Pebble Beach is a famous golf course known for its stunning oceanfront holes. These seaside holes offer incredible views and a unique design that many admire. The inland holes also have their own appeal but are less memorable than the ocean holes. Pebble Beach’s true beauty is found where the…
The true essence of golf lies in valuing the learning process over any single shot. Mistakes are not failures but chances to improve skills and understanding. This mindset removes pressure and helps players stay fully engaged with each shot. Focusing on the experience rather than the score brings more joy…
Marc Bender talked about playing Oakmont on the podcast. Oakmont tests every part of a golfer’s game with fast greens and tough rough. Even top players struggle with the course’s challenges and mental demands. Oakmont is a place where every shot and decision truly matters. Listen to the full Golf…
Golfers always want to improve their game and lower their scores. Eric Alpenfels explained the science behind target vision putting. The key is focusing on where you look and how your brain works with that information. Practice this technique before using it on the course to see better results. Listen…
https://golfsmarter.com GS#1015 September 2, 2025. In this episode of the Golf Smarter podcast 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…
Eric Alpenfels shared a helpful tip about long putts. Many golfers focus too much on small details and lose touch with distance. He suggests taking a few practice strokes while looking at the target, then stepping up and hitting the putt. This simple habit can help you stay focused and…
Playing golf can feel like just trying to get through each swing without messing up. Hitting the ball well is the most important first step. Without good hits, players can’t enjoy the fun and creativity of the game. Once that happens, golf becomes much more rewarding and enjoyable. Listen to…
Marc Bender shared a fresh idea about playing golf. Golf is mostly about handling mistakes, not hitting perfect shots every time. The best plan is to aim for the middle of the green and trust your putting. This way, you can make the most of your round by managing the…
Eric Alpenfels talked about two common ways golfers aim their shots. One method uses a nearby spot to help line up the swing, while the other focuses directly on the flag in the distance. Both styles work well, depending on the player. Golfers are encouraged to try each one and…
https://golfsmarter.com 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…
The technology used in golf has changed a lot since the early days. Even without advanced tools, studies could still measure results by hitting golf balls and tracking their distance and accuracy. New devices like Trackman have made these measurements easier and more precise. Overall, technology has helped improve the…
Some skills can only be learned by doing. Fred Shoemaker explained how we learn best by trying, failing, and trying again. Just as children learn to walk without being told, adults also benefit from experience. The things we learn early and through effort often stay with us the longest. Listen…
Green speed can change how well you putt. Marc Bender explained that slower greens are easier for less skilled putters. Mistakes are more forgiving, while fast greens require exact control. Knowing how speed affects your putt can help you adjust your game. Listen to the full Golf Smarter episode here!:…
Many golfers get stuck thinking too much about their bodies. Eric Alpenfels noticed that amateurs often focus on shoulder turns, weight shifts, and elbow positions. But they rarely think about what the club is actually doing. Learning to pay attention to the club itself can make a real difference. Listen…
GS#1013 August 19, 2025 In this episode we welcome back Pete Charleston, co-founder of GolfLogix, to discuss the evolution of golf technology, particularly the GolfLogix app. We explore the journey from handheld GPS devices to smartphone applications, the introduction of green books for reading greens, and the legal compliance of…
Improving your downswing takes both movement and focus. Eric Alpenfels shared two helpful approaches. One focuses on moving the right arm close to the body, while the other shifts attention to the club head’s path. Research shows that both strategies can help, depending on the player. Listen to the full…
People learn golf best through experience, not just instructions. Some skills can’t be fully explained and must be learned by doing. Fred Shoemaker explained how swinging the club helps players understand what works. True improvement comes from practicing and feeling the game firsthand. Listen to the full Golf Smarter episode…
Golf simulators let golfers practice at home and play digital versions of real courses. They help players focus on tricky holes or get ready for upcoming rounds. Jason Chambers shared how these setups offer a controlled environment without outside distractions. Simulators are a useful way to improve skills and understand…
Golf course superintendents work hard every day to keep the greens smooth, firm, and fast. Tough weather makes their job even harder. Marc Bender explains how one mistake can damage the course for months. Their daily effort helps make each round of golf better for everyone. Listen to the full…
https://golfsmarter.com 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…
Putting greens have changed a lot over time. New grass types and equipment in the early 2000s made greens faster and firmer. Marc Bender explained how rollers improved the surface while using less water. Today’s putting greens are very different from those of the past. Listen to the full Golf…
Being present is one of the most important parts of playing well. It’s not taught in school, but it matters on the course. Fred Shoemaker said pro golfers often have a better sense of where the club is during the swing. This kind of awareness helps create solid contact and…
Speed in your swing starts with the arms and hands. When they move faster, the rest of the body follows. Joe Park said physics and setup matter more than forcing your hips to turn. Focusing on arm speed and body position can help increase clubhead speed the right way. Listen…
Simulator golf can be used for more than just hitting balls. It’s a place where players can practice making smart choices on the course. Jason Chambers explained how it helps with things like shot direction and target selection. You can make mistakes in a low-pressure space and train yourself to…