Understand the three specs that matter most when buying wedges

Learn how to build a wedge setup that fits your game and home course

Discover simple drills to improve contact, spin, and distance control

Know when to use high bounce vs. low bounce

Stop guessing yardages and start scoring inside 100 yards

Ball Position Tip
Hold the club with your normal, relaxed grip and make a few small, natural swings back and forth — nothing forced, just brushing the grass. Notice where the club consistently strikes the ground.
That spot is your true low point, and that’s where the ball should go.

Wedge Fitting Tip
If you’re going to get your wedges fitted, work with a brand‑agnostic fitter — someone who isn’t tied to a single manufacturer. That way, you’re choosing the wedge that fits your swing, not the one they’re obligated to sell. And make sure the fitting happens on real grass, not a mat. Mats hide fat shots, change bounce interaction, and give you a totally false sense of how the club performs.

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Guests
Jeff Smith – Top 100 instructor, Golf Digest
James Hong – Renowned junior coach and teaching professional

Topics Covered
• Why indoor swings don’t always translate outdoors
• The biggest mistakes golfers make when leaving the simulator
• How to quickly recalibrate distance control on real grass
• Adjusting to outdoor variables: wind, temperature, turf interaction, and uneven lies
• The role of preshot routines in creating consistency
• How routines help manage nerves, tempo, and decision‑making
• Smart early‑season practice strategies
• Managing expectations during your first few rounds of spring

Key Takeaways
• Indoor practice builds mechanics; outdoor golf demands adaptability.
• Your first few rounds should be about reacclimating, not scoring.
• Expect your distances to change — and give yourself time to re‑measure.
• Turf interaction is the biggest shock when leaving mats behind.
• A strong preshot routine is your anchor when conditions change.
• Early‑season success comes from patience, tempo, and smart decisions.

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Golf Equipment and Club Fitting
John and Jeff discussed golf equipment, particularly focusing on driver technology and club fitting. Jeff shared his experience testing new Titleist drivers and getting fitted for the right combination of head and shaft. They also talked about John's consideration of replacing his 5 and 6 iron with hybrids, with John noting that Callaway clubs felt right to him despite not having decided on the brand yet. The conversation touched on how sound affects feel when playing different clubs, and they briefly discussed the potential for replacing an entire club set rather than just individual clubs.

USGA Rules Discussion Concerns
Jeff discussed his concerns about USGA rules, particularly regarding penalties for balls landing in divots versus penalty areas. He expressed frustration that players who hit straight drives into divots face more penalties than those hitting sideways shots into penalty areas, and suggested a simpler approach where players could simply place their ball a few inches out of divots rather than going through complex relief procedures. While Jeff noted there is ongoing discussion about these rules among officials, he mentioned that USGA representatives are not currently engaging with him on this topic.

Hybrid Golf Clubs Market Discussion
Jeff and John discussed the increasing popularity of hybrid clubs among golfers of all skill levels, including professional players like Scott Monroe. Jeff highlighted the advantages of modern hybrids, including wider sole plates and increased mass that help with ball launch and forgiveness. They also referenced past marketing strategies for golf equipment, comparing current hybrid offerings to previous infomercial products that promised easy improvement for golfers.

Golf Club Discussion and Recommendations
Jeff and John discussed golf clubs, with Jeff recommending John consider buying a complete new set rather than just replacing specific clubs. Jeff shared insights about golf enthusiasts who frequently upgrade their clubs, comparing it to a "golf nut crazy person" behavior similar to car or boat enthusiasts. The conversation concluded with plans to have Scott Munro return to their show next week to discuss golf equipment further.

Golf Equipment and Fitting Discussion
Jeff and John discussed golf equipment and fitting, particularly focusing on hybrids. They planned to bring in a club fitter for an upcoming episode to discuss fitting in detail. The conversation covered how customization in golf, including stance width and club fitting, can improve performance. They emphasized the importance of getting properly fitted rather than buying off the rack, and promised more equipment and technique discussions in future episodes.

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