Episodes

GS#1028 Sam Hahn, CEO of L.A.B. Golf, currently the hottest golf company in the world, returns to discuss the company’s explosive growth and the details of their recent acquisition by private investment firm, L Catterton. Also discussed is how Sam's prolific use of Social Media has helped grow brand loyalty and exposure. Also covered is the radical, yet traditional design of their latest putter innovation, the Oz1.iHS. This is the first heel shafted putter released by L.A.B. with the head co-des...

GS#1027 Jim Waldron has been a regular on Golf Smarter since 2007 (episode #105) because of how well versed he is in incorporating the most comprehensive elements of the mental game with the best swing mechanics. That's why he's also become very popular on many other podcasts. This conversation delves into the nature of negative thought patterns and the importance of creating psychological space to manage emotions effectively. It highlights how detachment from negative feelings can reduce their ...

GS#1026 This week Chia Chou, a world renowned musician and professor, showcases his online program, Audio Golf. The course can help golfers of all skill levels achieve a repeatable rhythm that will result in hitting shots, and stroking putts more consistently. Chou challenges Fred to demonstrate the difficulty of performing contradictory actions while speaking. The discussion highlights the complexities of body language and communication, emphasizing how challenging it is to align verbal and non...

GS#1025 This week we reconnect with John Sabino, who shares his remarkable journey of playing the Top 100 golf courses in the world, culminating in his experience at Augusta National. John reflects on his time playing with Masters champions, the lessons learned from the Augusta experience, and the insights he gained while writing his book, 'The Augusta Principles.' The conversation delves into the meticulous attention to detail at Augusta, the impact of Cliff Roberts on the Masters' legacy, and ...

GS#1024 This week Nate Oxman shares his unique experiences caddying on the LPGA Tour, and looping for celebrities like Troy Aikman and Darius Rucker at Merion Golf Club in Philadelphia. He recounts a memorable encounter with Rucker, where he was offered tickets to a show and a humorous deal regarding naming his unborn child. In addition to discussing his first book “Phillie Phenoms”, a great golf story directed at teens, but good for any age, our discussion highlights the personal connections an...

GS#1,023 In this episode Chris Petefish highlights that golfers do not need to play perfectly to achieve great results, focusing instead on smart decision-making and managing expectations on the course. Chris also shares his journey as a professional golfer, discussing his experiences on the PGA Tour and the challenges he faces in balancing playing and coaching. He emphasizes the importance of strategic golf, mental resilience, and the role of statistics like strokes gained in improving performa...

GS#1022 This week we speak to Dr. Jo Lukins about her most recent book 'The Elite'. She shares insights on the mental strategies that elite athletes use to succeed. Dr. Lukins also explores the unique mental challenges faced by golfers and the significance of habits, nutrition, and sleep in achieving peak performance. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, the role of failure in learning, and how gratitude can enhance performance. This episode is sponsored by Indeed. Please visit indeed.com/...

GS#1021 In this engaging conversation, author Mike Berland shares his journey into golf, highlighting how he discovered the sport later in life and the profound impact it has had on his social connections and personal growth. We go deep into the psychological aspects of golf, including the dopamine rush associated with successful shots, and how golf serves as a social connector that reveals character. Mike emphasizes the importance of networking through golf, the evolution of participation in th...

GS#1020 Our guest this week is Brent Neville, creator of the ShotSense app, which aims to revolutionize how golfers approach the game. After establishing how crowded the golf technology landscape has become, we discuss the importance of playing smarter, and how ShotSense leverages modern computing to provide tailored strategies for golfers of all skill levels. Brent explains the app's unique features, including club characteristics, geospatial analysis, and elevation considerations, making it a ...

GS#1,019 In this engaging conversation, David Buck shares his journey from a young golfer to a teacher, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game and overcoming mental hurdles. He discusses memorable triumphs, the mental aspects of golf, and unconventional approaches to teaching and playing. David also offers insights on making golf fun again, simplifying the game, and even his experience learning to play left-handed. The conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and practical...

GS#1018 In this episode Jon Schram shares his journey through the world of golf, detailing his early passion for the sport, the challenges of competition, and the mental struggles he faced. He discusses the importance of flow state in performance and how understanding psychology has shaped his approach to golf and coaching. Schram's story highlights the balance between joy and anxiety in sports, the role of support systems, and the transformative power of mental focus. We also explore the concep...

GS#1016 September 9, 2025 This week on the Golf Smarter Podcast, Chris Finn returns to delve into the myths surrounding golf fitness. Chris is a Titliest Performance Institute Certified Medical Professional, a Certified Preceision Nutrition Coach and Golf Digest Top 50 Golf Fitness Professional. We explore a recent study on the impact of footwear on golf performance, emphasizing the significance of spikes and proper shoe fit in enhancing club head speed and overall performance. Chris also discus...

GS#1015 September 2, 2025. This week we speak with Ben Helmrath, VP PGA Tour Superstores, and "caddie" for the TGL Champion Atlanta Drive about the exciting developments in golf, particularly focusing on the rise of golf simulators. Ben shares insights into the partnership with the PGA Tour, the growth of golf retail, and the evolution of golf experiences, especially during the pandemic. He recounts his firsthand experiences with TGL at SoFi Stadium and his strategic role during matches, highlig...

GS#1014 August 26, 2025 Dr. Izzy Justice returns to discuss the intricate relationship between brain function and golf performance from his new book, 'Your Brain Swings Every Club', which explores the cognitive aspects of golfing performance. Dr. Justice introduces the concept of 'chasing 10 hertz' to optimize mental states for better performance and emphasizes the importance of utilizing wait times effectively on the golf course. The conversation also discusses the intricate relationship betwee...

GS#1012: This week on Golf Smarter, we speak to Robert Jones Black, the great grandson of legendary golfer Bobby Jones. We discuss the legacy of Bobby Jones, the challenges of preserving that legacy within the family, and the importance of humility in their connection to such a prominent figure in golf history. Robert shares personal anecdotes about growing up with the legacy of his grandfather and the responsibility he feels to maintain the brand of Bobby Jones in today's world. Robert discusse...

GS#1011 Summary: This week we talk to Richard Berle, founder of https://home.golffit.com/ and the Golf Fit app, a platform designed to enhance golfers' fitness and performance. He shares his personal journey, including overcoming injuries and the...

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#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#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#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#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...

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 ...

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#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...