Golf IQ

Why you absolutely must have a stock shot

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We just watched Scottie Scheffler win (again) without his A-game. But even though he wasn't in full control, he still knew the shape his stock shots w...

Getting to know your friendly neighborhood fitter with Chris Marchini

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini joins the pod to discuss industry trends, products and misconceptions. Plus, ...

Drive it like the pros by following this strategy

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The secret to getting off the tee more like the pros is not "swing hard" or "swing soft," but actually to swing with the same effort all the time. LKD...

Know this crucial data point when considering new irons

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

JWall and Uncle Gene recount memorable robot aces note some irons that impressed them in robot testing. Plus, a hint on which stats you should be prio...

Masters practice secrets from the pros, revealed!

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

LKD and Drew dive into the practice data from the 2025 Masters to learn about how pros practice—and what amateurs can learn. Hosted by Simplecast, a...

Trouble with your short game? Try this

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chunks. Blades. Chili dips. Outright sh*nks. Chipping can be difficult. But a study by Dr. Andy Hoffer found that 35 of 40 golfers got the ball closer...

An interview with Scotty Cameron's right hand man

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Paul Vizanko, Director of Player Fitting and Development at Scotty Cameron, has been working with the most recognizable name in putters for a quarter ...

Inside the Golf Digest Company Match Play (Part 1)

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The annual Golf Digest Company Match Play is BACK. LKD and Sam Weinman give an inside look at how even a company solely focused on golf can still have...

Should you try armlock putting? This study says yes

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A study by Dr. Andy Hoffer shows armlock putting is a great method to try if you're a golfer who has the yips, especially one with an overactive trail...

Coachella and robots and videos and mini drivers, oh my!

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Uncle Gene takes us on a journey through the Coachella Music Festival before we dig into our new video series, robot data on mini drivers, a new shoe ...

What a dream round at Augusta National can teach the rest of us (Part 2)

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our own Drew Powell was lucky enough to win the Masters media lottery and played Augusta National with Sunday pins the day after Rory McIlroy complete...

What a dream round at Augusta National can teach the rest of us (Part 1)

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our own Drew Powell was lucky enough to win the Masters media lottery and played Augusta National with Sunday pins the day after Rory McIlroy complete...

Rory completes the career grand slam with ... what clubs???

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

JWall and Uncle Gene return from their Masters week break that had nothing to do with the Masters to break down Rory McIlroy's historic win, the clubs...

How to play good golf when you're running out of energy

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We all make lazy swings now and again. But there are physical and mental things you can do to prevent them, especially later in rounds. Here are some ...

How to conquer the holes you hate

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We all have that one hole we hate. Or maybe there are a few. Or a lot. But the reality is, conquering that hole is easier than you think ... and it's ...

Masters of data

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can the Masters elevate its coverage with unlimited launch monitor data? Digging into Max Homa's driver numbers, and Titleist finally gives golfers wh...

How to find your practice 'sweet spot'

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

LKD and Sam Weinman dive into how to find your practice "sweet spot." Your drills shouldn't be so easy that you fall into boredom, but they also shoul...

Bryson's hilarious gear test

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bryson's Temu club experiment goes as expected, poking holes in Viktor Hovland's Ping driver and Odyssey's latest swing at LAB Golf. Hosted by Simplec...

Uncle Gene on Gene and golf equipment predictions

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gene, in his first solo hosting effort, recaps the trip back to Golf Digest for filming, dives deep into his golf origin story and makes predictions f...

An expert’s advice on smarter practicing

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Blueprint Golf co-founder Dr. Nico Darras joins LKD to help you upgrade your practice so it actually works. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. ...

Your golf swing's most important move, explained

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Golf Digest Best in State teacher Joe Plecker joins LKD to explain how a good weight shift looks in your golf swing, from start to finish. Hosted by S...

Comparing three years of Srixon drivers

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Naming conventions may have changed, but JWall and Uncle Gene have uncovered some trends in the last few years of Srixon drivers. Plus, more golf ball...

Is hip thrusting killing your golf swing?

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Golf Digest No.1-ranked teacher in America Mark Blackburn sits down with LKD to talk about hip thrust, and when it can be used for good–or bad. Host...

18% of golfers make this 'moment of truth' mistake

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Golf Digest No.1-ranked teacher in America Mark Blackburn sits down with LKD to talk about moment of truth, and how to fix the common mistake golfers ...

Analyzing three years of Cobra drivers

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Golf IQ Gear Pod, Jonathan Wall and Gene Parente discuss gear trends on tour, the emergence of a new zero torque putter and the...

How to fix ‘getting better’ practice mistakes

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part series, Sam Weinman joins LKD to talk about the different between ‘getting ready’ practice and ‘getting better’ practice—an...

How to fix ‘getting ready’ practice mistakes

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part series, Sam Weinman joins LKD to talk about the different between ‘getting ready’ practice and ‘getting better’ practice—an...

Revealing robot data on Callaway's Elyte driver

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The latest episode delivers a deep dive into the robot data behind the last three years of Callaway drivers. Which model excelled in a big way? And is...

Comparing the last three Ping G-Series drivers

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Golf IQ Gear Podcast with Jonathan Wall and "Uncle" Gene Parente, the duo dives into the last three iterations of Ping's G-Seri...

How a tour pro fixed his painful overswing

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the Golf IQ podcast, we're breaking down the backswing move that caused Daniel Berger—and other golfers—a lot of back pai...

Rickie Fowler & Gary Woodland dive in on their gear

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rickie Fowler and Gary Woodland dive into an array of gear topics with Jonathan Wall, ranging from 3D printing at the tour level, Woodland's secret cl...

Rory's right arm, explained

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the Golf IQ podcast, we're looking back on the swing drill Rory McIlroy spent all offseason doing, and what you can learn fro...

The *real* key to a good tempo

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the Golf IQ podcast, we're talking to John Novesel Jr. about the piece of advice that helps golfers boost distance with a smo...

Does TaylorMade Qi35 live up to the hype?

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Robot insights on three years of TaylorMade drivers, what it’s like to interview Tiger and kid designers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. ...

A Brooks-approved shallowing drill

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the Golf IQ podcast, we're talking to Brooks Koepka about a drill he does during every range session to stop himself from get...

Cobra’s crown jewel

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The brainchild behind Cobra’s 3D printed club craze sits down with us at the PGA Merchandise show to discuss the brand’s design shift, building mi...

Rickie Fowler re-ups and changes gear in the same week

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fowler is making headlines after changing a key piece of gear and re-upping with Cobra Puma. And what's up with the launch monitors at TGL? Hosted by ...

I'm going all in on strength training

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the Golf IQ podcast, we're talking about the benefits of strength training, and why golfers should care. Hosted by Simplecast...

The year of lower spin drivers

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing a notable industry trend, a defunct brand holding on by a thread and a tribute to a gear industry legend. Plus, more on Max Homa's move to ...

Nicolai Hojgaard on staying present

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our learning from pros series concludes with a lesson from rising Danish star Nicolai Hojgaard on staying in the moment. It's easy to lose focus on th...

Max Homa explains his Cobra signing

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why did one of the tour’s best decide to change gear brands after a decade? Homa joins to detail his Cobra switch, the deal-sealing club, testing an...

Ludvig Aberg on playing while making swing changes

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We've all gone through swing changes. On this this episode of our learning from pros series, Ludvig Aberg explains why a swing change doesn't have to ...

Bryson DeChambeau on runout numbers

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the next episode in our learning from pros series, we dive into the importance of runout numbers. One of the great numbers guys in our game, Bryson...

Justin Thomas on the importance of 'group mo'

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the next episode of our learning from pros series, Justin Thomas touches on something you've probably heard about if you've ever listened to a pro ...

We already found a 2025 unicorn driver

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing Bryson DeChambeau’s latest driver project, big-time holiday gear giveaways and a driver that impressed in a big way during robotic testin...

Viktor Hovland on implementing swing changes

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Changing your swing doesn't have to be scary. In fact, according to Viktor Hovland, it doesn't even take that long. On the next episode in our learnin...

Xander Schauffele on the good golf swing 'trickle'

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In part four of our nine-part learning from pros series, LKD explains how Xander Schauffele and his coach Chris Como mastered the art of trickling in ...

How special is TaylorMade’s newest driver?

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

TaylorMade Qi35 reax, Tiger’s most shocking gear change, JT’s driver hack and rental sets. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswi...

Scottie Scheffler on using the line on your golf ball

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In part three of our nine-part learning from pros series, LKD explains how Scottie Scheffler decided to stop using a method that tends to help lots of...

Max Homa on the importance of having good go-to feels

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of our nine-part learning from pros series, LKD breaks down an interesting answer from Max Homa about how he uses different golf swing fee...

Detailing Callaway and LAB's trademark battle

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why the term "broomstick" is in the legal crosshairs, 2025 driver reax and Uncle Gene's hilarious golf ball story. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz co...

Why 2 swing thoughts is better than 1 (with Rory McIlroy)

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In part one of our nine-part learning from pros series, LKD is looking back on some interesting quotes from players, starting with Rory McIlroy talkin...

The hero mistake golfers make every round

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the final episode of this Golf IQ miniseries with DECADE Golf founder Scott Fawcett, LKD and Scott discuss why hitting the hero shot (almost) never...

The 3-putt mistake golfers make

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Golf IQ, LKD and DECADE Golf founder Scott Fawcett explains why the key to making more putts is...not trying to make them? Hosted b...

The keys to hitting committed golf shots

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Golf IQ, LKD welcomes DECADE Golf founder Scott Fawcett to talk about the keys to making aggressive swings to conservative targets....

The hottest gear trend in golf

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Odyssey Tour rep Cody Hale joins the pod to discuss the "zero torque" craze, Ai-One Square 2 Square, recent putter trends and battling for equipment s...

Inside Hot List player testing

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recapping player testing in Florida, the dos and don’ts of traveling with your gear and the Claret Jug currently at auction. Hosted by Simplecast, a...

When to overhaul your swing

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

LKD talks with Sam Weinman about his Low Net newsletter helping golfers decide when to tweak their move, and when to overhaul their golf swing. Hosted...

Ball rollbacks and decoding shafts

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unpacking Mike Whan’s comments on the impending ball rollback, and the subtle nuances of golf shafts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See ...

What is Strokes Lost: Stupid?

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

LKD talks with Sam Weinman about his Low Net newsletter, and specifically an unglamorous concept DECADE founder Scott Fawcett calls Strokes Lost: Stup...

How many tools does your game have?

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

LKD invites Jamie Kennedy onto the pod to talk about his recent article about five-tool golfers, and discuss how amateur golfers can apply it to their...

These clubs have staying power

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The latest episode details Golf Digest’s all-new robotic testing process, clubs that continue to impress and groove decay. Hosted by Simplecast, an ...

The swing width mistake to avoid

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Creating a wide backswing is a trendy golf swing move, and can have some benefits, but it can backfire. LKD and Drew Powell explain why how to avoid o...

10 scoring rules for better golf (Part 10)

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Speed control is king on the greens, and understanding how to use slopes to your advantage is key to that. In the final part of our scoring series, LK...

Does Titleist have a “unicorn” driver?

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On the inaugural episode of Golf’s Digest’s gear podcast, Jonathan and Gene analyze 6 years of Titleist robotic driver data, meetings with the R&A...

10 scoring rules for better golf (Part 9)

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Coming over the top? Hitting nasty pulls and slices? You might not have enough "sway gap." On our penultimate episode of our rules for better scoring ...

10 scoring rules for better golf (Part 8)

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the next part of our series, LKD and Drew Powell discuss the grip and how the "two-knuckle rule" is a good guide for setting up with a neutral grip...

10 scoring rules for better golf (Part 7)

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the next episode of our better scoring series, LDK and Drew Powell explain the "5-second rule" and how it can help your full swings and your putts....

The science behind swinging faster with Dr. Sasho MacKenzie

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This special episode features audio from a clip of a recent Golf Digest+ Happy Hour, where Drew Powell and Dr. Sasho MacKenzie discuss the science of ...

10 scoring rules for better golf (Part 6)

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The saying is "tee it high, let it fly," but there's a compelling argument for teeing the ball up at different heights depending on the layout of the ...

10 scoring rules for better golf (Part 5)

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

LKD and Drew Powell move on in our Rules for Better Scoring series with a short game tip that will help you stop bleeding shots around the green and, ...

10 scoring rules for better golf (Part 4)

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you figure out what tees to play in a way that will still be fun, help you play faster and, crucially, in a way that mirrors what it feels like...

10 scoring rules for better golf (Part 3)

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

LKD and Drew Powell recall an old episode with 2022 U.S. Open Matthew Fitzpatrick where he details how much distance he budgets for mishits. He may be...

10 scoring rules for better golf (Part 2)

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Part 2 of our better scoring series, LKD and Drew Powell explore Dr. Bhrett McCabe's '78-22' mindset and how focusing on what you have instead of w...

10 scoring rules for better golf (Part 1)

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

LKD and Drew Powell explain the 20/20/20 drill, one of the best practice routines for improving your swing technique. Many non-elite golfers have limi...

Mindset tactics that'll help you play better (Part 3)

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You need to play with what you've got on any given day. Sometimes that'll be your best, but more often than not, something will be off. But continuing...

Mindset tactics that'll help you play better (Part 2)

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are lots of things to think about before and during the golf swing—some more important than others. There's a new trend emerging among elite g...

Mindset tactics that’ll help you play better (part 1)

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rarely does one play a perfect round when everything goes according to plan. But limiting mistakes and getting back on track as quickly as possible is...

Using Ai to improve your golf swing

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

LDK and Drew Powell discuss uses of artificial intelligence in golf instruction. Through the use of a new app, Mustard, you can diagnose flaws in your...

How to play in weird winds

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We've all been there. The pros experienced it a few weeks ago at Royal Troon. The wind is whipping and it feels nearly impossible to keep your ball on...

Bunker shot basics

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Not all bunkers are created equal. But there are some fundamentals that should (almost) never change when trying to extract your ball from the sand. O...

The keys to breaking 80 (Part 2)

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Breaking 80 isn't easy, especially for two middle handicappers, but physical ability isn't always the defining factor. Sometimes, or even often, menta...

The keys to breaking 80 (Part 1)

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Weinman and Shane Ryan, two aspirational 80-breakers, try to hone in on what's working for them when their games are at their best. Shane, who has...

Why you need go-to shots and how to find them

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pros talk about it all the time—when they’re not playing well, they have a go-to shot to fall back on. In this episode, we explain how you can fin...

How to prepare for club tournaments

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's not easy to flip the switch between playing a regular round and one that matters. In this episode, two former college players detail how they pre...

What is early extension and how do you avoid it?

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most common swing problems in golf is early extension. But what exactly does that mean? How do you fix it? On this episode of Golf IQ, Luke...

How to hit the ball straighter

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hitting the ball farther is all the rage, but what about hitting it straighter? In this episode, LKD and Drew Powell share their favorite tips, includ...

The importance of ball position and how to nail it

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Luke Kerr-Dineen and Drew Powell highlight the importance of ball position and illustrate how recognizing typical or atypical ball flights can help id...

How much can a PGA Tour caddie help an average golfer? (Part 2)

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Weinman revisits a round Golf Digest contributor Shane Ryan played with PGA Tour caddie Paul Tesori on the bag. Ryan recounts the stark difference...

What it's like caddieing for Joel Dahmen in Scotland

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sean Zak returns do preview a fan-favorite chapter in his book Searching in St. Andrews, in which he caddies for Joel Dahmen in the Scottish Open and ...

An introduction to links golf

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Golf writer Sean Zak joins LKD to preview his book 'Searching in St. Andrews,' detailing his summer abroad in Scotland. It was a bizarre summer for th...

This is why so many pros putt from off the green at Pinehurst

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's the U.S. Open. Many greens will be missed. But on a typical U.S. Open venue, players would reach for a lofted wedge and play aerially toward the ...

This is why Pinehurst's greens are so diabolical

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

LKD and Drew Powell preview the 2024 Men's U.S. Open at Pinehurst, focussing on No. 2's famous Donald Ross turtleback greens. The team explores "effec...

How much can a PGA Tour caddie help an average golfer? (Part 1)

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Weinman revisits a round Golf Digest contributor Shane Ryan played with PGA Tour caddie Paul Tesori on the bag. Ryan recounts the stark difference...

What is a Handicap Index and how can you use one?

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Weinman and LKD explore the world of USGA Handicap Indexes. The team dives into misconceptions about handicaps, how handicaps can help you become ...

Matt Fitzpatrick's advice for playing hard holes

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

2022 U.S. Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick walks LKD through the final three holes at Muirfield Village, one of the toughest closing stretches on the...

The reason Tiger Woods says he was so good

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tiger Woods has an interesting reason for why he was so good at the top of his game. LKD and Drew Powell dive into the intricacies of lag putting and ...

Mythbusting misconceptions about the putting stroke

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

LKD and Drew Powell explain the benefits of a smooth putting stroke and why smooth doesn't necessarily mean slow. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz com...

The importance of nailing speed on the greens

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

LKD and Drew Powell talk about why speed is so important and how close players should reasonably expect to hit their putts from various distances usin...

What it's like playing Augusta National

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"The Pride of Augusta" Sam explains how Augusta National is actually quite playable and does, in fact, have some slow putts. Hosted by Simplecast, an ...