation highlights the need for a strong relationship between coaches and caddies to foster ...

GS#386 May 28, 2013 : From Touring to Teaching, John “Lag” Erickson has seen golf from all sides and is concerned that the art of ball striking is disappearing. He contends that today’s highly advanced research to make clubs more forgiving is ruining the ability to become a great ball striker. Even the greatest players of today struggle when handed persimmon clubs, nor could they compete with the pre-metal club pros. It’s not just touch, but the sound of hitting balls has changed for the worst....

GS#1,001 Summary Dr. Joe Parent, featured on episode #1 starts the next era of Golf Smarter with his 18th appearance on the show. Joe and host Fred Greene discuss the importance of mindset and confidence in golf, drawing from Dr. Parent's hugely popular series of books on the mental game, starting with 'Zen Golf'. The conversation delves into the PAR approach to golf, emphasizing preparation, action, and response to results, and concludes with the principles of honor and friendship in the game....

GS#613 January 30, 2017: Tony Manzoni makes his final appearance on Golf Smarter before he passed away in October the following year. In this episode, he’s here to announce the launch of his new golf school in La Quinta, CA that never got a chance to take off. Tony’s teamed up with two other Palm Springs area legendary coaches, Garry Hopkins and Davey Evans! Tony’s book "The Lost Fundamental: One Simple Move, Better Golf Forever", is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle format. His video, ...

GS#1,000!! Summary. To celebrate this milestone episode of the Golf Smarter Podcast, host Fred Greene engages with legendary CBS sports broadcaster Jim Nantz, who shares the heartfelt story behind his signature greeting, 'Hello friends,' which he dedicated to his father battling Alzheimer's. The conversation flows into Fred & Jim's experiences with the legendary John Madden, his early memories of golf, and the joy of coaching his son in the sport. They discuss the significance of the Masters To...

GS#595 June 6, 2017: Beyond being a great golfer and teacher, Tony Manzoni had so much more to his life than the game. In this conversation we get into an interesting discussion of what it’s like to live in the shadow of a high profile father, then pursuing a career choice in the same field. Examples discussed include Steph Curry and Frank Sinatra Jr. We then continue to discuss taking your game to the next level one club at a time. The focus of the conversation is how many situations require we...

GS#999 Summary In this episode of Golf Smarter, host Fred Greene welcomes back favorite guest PGA Master Professional Joe Hallett to discuss various aspects of golf, including the significance of golf course design, the role of the USGA, and the differences between amateur and professional golf. They explore how course design impacts coaching and playing strategies, the importance of adapting to different course conditions, and the nuances of using specialty wedges. The conversation is rich wit...

GS#594 May 30, 2017: Tony Manzoni returns to discuss tips, insights, and strategies on how to be more consistent with each golf club in your bag. In this episode we explore improvements with your putter, 8 iron, and lob wedge. We’ve scheduled to have...