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This week our guest is Will Ahmed, the founder of WHOOP. If you haven’t heard of WHOOP, just watch any PGA Tour event and you’ll see just about every tour pro with this simple looking strap around their wrist. “What is it?” you ask? Well, I hate to call it a fitness tracker because it is so much more than that as you will hear about in this episode, but it’s basically a wearable fitness/recovery monitor that has exploded across the industry in just about every sport and fitness platform, and especially on the PGA Tour. In this episode, we dig into Will’s background, the inception of the WHOOP strap, and how this deceptively simple-looking product is changing the landscape of fitness and shining a light on the importance of RECOVERY for populations beyond professional sports. Think of this as your Golfers Guide to WHOOP. Will’s Ahmed’s Background Will Ahmed is the Founder and CEO of WHOOP, which has developed next-generation wearable technology for optimizing human performance.WHOOP today works with everyone from professional athletes to fitness enthusiasts to executives. Ahmed has raised nearly $100 million from top investors and has an active advisory board that consists of some of the world’s most notable cardiologists, technologists, and designers. He wrote “The Feedback Tool: Measuring Fitness, Intensity, and Recovery,” which sparked the underlying physiology and engineering for his work today.Ahmed was named a 2011 Harvard College Scholar for finishing in the top 10% of his class and a CSA Scholar Athlete; he captained the Harvard Men’s Varsity Squash Team.He was also recently named to Forbes 30 Under 30 and Boston Business Journal 40 Under 40. Highlights from this Episode The background on WHOOP and how it has changed from inception at the Harvard Innovation Lab to the phenomenon it is today. He also talks about why he was initially so focused on working with professional athletes and how that helped spark the success that it is today.What differentiates WHOOP from other fitness and health trackers and what it measures that makes it your personal “24/7 life coach.” He also talks about how they measure and collect your respiratory rate which in turn helped Nick Watney catch his COVID diagnosis early and quarantine to not infect others on the PGA Tour.Will breaks down HRV (Heart Rate Variability), the history of its use as a measurable stat used from Olympians to the CIA, and why it became a main focus and part of the WHOOP system.What they have found the effects of food and alcohol can have on your recovery and sleep and tips on how to best mitigate the negative effects and optimize your sleep.Will explains where the name “WHOOP” originated. Parting Questions: Caddyshack or Happy Gilmore?Happy Gilmore What is your walk-up song to the first teebox of the Masters? Mozart If you could play anywhere in the world with any 3 people, who would it be and where would you play?  Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, and Barrack Obama at Augusta Any Book Recommendations? Phil Knight’s “Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike” Find out more about Will Ahmed and WHOOP at: Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Episode Sponsor LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week we’ve got Shaun Webb and Mike Granato from Athletic Motion Golf; two guys that are taking all of the 3D technology that they are able to use with their professional and amateur golfers and show us the difference between what the low handicapper is doing vs what the high handicapper Many of us as amateurs we think we are getting into a certain position, we think we’re moving in the right direction or making the right move but when you see the difference between the 3D captures, you see what they are talking about in the different drills they give. So in todays episode we talk about the “swing killers” that they see amateurs making that the pros don’t make, Bryson DeChambeau and how a lot of what he is doing is not just the physical stuff of gaining weight and getting stronger but some of the things he is doing with his golf swing to create more speed, and what mistakes and simple things you and I can fix in our own game. Athletic Motion Golf Background: Having worked with golfers from the PGA Tour, Champions Tour, European Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, LPGA Tour, and every level of amateur golfer – Shaun Webb and Mike Granato started Athletic Motion Golf to help more golfers incorporate athletic principles that make for a better more dynamic golf swing. Highlights From This Episode Both Mike and Shaun’s background in instruction and golf technology and how it led to the inception of Athletic Motion golf and what that stands for.Where they collect and pull their swing data from and how using the Gears 3D system (which they describe as almost like a Video Game Motion Capture system) opened their eyes to the intricacies of the golf swing and the almost unlimited amount of data they are able to sift through.The debate of “swinging your own swing” vs. trying to replicate a model exactly: Shaun and Mike give their insights into how to find a balance between using your own athleticism and have flexibility while instituting different parameters to improve your swing.One thing we can look for if we took a video of our swing today and active steps we can do to avoid the slice over the top like checking the face of your pelvis on the top of your backswing.How they coordinate the analytical side to the fitness side and how they interact with some of their top tier professionals. They also talk on the slight changes Bryson DeChambeau did to his swing to improve his swing speed and distance.Finally I get their thoughts on if they think we will see limitations on the technology used in golf, as the professionals get better and stronger. Mike talks on their newly finished AMG Speed system to go along with their Swing System which is a start to finish look at your swing to increase speed. Parting Questions Caddyshack or Happy Gilmore?Mike – Caddy ShackShaun – Caddy Shack What is your walk-up song to the first teebox?  Mike – The Fat Albert Theme Song Shaun – Anything from my Foo Fighters Playlist If you could play anywhere in the world with any 3 people, who would it be and where would you play?  Mike – Dad, Brother, and Shaun at Bandon Dunes Shaun – My Brother, Father, and Grandfather at Pebble Beach Who is your pick for the Masters?  Mike & Shaun – Rory McIlroy Find out more about Athletic Motion Golf: Facebook Youtube Instagram Website Swing Killers Article in GOLF Magazine Episode Sponsor LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week we’re taking a little bit of a dive into the collegiate world of golf with Colin Masterson who is the sports performance coach at Villanova Golf. We talk to Colin about his background in athletics in general, his transition over into working with the golf team, and the way that the collegiate level players train, how that impacts what you should be doing in your own game as you prepare for the offseason, how you can implement a few things that they do in order to play your best golf coming out on the other side of this winter. He also touches on how he implements his previous experience in other sports into the golf team and what his objectives are for the golf team when they enter a gym-like setting and what we can take away from Colin’s philosophy and how his golfers stay in their best game. Colin Masterson’s Background Residing in Philadelphia, PA, Colin attended Widener University and was a 4 Year starter at Safety for the Widener Pride Football Team. Post graduation he worked as an accountant for 4 years before leaving and interning at the University of Maryland with the Football Strength Staff.  After close to a year down there he took another internship at Villanova with their football strength coach Mike Tucker. A year later he was hired full time as a sports performance coach at Villanova University and has worked with almost every team including the Mens Golf, Softball, Women’s Tennis, Womens Lax and Assisting with Football. He has the following certifications: CSCS, FRC, USAW,  TPI Level 1, TPI Eldoa.   Highlights from this Episode His background in football and how a career change from accounting led him to his current position at Villanova where he is working with a wide variety of their athletic departments including the golf team.What he focuses on when working with his golfers to make them a stronger golfer and a more well-rounded athlete like focusing more on rotational work and properly scheduling their workouts day-to-day and throughout the season to maximize his time with them and minimize their chance of injury.How to bridge the gap between just working out and getting stronger utilizing ways to better control and channel that power through speed and movement.He also talks about when he likes to focus on skill-specific exercises and when to stick to your core workouts to get better strength and stability and how people implement power and speed workouts incorrectly.Finally, he talks about the importance of getting started and being consistent. Instead of trying to work out 5 days a week, work out 2 days and make those workouts count if that works better for your schedule. Parting Questions: Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?Happy Gilmore What is your walk-up song to the first teebox? Sirius by The Alan Parsons Project If you could play anywhere in the world with any 3 people, who would it be and where would you play? Michael Jordan, Rickie Fowler, Tony Romo at Augusta Who is your pick for the Masters? Rickie Fowler What book would you recommend? Atomic Habits by James ClearWhat local course would you recommend? Aronimink Golf Club or Merion Golf Club Learn More About Colin: Twitter Instagram Birdie Fitness Website Episode Sponsors LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week we’ve got one of my favorite people in the entire world on the show with us: Nick Mueller. Nick is one of the elite golf fitness coaches in North America. He is now venturing out on his own with his project “The Mobility Caddie” and “MC Sport Kinesiology,” his coaching program working with the elite golfers in his area and all over the world. Nick is truly one of the golf worlds foremost experts in the concept of soft tissue myofascial work, fascial stretch, mobility, all of these different pieces that you want to implement into your training and workouts to facilitate you moving better in the golf course and on your swing so grab your golf pencil and paper and let’s dive in. Highlights from this Episode Nick and I catch up on his new business venture, The Mobility Caddie, what he’s been doing with online training and how he has been helping his golfers through this turbulent time.His unique spin on the golf fitness world in his work and knowledge on soft tissue myofascial, fasical stretch, and mobility through adding stability and how he maximizes what his clients currently have without adding more stress to the body unnecessarily.What guys need to start implementing more in the mobility work like restoring joint range of motion and what role strength training plays in helping to facilitate that.The correct and incorrect scenarios that people use foam rollers and how it can vary based on intent or what they are trying to accomplish. He walks us through each step of integrating active mobility into a golf swing from the front hip rotation to feeding your nervous system in all three planes of motion. Find out more about Nick and The Mobility Caddie at: Facebook Twitter Instagram MCSportkinesiology.com If you could play golf with three tour players, what would be your foursome?Hideki Matsuyama, Graeme McDowell, Bryson DechambeauWhich golfer would you love to have a beer with?Stevie Williams or Shane Lowry What is your dream vacation course?Anything over in Scotland Episode Sponsor: LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week we’ve got Spencer Tatum from Tatum Human Performance who is a strength and conditioning coach that works with Jon Rahm and other golfers/athletes out of Scottsdale, Arizona. Spencer gives us a behind-the-scenes look into what they did with Jon in the course of the off (COVID) season, what changes he made to his training routine, what all that extra time allowed him to do and focus on. You’re going to get an insight into Jon’s goal setting ideas and how focused he was on putting together a plan and getting his team together for this coming season which obviously has paid many dividends because he has reached the #1 in the world a few times in the past couple of months and playing incredibly. Spencer Tatum’s Background Spencer got his degree in Exercise Physiology at Ohio University and numerous certifications in different disciplines. He has taken this approach to clients at all physical levels, from youth to elite athletes.He firmly believes there is a process to ensure the client reaches goals with a clear pathway. Spencer is now a leader and innovator in the field. He developed a unique niche in the sports world, especially in golf, being named Top 50 Best Golf Fitness Training by Golf Digest and winning a National Championship with the ASU Golf Team.He has been featured on ESPN for his work in the NFL; CBS sports for his training with Jon Rahm; PGA Tour Superstar and numerous other media forms. Highlights from this Episode His thoughts on what golfers will look like in the next 5, 10, and 15 years and how the professional golfer has already started to change before our eyes to adapt on a global level.What the crossover looks like when working with professional and amateur athletes in the same facility and how it affects general morale.How he adapted and took advantage of the impromptu extended off season in his work with John Rahm and how he collaborated with John’s team to work as a unit in training his athleticism.How he focuses on not just the anaerobic aspect of golf but also the importance of the aerobic and para-sympathetic system to balancing the endurance of a round of golf and what that aerobic training looks like.What his work with amateur golfers looks like and what he would tell someone who is looking for more rotation or flexibility in their golf swing. He also talks about using martial arts to work on lower body and upper body sequencing.What Spencer and John’s average week looks like as far as training and performance, and what balancing that with tournaments looks like. He also talks about the benefits and drawbacks of recovery devices and other technology. Parting Questions: Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Happy Gilmore What would be your walk-up song?  Eye of the Tiger by Survivor If you could play 18 holes with anyone, who would it be and where would you play?   Jesus, Socrates, and Bruce Lee at Augusta What does your ideal round look like?   No Music, with my buddies (competitions for sure,) riding and fast pace Any last advice?   Listen to the pros that Jeff has on Find out more about Spencer and the THP at: Facebook Twitter Instagram Website Episode Sponsors SUPERSPEED GOLF: Go to 18STRONG.com/SuperSpeed to get your discount on all SuperSpeed products LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

That’s right, this is episode 300! Kind of hard to believe we have made it this long and I couldn’t think of a better guest to have on to celebrate the big three double zero than Nick Clearwater; Vice-president of instruction from GolfTEC. Nick is one of those guys that I lean on when it comes to anything related to the golf swing, the way to help golfers play better golf and what they really need to do because if you know anything about GolfTEC, they measure and study every single swing from every single lesson. Nick Clearwater’s Background Nick is the Vice President of Instruction for GOLFTEC. He is responsible for the quality of instruction given during the one million lessons that GOLFTEC’s 700 plus Coaches teach annually. He has been a PGA Tour Credentialed Instructor for the past eleven consecutive years. Highlights from this Episode The biggest problems and challenges that he sees from the high handicap golfers that come to see him and how most amateur/beginner golfers have the same 2 issues to varying degrees and how these should be addressed first before getting into the individual technical tweaks.His background in golf instruction and how it has changed in the last 20 years, how modern technology has evolved golf instruction today and how GolTEC is at the forefront of instruction innovation. The SwingTRU Motion study (which we discussed last time Nick was on in Episode 99) and what they capture and look at, how they started by recording 13,000 swings and has grown to over 100,000 swings to date and is still ever-evolving to become the most comprehensive swing study.The biggest myths he sees online in how to advance your golf swing and the biggest differences he has seen between high handicap players and low handicap players like how low handicap players have a greater range of motion in turning and tilting through their golf swing.What impact fitness programs have on a golfers game and what someone’s intent should be when starting a fitness regiment at the gym specifically for their golf game. Lastly, Nick dives into jumping-off points and where people can start getting a handle on his golf swing tips today. Find out more about Nick and GolfTEC at: Facebook Twitter Youtube Website Episode Sponsors LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week we’ve got two very special guests coming from across the pond over in Ireland: Harry Ewing and Ian St. John. These two fellow golf podcasts from the 3 Off the Tee Podcast join me to talk everything golf and podcast as well as their journeys to where they are now and how they have gotten so many incredible guests on their show like Podrick Harrington, Lee Westwood, Nick Price just to name a few. Both of these guys have been in the game of golf for a long time as PGA professionals with very different stories on how they were involved and have stayed involved with the game so their podcast remains a way to resurrect their love and passion for the game of golf and continue to contribute and give back to the game. Harry Ewing’s Background At 41 years old, Harry was a PGA Professional 20 years where he went abroad to Portugal in 2003 to the Quinta do Lago Resort.He came back to Ireland in 2005 for Head Pro position and stayed there till end of 2018.Since then h has left the golf industry but remains a Professional and voice on current events and topics in golf.He helped Ian start the podcast idea at the end of 2019, which fully launched Feb 2020. Ian St John’s Background Born in Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ian first picked up a club aged 8 but really started playing aged 12 where he went to play for my Club, County and province at under age level.After graduating from The PGA in 2008, he formed the Ian St John Golf Academy in 2009, which became the largest academy in the southeast and consequently was invited to be part of the Golfing Union of Ireland at county level in 2010.He moved to Dublin in 2014 to take the position as Head Professional at Rush Links Golf Club, in North Dublin and was subsequently appointed Director of Golf in 2015.In 2016, Ian was diagnosed with a spinal tumour (non-Hodgkin Lymphoma) after waking up paralyzed in the hospital. His wife who has MS was 8 months pregnant at the time.Ian has been in remission since end of December 2016 but is paralyzed for life.Founder and Co-host of “3 off the Tee” Podcast, June 2019. Highlights from this Episode Harry and Ian expand on their background as golfers and Ian dives into his past and the injury that brought his golf game to a halt and left him paralyzed overnight. He talks on the different perspective adapting to this change has given him and how he is shaping up to go back to coaching.How they came up with their podcast and got it off the ground and the awesome story behind their amazing first guest Podrick Harrington and being able to interview him at his house.What makes their podcast different and stand out from the other podcasts out there, why they started the podcast, and what information they are trying to get from the incredible guests from their show. They also talk about the biggest lessons they learned from guests on their show and their favorite or most surprising interviews. Parting Questions Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Ian – Caddy Shack Harry – Caddy Shack What’s you’re walk up song? Ian – Two Months Off by Underworld Harry – Living on a Prayer  by Bon Jovi If you could pick anyone to play 18 holes of golf with, who would it be and where would you play? Ian – Major Dick Winters (One of the first guys to land on Normandy on D-Day) at Cruden Bay Harry – My dad at Quinta do Lago Find out more about Ian, Harry, and their podcast 3 Off The Tee at: Facebook Twitter Instagram Website Episode Sponsors SUPERSPEED GOLF: Go to 18STRONG.com/SuperSpeed to get your discount on all SuperSpeed products LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week we’ve got a very cool guest on the show, Kelley James; singer, songwriter, entertainer, and basically the official entertainer of the PGA Tour and golf world. Best known for his freestyle rapping and incorporating his audience into his performances, Kelley has performed private concerts for some of the biggest celebrities in the world. Kelley has really ingrained himself in the world of golf and I thought it would be a lot of fun to have him on to talk about some of his amazing golf experiences, the insane stories he has on people he has gotten to meet and play with because of his involvement in the world of golf, and the similarities between honing his craft and honing his golf game. Kelley James’ Background Kelley James is an American singer/entertainer that has performed over 1,600 shows including private shows for Steph Curry, Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Tiger Woods as well as multiple Fortune 100 companies such as AT&T, Dell, Delta, and more. Kelleys talent lies in is his uncanny ability to improvise songs on the spot and incorporate the audience in a way that delivers a unique experience for each performance that cannot be replicated. Highlights from this Episode How he has had to bob and weave with adjusting to the new normal as far as guidelines on gatherings and not only how that has effected his ability to perform but both what projects he has taken on in the interim and what his future of performing may look like.The story of how he stumbled into his first PGA performance and how that had defined and allowed him to evolve the way he performs and plays for crowds at these events.His short history with his love for golf and how he found himself addicted to the game. He also touches on the similarities between his craft and his golf game like finesse, the importance of tempo and pacing, and how eventually it becomes muscle memory.Kelley talks on the commonalities he has noticed between the famous athlete guests on his podcast as it pertains to how they achieve greatness and who has stuck out to him as a surprise on how special and talented they are. Parting Questions: Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Happy Gilmore What’s you’re walk up song?  Any Tupac song If you could pick anyone to play 18 holes of golf with, who would it be and where would you play? Jay-Z, Emminem, and Snoop Dogg at Cyprus Find out more about Kelley James at: Facebook Twitter Instagram Website Episode Sponsors SUPERSPEED GOLF: Go to 18STRONG.com/SuperSpeed to get your discount on all SuperSpeed products LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18STRONG.com/LINKSOUL or click the logo below.

This week I’m excited to bring on Todd Bohn: The director of Agronomy at Big Cedar Golf. Todd is the guy who is in charge of all of the grass and landscape as director of Agronomy so this episode we get some new scoop on all that is happening at Big Cedar Golf and why it may soon be golf’s most popular destination. We also learn a little more about both Todd and what got him into the realm of agronomy and ground supervision for golf courses but also a look into golf course design and building/maintaining golf courses. In his position at Big Cedar, Todd has worked with some of the biggest names in golf and their design teams including Tom Watson, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Tom Fazio, Gary Player, and Tiger Woods to name a few. Todd Bohn’s Background Todd Grew up in South central Kansas where he worked at his father’s feedlot and did farming during the summers. Attended Kansas State University and graduated in 2000 with a degree in Golf Course Management.  Most of his career has been spent in the Kansas City area working on several golf courses as the assistant superintendent (Prairie Highlands, Hillcrest Country Club, Blue Hills Country Club, Nicklaus Golf Club at Lionsgate).  2006 Todd got his first head superintendent job at The Golf Club at Creekmoor in Raymore, Missouri where he oversaw the construction and grow-in of that course.  2011 Todd moved over and became the head golf course superintendent at the Wolf Creek Golf Club in Olathe, Kansas where he oversaw all golf course maintenance operations/course improvement construction projects for this private club.  January 2016 Todd joined up with Bass Pro Shops and Big Cedar Lodge and was hired as the Director of Agronomy over all of Big Cedar Golf properties.  Todd’s main focus is overseeing the daily maintenance and construction of the 5 golf courses in Big Cedar Golf’s portfolio.  Highlights from this Episode His background in both sports and agriculture that coalesced into the position he has at Big Cedar Golf, how he got connected with Big Cedar through Tom Watson and what exactly Agronomy is and what an Agronomist does on and with a golf course.What big things have come out of Big Cedar in the last couple years (like winning best new course of the year) and what should we expect to see from there as we come out on the other side of COVID like finalizing their 18 hole course designed by Tiger Woods.The involvement that Todd and his team has with the architects and designers that pass through Big Cedar like Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and what it looks like to sculpt and design the land paying attention to the smallest of details.The challenges that Todd and his team faces in both maintaining and designing courses in the Midwest which has a tendency to have turbulent weather and temperature swings and maintaining playability.The biggest lessons he has learned from working withi Johnny Morris and the golf and sport greats he has seen from designers and architects to pros. Parting Questions Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Caddy Shack What’s you’re walk up song?   Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood and the Destroyers If you could pick anyone to play 18 holes of golf with, who would it be and where would you play? Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Tom Morris at St. Andrews Is there a book or someone that has inspired you guys that you would recommend? Woody Moriarty at Blue Hills Country Club and Jeff Eldridge at Cordillera Ranch Episode Sponsors LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week we are excited to have on Mark Loomis, the Executive Producer at FOX Sports. This interview was done a few weeks before the big announcement of FOX not covering the US Open, but nonetheless, in this interview, we talk a lot about simply the production and what it takes to put on a huge event like this and it really gives an insight as to why FOX Sports decided to get out of the US Open and the contract with the USGA. I also love this interview because Mark grew up at Wingfoot so this wasn’t just about the coverage of the US Open but rather Mark gave us a lot of insight into the course, what was being done to prepare the course, and the history of FOX in the world of golf. Mark has a really interesting background in producing other sports for FOX sports and CBS and he and his team were really the pioneers in some of the things that now we see on broadcast golf that is just normal like the mic in the cup and the shot tracing. Mark Loomis’ Background  An Emmy Award-winning production veteran possessing an extensive background in the presentation of championship golf telecasts, Mark Loomis is the executive producer of all USGA studio and event production for FOX Sports.A native of Larchmont, N.Y., Loomis grew up playing the challenging East and West courses of the historic Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y. Before getting into broadcasting, Loomis saw the U.S Open from a variety of angles. During the 1974 championship at Winged Foot, he was given a golf ball by Gary Player in a practice round and was hooked on the sport from that point forward. At the 1984 Open, also at his home course, he served as the standard-bearer with Fuzzy Zoeller on Sunday and was standing in the fairway when Fuzzy famously waved his white towel toward Greg Norman on the 18th green. While in college during the summer of 1988, he caddied for Winged Foot assistant club pro Darrell Kestner in the U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass.Loomis attended Vanderbilt University, where he was a three-year member of the golf team from 1987 to 1989. Loomis remains an avid golfer, maintaining a registered handicap index of 1.7 according to the GHIN database.Loomis earned a degree in political science from Vanderbilt. Loomis currently resides in New Canaan, Conn. with his wife Steffi and their two children, Jenny and Ben. Highlights from this Episode The excitement Mark has having the US Open back on his home course and what the past 5 months looked like behind the scenes as they adjusted to the pandemic and prepared for seasons starting to open back up. He also talks about what the US Open might look like with or without fans and how it will be different from past years.The differences he has seen between working with both the British Open and US Open tournaments and what starting up the golf production at FOX looked like and how it was built up and fleshed out with the amazing casters and announcers that they have.He explains what they went through putting on the US Open at Chambers Bay, assembling the team with Joe Buck and originally Greg Norman, why they had to shift Greg Norman out and bring in Paul Azinger.How both advancing technology and ways of consuming media has Mark and his team finding new and innovative ways of streaming and broadcasting. He dives into what the scope of these tournaments are in terms of the work and hours that go into the productions as compared to broadcasting other sports.What to expect from the US Open at Wingfoot and why this course was selected. Mark tells us his experience personally playing the course as a member and how it can be unforgiving in its narrow fairways and heavy rough. Parting Questions Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Caddy Shack What’s you’re walk up song?  Lose Yourself  by Eminem If you could pick anyone to play 18 holes of golf with, who would it be and where would you play? My Son, My Dad, and My Uncle at Pinehurst or the Old Course at St. Andrews Is there a book or someone that has inspired you guys that you would recommend? Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell Episode Sponsors LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week we have Mackenzie “Mac” Todd and Leo Rooney from Urban Golf Performance (UGP). I’ve been watching UGP over the last 4-6 years just because of the cool vibe they have at their facilities seeing what they are doing with a lot of their golfers from all age ranges and skill levels and I just really loved what I was seeing. With locations in Orange County, West Los Angeles, and now Santa Monica, UGP is one of the largest golf performance companies that I know of. In today’s episode, we discuss how they address all of the puzzle pieces from the physical, technical, and the mental and how they manage to help their clients achieve their goals no matter what level of golfer, from the 20 handicappers to guys like the most recent winner on the PGA Tour, Colin Morikawa. Mac Todd’s Background Mackenzie “Mac” Todd is the Founder and CEO of Urban Golf Performance (UGP), a world-class golf performance company dramatically improving the way golfers play and experience the game.He played golf from a young age and played in multiple Junior World Golf Championships, Division 1 college golf, and ranked junior amateur and professional golf tournaments. Throughout this experience, he grew a big passion for coaching golf, developing players, and finding a more fun and dynamic way to experience golf performance.With a $50K loan and after quitting a stable job, Mac began building UGP. Since its humble beginnings, UGP has grown tremendously over the last seven years and with the investment from Blake Mycoskie, the Founder of TOMS Shoes, is now on a mission to give nearly half its proceeds to The First Tee.He has built a business that focuses on what the game of golf can do for society: improving mental health, inspiring communities, embracing nature, relishing in play, and providing a greater sense of purpose. Leo Rooney’s Background Leonard “Leo” Rooney grew up playing national-level Table Tennis in Stockholm, Sweden. Leo excelled quickly in table tennis but golf eventually took over with a 17 year-long competitive career.In 2011, he was recruited by the California Baptist University men’s golf team and during his time there, he was selected to be on the NCAA All-Academic team. He accomplished NCAA Collegiate golf, Long Driving at the highest level, and professional golf all over the world. His passion in sports performance and science led to his degree in exercise science and a career in golf performance.As a golf performance specialist, Leo has coached and trained elite juniors, LPGA, and PGA Tour players. Leo is now the Director of Performance at Urban Golf Performance and oversees all locations in all aspects of the departments from recruiting, managing, promoting, and programming for UGP Services.He works directly with the executive staff to ensure all facilities are performing and implementing the strategy for more locations to come. Highlights from this Episode They kick off the episode talking about how they recently founded the UGP Podcast and the awesome names they have been able to interview on there as well as how Leo’s radio background came into play when coming up with the idea for the podcast.Matt talks about the founding of Urban Golf Performance: how it grew from humble beginnings to the powerhouse it is today, what is behind the name, why people have latched onto the brand and why it is so different from getting another lesson from a golf pro.How Mac keeps his system consistent between both his golf and fitness professionals and how they take the fitness side and foster the mental side and what they are trying to do in improving the play without getting too technical.Both Mac and Leo give their best suggestions to have people improve their game at the driving range without just going out and banging balls like playing and practicing with an incentive and consequences as well as randomizing practice. Parting Questions: Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Mac: Happy Gilmore Leo: Happy Gilmore What’s you’re walk up song?  Mac: Picture Me Rolin’ by Tupac Leo: M.S.B.OY by Eric Prydz If you could pick anyone to play 18 holes of golf with, who would it be and where would you play? Mac: My son and Dad or Tiger Augusta in Spring Leo: Tiger at Alpine Valley Is there a book or someone that has inspired you guys that you would recommend? Mac: “Start something that Matters” by Blake Mycoskie Leo: “Attention and Motor Skill Learning” by Gabriele Wulf Find out more about UGP at: Website Instagram Podcast Episode Sponsors SUPERSPEED GOLF: Go to 18STRONG.com/SuperSpeed to get your discount on all SuperSpeed products LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week we have a legendary guest: Joe Buck, the one and only from Fox Sports. This was recorded before the Fox broadcast team announced they were not going to be broadcasting the US Open or the USGA Events so I know this is a little behind the times of the news that you’ve received, but thankfully we talked about a lot more than the US Open. In fact we got into a lot of different topics from Joe’s career, his growing up here in St. Louis, and his dad being the announcer for the Baseball Cardinals. I didn’t know how much of a golf nut Joe was, to be honest, so we really dive into his passion for the game, some of the experiences he has had in golf, and the gradual growth in the production for the Fox USGA and US Open broadcasting. Highlights from this Episode His excitement to get back on the golf course and what swing changes he has committed himself to make over the break to hit the greens harder and better once he can get back out there. He also dives into how he discovered and nurtured his love for the game and how Mike Shannon made him into the golf nut he is today.What playing golf with the Fox Sports broadcast team of Shane O’Donoghue, Brad Faxon, and Paul Azinger looks like and the wisdom and tips he has gotten from Brad.The biggest challenge stepping into the world of golf broadcasting after spending years doing football and baseball and what the prep work looks like looking up stats on every golfer for these events as compared to the more macro view of two teams.The best non-professional golfer he has played with and why, what made him decide to start up his podcast “Daddy Issues,” and what led to him writing his book and what the response has been since. Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Caddy Shack What’s you’re walk up song?  I’m Shakin’ by Jack White If you could pick anyone to play 18 holes of golf with, who would it be and where would you play? My best friends growing up at Cypress Find out more about Joe at: Daddy Issues Podcast Twitter Episode Sponsors LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week we have two guys that are no strangers to this show Kyle Shay & Mike Napoleon: The founders of Superspeed Golf. In this episode Kyle, Mike, and I talk about everything going on at Superspeed golf, and why there is so much focus on speed these days. What could you do in your game, your own practice, your own training that could give you another 10-15 yards and how would that impact your game? These are some of the things Mike and Kyle talk about as well as some of the other products and ideas that they have coming out. Highlights from this Episode What their business looks like in the wake of COVID and how the time at home has helped some of their golfers get a little innovative with how they are implementing the Superspeed system into their programs.How this will change Superspeed moving forward and how it will effect how they organize their educational platforms and webinars as opposed to physical travel.Kyle talks on how they are starting to move into sports other than golf with their Strikespray for baseball as well as talking about their new Superspeed C and what that brings to the table that is different from the other Superspeed system and how it can be used both independently and in conjunction with the other system to increase your swing speed.The biggest questions they get revolving around speed, such as whether or not someone can train more than recommended (and subsequently how the fatigue from speed training is different than a normal workout,) can you use superspeed as a warmup before a round, and how swing speed has become more and more popular as the thing to work on to help in multiple areas of your swing like accuracy. Find out more about Superspeed Golf at: Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube Episode Sponsors SUPERSPEED GOLF: Go to 18STRONG.com/SuperSpeed to get your discount on all SuperSpeed products. LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

Today on the podcast we have Art Chou, the GM for North America for Rapsodo. If you don’t know what Rapsodo is, I’m going to let Art explain it in the episode but basically Rapsodo is a software development company that now has a launch monitor for golf. They are a huge deal in the world of MLB as far as ball flight metrics and are now taking over the world of golf and mobile/portable launch monitors and so Art is here to both tell his amazing story from being the first engineer in the research and development team at Titleist for club design to working with the baseball company Rawlings. Fortunately for me, Rapsodo is based right here out of St. Louis so I’ve had a chance to work with Art and utilize the Rapsodo launch monitor out on the driving range and it’s pretty amazing to see the ball flight characteristics from the swing speed to the launch angle, it gives you the shot tracer with each shot. The craziest part is the price: it comes in at a fraction of what the TrackMan does and has just the same capabilities so enjoy this episode with Art Chou. Highlights from this Episode Art dives into not only his background in ball metrics and engineering but the amazing story of just how he got an interview at Titleist and started his career in both sports and golf. He also talks about the early days of Titleist golf club design and what spearheading that operation into what it is today looked like.Where RAPSODO came from, what problems it was looking to solve, and the rise of the technology of launch monitors in different sports. From there Art dives into the benefits of their Skytrak software and their most recent development they launched at this past PGA show.How Art is seeing this tech being utilized to actually improve the average golfers game, how this stands out from similar technologies, and what the future looks like for Rapsodo and this launch monitor with implementations like Coach Connect.What the future of Golf tech companies who are used to releasing new products every year looks like in the wake of COVID-19 and his thoughts on the likelihood of us having a PGA show next year. Parting Questions: Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Caddy Shack What’s you’re walk up song?  Thunderstruck by AC/DC If you could pick anyone to play 18 holes of golf with, who would it be and where would you play? My dad at The Royal County Downs (First 9 holes twice) Find out more about Art and Rapsodo at: Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube Rapsodo Discount Code: “18STRONG.MLM” Episode Sponsors LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week on the 18Strong Podcast I am joined by Ashley Mayo, the Head of Brand at 8AM Golf, the parent company that owns and operates several other well-known golf brands like Golf Magazine, Golf.com, True Spec Golf, The Nicklaus Companies, GolfLogix, Club Conex, and Miura Golf. In this episode, Ashley explains exactly what her focus and role is at 8AM, and how their team is able to manage the individual brands to unify them under one umbrella. As a golf nut herself, she and her husband love to travel and play as often as possible so she shares some of the experiences that her position has allowed her to have including working with the Golder Bear Jack Nicklaus. And we had a chance to talk about the new direction of GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com which is very apparent from the new look and feel of the publications’ design and imagery. Ashley Mayo’s Background Ashley Mayo is Head of Brand at 8AM Golf, a company that owns and operates six golf companies: GOLF Magazine, GOLF.com, True Spec Golf, Nicklaus Companies, GolfLogix, Club Conex, and Miura Golf. Ashley is also GOLF’s Editorial Director and oversees the brand’s vision and strategy. Before joining the GOLF team, Ashley spent 11 years as an editor at Golf Digest. While there, she earned her Master’s degree from Columbia’s School of Journalism. Before joining Golf Digest, Ashley competed on the first-ever women’s golf team at the University of Virginia. Highlights from this Episode Ashley gives us an idea of what 8AM Golf is all about and how they direct the companies under their umbrella as well as her background into both golf and media/story telling.With having all these different companies that she has to oversee, she talks on what her average day looks like in focusing and forming the brand and her focus on Golf.com and Golf Magazine. She also talks about the big shift in perspective and feel for Golf.com and Golf Magazine and what their plans are for the future.The shift in trends in the consumer market and lifestyle aspect of golf that Ashley is seeing like using golf as an escape to beautiful courses. Ashley also dives into what they have discovered through both the history and retro-movement aspect and what the interests of their readers are.Her experience working with Jack Nicklaus and her favorite stories of times they were working together. She also talks on how closely she is working with him and his team on the Nicklaus Companies brand and what to expect later this year. Parting Questions Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Caddy Shack What would your walk-up song to the first tee box be?  Any song by Sia 18 Holes anywhere in the world with anyone, past or present: Where would it be and whom would you play? My Husband in New Zealand Follow Ashley Mayo: Instagram Twitter Follow 8AM Golf: Facebook Twitter Instagram Website Episode Sponsors SUPERSPEED GOLF: Go to 18STRONG.com/SuperSpeed to get your discount on all SuperSpeed products. LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week we have our good friends Gary Nicol and Karl Morris, the authors of The Lost Art of Putting and The Lost Art of Playing Golf.  They join us today to talk about ways to improve your game without fretting so much about your technique, but more about your intentions and attention on your SHOTS on the golf course, rather than your SWING! Highlights from this Episode What the lockdown looks like for them on their side of the world and how they have stayed busy and productive through the quarantine. Gary and Karl also talk on technology that they have been utilizing, out of necessity or convenience, to help with communication and online coaching.Karl talks on how he thinks the most important take away from the current climate is the importance of mindfulness during the game and how trying to focus on something physical during a daily walk can revolutionize your attentiveness and focus when you get back on the greens.The importance of adaptability and flexibility over consistency in a good golf game the lie and myth of consistency that we have been told. They also talk about how the great golf swing you had yesterday doesn’t have to be how your golf swing always looks.What to focus on when you get back on the golf course like doing a mental “shot tracker” and the importance of practicing vs. training for golf. Karl dives into how beneficial it can be to play 9 holes and play “deliberately miss” the green to train for the worst-case scenarios.They answer questions from the 18Strong community like wether or not there are too many gadgets and technology in the modern game and how a modern golfer avoids the over-marketing. Follow Karl Morris and Gary Nicol from The Lost Art of Golf: Instagram – Gary Nicol Instagram – Karl Morris Facebook Website Episode Sponsors SUPERSPEED GOLF: Go to 18STRONG.com/SuperSpeed to get your discount on all SuperSpeed products. LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

In this episode, we’re talking with 2-time PGA Tour winner, Nick Taylor. Nick joins us from home today talking on how he has adjusted to life at home in the last few months. We chat about the status of the tour in lock down and possible re-opening dates and procedures. Nick also breaks down his recent ProAm win at Pebble Beach, and gives us an inside look into the nice and not-so-nice times of a pro golfer. At the end of the show, Nick answers questions from the 18Strong community. Highlights from this Episode Nick talks on both how he is holding up through the pandemic and enjoying time with his family, and info on the PGA tour possibly starting back up and what events we may see in the summer.His history with golf: how he got started, his illustrious amateur career, and what his transition into pro golf looked like coming from college, going into Web.com, and eventually the PGA tour.He tells us his perspective of his recent ProAm win at Pebble Beach in February, some of the challenges he faced while there, and where he feels he has grown in his game. He talks about his personal strengths and where he feels he is working on improving.Nick recollects on a not so relaxing travel story while trying to get to South Korea for a tournament and other insights into the life of a pro golfer that isn’t as glamorous as you may think. Conversely, he also talks on the best tournament gifts he has received from a Theragun to a grill.He answers some questions from the 18Strong Community like what his favorite golf course designer or architect is and his perspective on how this current pandemic will affect the course of golf for pros and amateurs alike. Parting Questions: Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Happy Gilmore What would your walk-up song to the first tee box be?  The Imperial March (Darth Vaders Theme) from Star Wars 18 Holes anywhere in the world with anyone, past or present: Where would it be and whom would you play? Moe Norman, Ben Hogan, and Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach Who was your inspiration golfer that you looked up to? Tiger Woods and Mike Weir Follow Nick Taylor: Twitter Instagram Episode Sponsors LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week I’m talking with John Ashworth, Founder of LINKSOUL. We discuss everything regarding the company’s past and direction, the apparel itself, and we feature why we have partnered up with this great company as our preferred brand on and off the course. We also touch on how they are adapting to the current pandemic and their successful campaign for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, what new products they have coming up and what John would like to see for the future of golf apparel on the course, and their LinkSoul 2 Man Tournaments. Highlights from this Episode Which aspects of their business have and haven’t been affected by the current pandemic and what their current work looks like and their successful campaign to give back to the COVID-19 Relief Fund.John answers some questions from the 18Stong Community like where he started and how LinkSoul began, who he looked up to in the pro golf community growing up, and what golf fashion trends should be retired and what should be brought back.What new products and styles they have coming up that he is excited about, what golf trends he hopes to see come back as the game bounces back from the quarantine, and why public golf spaces should not enforce a dress code.The history and growth of the LinkSoul 2 Man Tournaments and their plans for adjusting it in the future once golf courses open back up. Follow John and LINKSOUL at: Website Twitter Facebook Instagram Episode Sponsor LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week I’m talking with Rob Collins, golf course designer/architect to catch us up on everything going on with his cultish wonder of a 9-hole course, Sweetens Cove down in Tennessee and what’s next for the dynamic duo of King Collins Golf. Rob explains how they’ve been affected by the COVID-19 situation, upcoming projects they have, and will be working on once everything clears up, how they approach designing these courses, and what the future of golf courses are going to look like as we stray away from the straight 18 holes. Highlights from this Episode What projects Rob has been working on since the last time we had him on the line, what projects are on hold until this climate clears up including a 9-hole course in Accord, New York and a 12-hole course out of Jackson, Mississippi, and what changes and developments have been made to Sweetens.Rob dives into how they approach their design work for courses like what they look for and what goes into the development of a course and also talks on their progress with the Landman course project and how it came about.Rob touches on what the future of golf courses will look like and how many new projects are moving toward the 9 and 12 hole route and away from the typical 18 to offer more variety and flexibility to the golfer, as well as courses he has been impressed by. He also answers a question from the 18Strong community on how one could take an 18 hole course and convert it or utilize it for a 12 hole regular course and a 6 hole short course.We wrap up talking about challenges come up when designing these courses, his most challenging projects to date, and unannounced leads on projects they have coming up throughout the southwest and Memphis. Follow Rob Collins at: Twitter Facebook Instagram Episode Sponsors SUPERSPEED GOLF: Go to 18STRONG.com/SuperSpeed to get your discount on all SuperSpeed products. LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.

This week we continue with a LIVE via Facebook interview for the podcast talking with our close buddy, and professional golfer, Hayden Buckley. He joined us for a chat about his current golf standings pre-lockdown, what he’s doing to stay sharp on his game, takeaways from making the cut in 2 out of 2 PGA Tour events and how he plans to use that knowledge moving forward to break through to his dreams of permanently residing on the PGA Tour. We discuss what he thinks the future of golf tournaments will look like post lockdown (COVID-19) and Hayden also answers some questions from the 18Strong community including advice for younger players, which he thinks is better for making cuts: distance or short game, how he blocks out the noise while playing, and the biggest transitions when turning pro. Highlights from this Episode Hayden recounts what his game-plan and status was before the lockdown started, and the silver lining in the potential new tournament guidelines that could help him get into tournaments.What his home workout routine looks like and how he stays motivated to keep on top of his game and stave off the want to be lazy while at home. He also talks about a couple takeaways from making the cut on two tournaments and how he is shaping himself and what he is working on moving into the season re-opening.Hayden answers some questions from the 18Strong community like the biggest transition from turning pro, advice for younger players, what getting sponsorships looked like transitioning into the pro ranks, which is better for making cuts: distance or short game, who his favorite pro player to watch as a kid, and how he blocks out the noise and compartmentalize his nerves. Follow Hayden Buckley at: InstagramTwitter Episode Sponsors LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo below.