Those Weekend Golf Guys Podcast By Those Weekend Golf Guys Bleav cover art

Those Weekend Golf Guys

Those Weekend Golf Guys

By: Those Weekend Golf Guys Bleav
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About this listen

 Take a Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher, Jeff Smith ( (http://jeffsmithgolfinstruction.com) and pair him with an outstanding radio personality and you have the formula for one helluva Golf Talk Radio Show. John Ashton (the show host) has enjoyed success as a morning personality on radio stations from Bangor, Maine to Dallas, Texas. He’s also embarrassed himself on many golf courses in the same locations. John is a hacker, struggling to break 80 (OK, 90) but has a passion and enjoyment of the game, a skewed sense of humor and an outlook that makes this the most entertaining Golf Show around.Jeff Smith, PGA enjoys the innate ability to create word pictures so, even on the radio, his tips and techniques to improve your game are clear, easy to follow and help listeners cut strokes on their very next round.© 2024 Those Weekend Golf Guys Golf
Episodes
  • Mastering the Mental Game: Strategies for Golf Performance with Joe Bosco

    Mastering the Mental Game: Strategies for Golf Performance with Joe Bosco
    Jun 1 2025
    (00:00) Golf Discussion With Joe Bosco This chapter takes a fascinating look at the mental and emotional aspects of golf with special guest Joe Bosco, a respected expert in human performance. We discuss how the mind can both enhance and inhibit physical performance on the golf course, emphasizing the importance of mental control and emotional management. Joe shares insights into how golfers can improve by integrating mental strategies with physical skills, transforming them into more complete players. We explore scenarios that test a golfer's mental resilience, like facing a challenging par three over water, and highlight the common tendency for golfers to get stuck in their heads, focusing too much on mechanics rather than trusting their skills. Through this engaging conversation, we aim to help golfers overcome mental obstacles and enhance their performance by aligning their mind and body. (06:57) Navigating Parental Pressure in Junior Golf This chapter addresses the pressing issue of parental pressure in youth sports, particularly in junior golf. We explore the detrimental effects of parents who hover over their children, pushing them to perform for reasons tied to parental pride rather than the child's love for the game. Discussing personal experiences and observations, we highlight the shift from a time when young athletes played more independently to the current landscape where children often face burnout from external pressures. The conversation touches on the mental and emotional hurdles young athletes encounter, exacerbated by parental involvement and social media influences, and stresses the importance of allowing children to develop their skills and passion independently. (15:43) Mental Game in Junior Golf This chapter explores the misconceptions around perfectionism in golf, particularly for young players and their parents. I share an anecdote about an eighth-grade golfer and his parents, who have a skewed perspective due to watching highlight reels on TV, thinking professional golfers like Tiger Woods never make mistakes. By showing them PGA Tour bloopers, I challenge this perception, highlighting the reality that even top golfers miss shots. We discuss how parents, especially those unfamiliar with golf, may place unrealistic expectations on their children, drawing parallels with other sports like baseball, where failure is more accepted. I also touch on strategies for improving golf performance, referencing Joe's book "Real Golf." A key method is the self-scramble, where players hit multiple shots and choose the best one, fostering self-coaching and adaptability, essential skills in golf due to its nature of constant adjustments. (27:39) Visualization Training for Golf Performance This chapter explores the transformative power of an app designed to enhance golfers' performance by focusing on mental conditioning and visualization techniques. We discuss the importance of helping both parents and young golfers navigate the pressures of the sport, while also highlighting the app's benefits for adult players like John. The conversation touches on the app's integration of hypnotherapy elements, which aim to retrain players' responses to pressure situations, ultimately leading to improved performance. Jeff's insights on reducing pressure and fostering positivity through strategies like not keeping score but counting good shots are emphasized. A success story is shared about a young golfer who, through the app's training modules and recordings, significantly improved his ability to visualize and recall details from his games, impressing even his mother with his progress. (32:25) Mastering Mental Performance in Golf This chapter focuses on the power of visualization in enhancing golf performance and overall human potential. We explore the concept of "pre-living," which goes beyond traditional visualization by incorporating all senses and emotions to vividly imagine and rehearse future actions. Jeff Smith, a top 100 golf instructor, and Joe Bosco, a mental performance expert, discuss how this technique can help golfers of all levels by fostering a positive mindset and focusing on constructive thoughts. We also introduce Joe Bosco's newly launched app, Real Mental Golf, available in the Apple Store, which offers tools and content to support mental training for golf and life. Through engaging community features and resources, users can strengthen their focus and concentration, overcoming negative spirals to enhance performance on and off the golf course. (37:48) Mindset Mastery in Golf Coaching This chapter focuses on the significance of mental coaching in golf and how leveraging positive thoughts can enhance performance. We explore the idea of "give credit and steal shamelessly," emphasizing the value of being a transmitter of good ideas to foster personal growth and enjoyment in the game. Highlighting contributions from renowned mental coaches like Dr. Bob Rotella and Brett McCabe, the discussion ...
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    45 mins
  • Master Your Golf Game: Equipment Tips, Practice Strategies, and Legendary Insights

    Master Your Golf Game: Equipment Tips, Practice Strategies, and Legendary Insights
    May 26 2025

    (00:00) Golf Equipment and Club Fitting

    This chapter captures the essence of mountain golf at Pine Canyon Golf Club in Flagstaff, Arizona, highlighting the unique and entertaining features of the course, including the 19th hole—a challenging 88-yard par three with an island green that serves as a fun tiebreaker. We also discuss the evolving golf equipment landscape, specifically focusing on the increasing popularity and practicality of hybrid clubs for players of all ages and skill levels. A fascinating anecdote about a fellow golfer utilizing a Heavenwood—a 7-wood with a three-wood shaft—illustrates the benefits of hybrids, especially for those with varying clubhead speeds. This transition to hybrids is further exemplified by Fred Couples, who now favors them as he adapts his game with age. Overall, this chapter underscores how golfers are embracing innovative club technology to enhance their performance on the course.

    (12:58) Practice Tips for Golf Confidence

    This chapter focuses on enhancing your golf game through simple yet effective practice techniques. I explain how using three tees can improve both your swing and putting skills, offering a straightforward drill to sharpen your accuracy and boost confidence. By framing your clubhead with tees to create a visual "gate," you can ensure your swing path is precise and consistent, while a third tee helps simulate the perfect ball strike. I also cover how a similar setup can be applied to your putting practice, enabling you to refine your stroke and improve your confidence on the green. These practical tips are designed to help you feel prepared and empowered, setting the stage for a successful day on the golf course.

    (23:04) Optimizing Your Golf Club Setup

    This chapter brings us back into the swing of things as we, the weekly golf guys, return to the studio. I share insights from my experiences being featured in Golf Magazine as a Top 100 teacher, while emphasizing the versatility and importance of hybrids in a golfer's bag. Contrary to popular belief, I advocate setting up hybrids more like irons than fairway woods due to their compact head and adaptability in various conditions. I discuss how replacing my three iron and five wood with a hybrid not only improved my game but also allowed room for an additional wedge, which complements my style. With my personal preference for a hybrid's predictability and versatility, especially in rough terrains, I stress how it enhances shot variety and control. Furthermore, we touch upon the strategic use of wedges, showcasing my affinity for a diverse range of them, including a unique low-bounce 60-degree lob wedge. This setup highlights the importance of tailoring your club selection to enhance playability and adaptability on the course.

    (32:27) Understanding Bounce and Grind on Wedges

    This chapter explores the importance of understanding the bounce and grind of golf wedges to improve your short game. We discuss how different wedge setups can impact your shots, especially when dealing with varying ground conditions. From leaning the shaft forward for crisp strikes on tight ground to utilizing bounce on soft or wet surfaces, mastering these techniques can enhance your performance on the course. We also touch on the personal touch of customizing golf bags with unique head covers from favorite courses, like Tobacco Road and Castle Stuart, adding a fun element to the game.

    (39:38) Creative Solutions in Golf Rules

    This chapter takes a humorous look at the informal and creative ways golfers sometimes handle challenging situations on the course, like dealing with soft or firm sand in bunkers. We explore the idea of using unconventional methods, such as the playful concept of a "hand wedge" or simply picking up and repositioning the ball for a better shot. Additionally, we discuss the hypothetical scenario of bypassing the rules by teeing up close to the hole and accepting a penalty, only to be reminded that such actions would result in disqualification for not adhering to the spirit of golf. Through this lighthearted conversation, we underscore the importance of playing by the rules while also acknowledging the amusing, albeit unrealistic, solutions golfers might imagine.

    (43:22) Improving Your Golf Game Through Practice

    This chapter focuses on improving your golf game by taking advice from the show and practicing specific techniques. We explore how previous tips, such as improving aim, driver distance, and putting, have led to noticeable improvements in performance. The importance of consulting with experts at your local golf shop to get fitted for the right wedges is emphasized, highlighting how professional guidance can enhance your short game. By taking these steps, you'll find yourself playing better golf the next time you hit the course.
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    45 mins
  • From Sand Traps to Triumph: Your Guide to Better Shots

    From Sand Traps to Triumph: Your Guide to Better Shots
    May 18 2025
    (00:01) Fairway Bunker Shots This chapter explores strategies for effectively getting out of fairway bunkers in golf. We discuss the importance of assessing the firmness of the sand and the technique of planting your back foot firmly to create a stable stance, allowing for a full, powerful swing without slipping. Additionally, we cover selecting the appropriate club based on the bunker lip and distance to the green, ensuring the club can clear the lip while aiming for the back edge of the green for optimal results. The focus is on understanding the conditions and adapting your approach to maintain control and maximize distance from the bunker. (13:03) Mastering Fairway Bunker Shots This chapter focuses on the strategies for successfully hitting golf shots from different types of bunkers, particularly fairway and greenside bunkers. We explore techniques for handling soft and firm sand conditions, emphasizing the importance of stance and club selection. The conversation highlights the differences in approach between fairway bunkers, where the goal is to advance the ball significantly, and greenside bunkers, which often require a softer touch to escape. Additionally, I provide practical advice for tackling the tricky 30 to 40-yard bunker shot by using a pitching wedge or a nine iron, encouraging players to adopt a simpler method for achieving greater distance. Through these insights, we aim to enhance players' bunker play and improve their overall game strategy. (20:52) Improving Bunker Play Techniques This chapter explores effective strategies for improving your golf game, particularly focusing on bunker play. We emphasize the importance of finding the right posture in the bunker, whether standing tall or maintaining a lower stance, to achieve consistency in shots. Practicing regularly to adapt to different sand textures and lie angles is key to mastering these skills. We discuss the "hinge and thump" technique, which is beneficial for getting out of both fairway and greenside bunkers. By applying these methods, you can improve your game and impress onlookers with your skillful bunker shots. We also remind listeners to engage with us via email for any specific golfing questions they may have. (25:18) Efficient Swing Techniques for Tough Lies This chapter explores a golf technique for hitting out of difficult lies, focusing on how to effectively use wrist hinging and positioning the ball in the stance to achieve optimal results. I discuss the concept of swinging the club straight up and down mentally, even though the swing forms an arc, to manage shots from the sand, fairway, and thick rough. By placing the ball forward in the stance, at the bottom of the swing arc, and maintaining a square club face, the technique enables the ball to shoot up high and land softly without the need to open the club face, which minimizes the risk of mishits. This method is contrasted with the traditional approach of putting the ball back in the stance, which can lead to lower, hotter shots. The conversation highlights how this technique is practical for amateurs who do not practice as much as professionals, and it circumvents the complexities of opening the club face and adjusting the stance, offering a simpler yet effective strategy for overcoming challenging lies. (34:42) Strategic Bunker Play Techniques This chapter explores the challenges and strategies associated with playing from fairway bunkers and green-side pot bunkers, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right club to safely clear bunker lips. We discuss how experienced players assess their trajectory and make informed club choices, often opting for a more lofted club to ensure they get out of the bunker on the first try. The conversation highlights the mindset of minimizing risks and making strategic decisions to avoid worsening a difficult situation. The thrill and technique of tackling Scotland's famous pot bunkers are also covered, with a focus on executing successful shots even when the primary goal is simply to escape the bunker. The discussion underscores the mantra of planning the next shot to optimize positioning for subsequent plays, emphasizing patience and strategy over ambitious distance. (41:43) Strategic Fairway Bunker Play Tips This chapter takes a reflective look at the strategic approach to dealing with fairway bunkers in golf. We reminisce about an impressive shot from a fairway bunker that defied the odds, but acknowledge that most players need to be realistic about their capabilities. Emphasizing the importance of understanding one's limitations, we discuss the necessity of selecting the right club to safely navigate out of a bunker and onto the fairway. The goal is to place the ball in a position that makes the next shot more manageable. We also consider the purpose of fairway bunkers, suggesting they serve as a prompt to think critically about shot placement and club selection, encouraging players to aim strategically to avoid ...
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    45 mins
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