Have you ever found yourself on the green, questioning every choice you've made leading up to that pivotal putt? John Ashton and the wisdom of Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher Jeff Smith are here to help you navigate the course with confidence. From crafting a practice regimen that actually pays off, to getting the club to move as an extension of your body, we're unveiling the secrets to a more controlled and powerful swing. Beginners and mid-handicap players, take note: this episode is packed with tailored advice to help you refine your game and shave strokes off your scorecard.

Let's talk alignment – it's not about holding the club straight, it's about getting that club face to speak the right language to the ball. We tackle the common myths and arm you with practical tips, including the smart use of alignment sticks, to ensure your shots are consistent and your handicap is heading in the right direction. Jeff Smith, with his unparalleled insights, walks us through the intricacies of grip strength and the importance of setting up for success before each shot. It's the details like these that can transform your game from frustrating to formidable.

And for those moments when it's all about finesse over force, we've got your short game covered. Discover why an older golfer named "Dirt" became our unlikely hero, and how his exceptional chipping and pitching outshone his peers. This is the episode where we emphasize the unsung heroes of golf – the third shot, bunker play, and those nerve-wracking eight-foot putts. Join us for a round of conversation that promises to improve not just your swing, but your entire approach to the game. Trust us, your scorecard will thank you.

Listen in as we catch up with Ron Sullivan and explore the latest enhancements of his innovative Pro Tips Golf app, designed to bring golfers the local knowledge they need on the course. Ron details the app's new features, such as live chat, which lets players communicate in real-time, and audio tips from golf pros and general managers that guide shot selection and course navigation. Sharing a personal story, we highlight the difference this kind of insider advice can make, especially when tackling unfamiliar terrain. The app's evolution not only aids in improving gameplay but also cultivates a sense of community among golf enthusiasts.

In our discussion, we also look at the broader aspects of enjoying golf, emphasizing the importance of expert advice and how it can be turned into accessible audio clips. These tips come from various golf course personnel and are aimed at enhancing both skill level and pace of play. I share insights into the simple joy of golfing with friends, the setting of personal challenges, and the strategic choice to save your best swings for the game, not practice. Ron Sullivan from Pro Tips Golf joins the conversation, shedding light on how these elements merge to uplift the golfing experience for players of all skill sets.

Wrapping up, the conversation shifts to the integral role golf plays in forging and strengthening relationships, using the backdrop of the Myrtle Beach Classic and the famed Kiawah Island's Ocean Course to discuss the game's social and business benefits. From humorous tales on links-style courses to the candid revelation of one's character during a round, we cover the gamut of golf's influence. Top Golf Instructor Jeff Smith chimes in, sharing his expertise on local course knowledge and how it's akin to having a caddy. Whether it's the value of caddies, the anticipation of a new club, or the satisfaction of improving one's skills through expert advice, this episode is a testament to the deep connection between the game of golf and life itself.
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Ever found yourself chuckling at the audacious claims of a fellow golfer who insists on playing from the back tees, despite their drive barely clearing the ladies' markers? That's the kind of jovial banter you can expect from me, John Ashton, and my sidekick, Jeff Smith, a Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher, as we saunter through tales of local golf glories and the amusing bravado that fuels our beloved sport. From the electric energy of Louisville in Derby season to celebrating a 72-year-old's hole-in-one, our episode is a front-row seat to the passion and peculiarities that make golf more than just a game.

As we age, tees aren't the only things we might need to move forward. We wade into the realities of golfing through the years, discussing how drive distances and strength may wane but highlighting how staying fit can keep your swing young at heart. With Jeff's expertise, we peel back the curtain on the marketing smoke and mirrors promising quick fixes and instead, prescribe a hearty dose of exercise as the true elixir for a consistently strong game. Golf mirrors life's challenges, and in this round of conversation, we're your caddies for navigating the course of staying active and enjoying every shot.

Wrapping up with sage advice for golfers of all ages, we talk serious shop about the transformative impact of getting the right gear. Whether it's grip sizes that ease the strain on arthritic hands or the perfect club fitting that could turn your bogeys into birdies, Jeff Smith lends his wisdom on how to make your equipment an extension of your own drive to improve. It's not just about playing the game, it's about loving the play—and we're here to ensure you're equipped, quite literally, to do just that. Join us, and let's tee up some knowledge to help you swing with ease and walk the fairways with a little more pep in your step.