Driven Golf Podcast

In this episode of the Driven Golf Podcast, Andrew speaks with Auburn head coach Nick Clinard and star sophomore Jackson Koivun. The conversation dives deep into Auburn’s historic 2023-24 season, where the Tigers won 10 tournaments, including the SEC Championship and the program’s first-ever national title.

The discussion covers Koivun’s historic season, where he swept the player of the year award as a freshman. He reflects on how he handled the pressures of transitioning from junior golf to college golf and shares insights on staying focused and consistent through routines and mental preparation.

Coach Clinard offers his perspective on building team culture, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and not defending last year's championship. He also discusses the changing recruiting landscape in college golf

In Angle of Attack with Andrew Lewis, Andrew & Jim go deeper into the changes in the college golf recruiting landscape and how it can influence decisions on what schools to look at and what tournaments to play in.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order of one of their golf bags.

⁠⁠@flagbaggolf⁠⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠⁠

Resources:

Engage with hosts and followers on the ⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠ on Facebook. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel for more content: ⁠⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠⁠.

Check out ⁠⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠⁠ and subscribe!

Shameless Plug: "Franklin: The Musical" on Spotify

In this episode of the Driven Golf Podcast, Jim speaks with Jeff Bullock, co-founder of The Universal Golf Ranking (TUGR.org), an innovative golf ranking system that aims to bring accuracy and fairness to the professional and junior golf landscapes. The conversation dives into the creation of TUGR and the motivation behind developing an alternative to traditional point-based ranking systems, like the OGWR and WAGR.

The conversation transitions to TUGR's impact on junior golf, where the system has expanded to eliminate inefficiencies and counterintuitive incentives that exist in the current junior golf landscape. Jeff and Jim discuss how the system can provide insights for both players and coaches, allowing both to make more informed decisions based on players' performance data.

In Angle of Attack with Andrew Lewis, Andrew and Jim continue their series looking into the factors that differentiate a 72 vs. 70 golfer. In this episode they focus on course management and decision making that can really separate between the elite and hyper-elite.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order of one of their golf bags.

⁠⁠@flagbaggolf⁠⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠⁠

Resources:

Engage with hosts and followers on the ⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠ on Facebook. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel for more content: ⁠⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠⁠.

Check out ⁠⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠⁠ and subscribe!

Shameless Plug: "Franklin: The Musical" on Spotify

In this episode of the Driven Golf Podcast, Andrew interviews Bobby Massa, a Mid-Am golfer and recent U.S. Amateur quarterfinalist, who opens up about his journey through the ups and downs of competitive golf. From his humble beginnings in junior golf to navigating the intense pressures of college and professional competition, Bobby offers listeners a candid look at the mental and physical demands of golf at the highest level.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order of one of their golf bags.

⁠⁠@flagbaggolf⁠⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠⁠

Resources:

Engage with hosts and followers on the ⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠ on Facebook. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel for more content: ⁠⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠⁠.

Check out ⁠⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠⁠ and subscribe!

Shameless Plug: "Franklin: The Musical" on Spotify

In this episode of the Driven Golf Podcast, Jim interviews Mason Carmel, the tournament director of the Elite Invitational Junior Golf Tournament. Carmel shares the journey of creating one of the most prestigious junior golf events in the U.S., from its humble beginnings to becoming a top-ranked tournament attracting elite junior golfers worldwide. Listeners will hear how Carmel’s lifelong connection to golf, deeply influenced by his father, shaped his career and eventually led him to found the Elite Invitational during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mason also shares unique stories, including his memorable “Bottomless Bogey” incident, where his determination to retrieve a golf ball from an alligator-infested creek became a legendary moment. His insights into the challenges of running a world-class tournament, the importance of creating opportunities for young players, and the role of character in selecting participants highlight his dedication to junior golf.

In Angle of Attack with Andrew Lewis (@andrewlewisgolf), Andrew & Jim answer listener-submitted questions on communicating with college coaches and what is "typical" for junior golf development from ages 12 to 16.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order of one of their golf bags.

⁠⁠@flagbaggolf⁠⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠⁠

Resources:

Engage with hosts and followers on the ⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠ on Facebook. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel for more content: ⁠⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠⁠.

Check out ⁠⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠⁠ and subscribe!

DRVN.Golf Blog Post: "WAGR Files: Junior Golf in Jordan"

In this episode of the Driven Golf Podcast, Andrew Lewis interviews Bill Allcorn (@TCUCoachBill), the Men’s Golf Coach at Texas Christian University. Allcorn shares insights into the busy summer recruiting season, the qualities that college coaches look for in recruits, and the importance of communication and social media in the recruiting process.

Listeners will gain valuable knowledge about the differences between junior and college golfers, the significance of course management and golf IQ, and the transition challenges that freshmen face when entering college golf. Allcorn also discusses the strategies TCU employs to prepare their team for the fall season, including team retreats, qualifying rounds, and setting goals for the year.

The episode offers a deep dive into the demands of collegiate golf, from understanding one's strengths to minimizing errors during play. Allcorn emphasizes that players must be genuine in their aspirations, whether aiming for a career on the PGA Tour or balancing academics and golf at a high level.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code 'DRIVEN' to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention 'Driven Golf' when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order of one of their golf bags.

⁠⁠@flagbaggolf⁠⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠⁠

Resources:

Engage with hosts and followers on the ⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠ on Facebook. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel for more content: ⁠⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠⁠.

Check out ⁠⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠⁠ and subscribe!

In this episode of the Driven Golf Podcast, host Jim Colton interviews Chandler Withington (@chandlerwithington), a longtime head professional at Hazeltine National and founder of Archive 22. Withington shares his inspiring path from his early days in golf to his career as a PGA professional at Seminole, Merion, and eventually at Hazeltine (site of the 2024 U.S. Amateur).

Listeners will gain insight into the importance of family and faith in Withington's life, his transition from golf to his artistic venture, and his dedication to preserving golf history through his hand-drawn artwork at Archive 22. Withington’s anecdotes about significant moments, such as working with Davis Love III during the Ryder Cup, emphasize the impact of mentorship and the lasting relationships formed in the golf community.

In Angle of Attack with Andrew Lewis (1:11:55), Andrew & Jim discuss the concept of ball control and having a swing blueprint as being a key differentiating factor between golfers averaging 74 and those averaging 72.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code 'DRIVEN' to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention 'Driven Golf' when ordering a Flag Bag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order of one of their golf bags.

⁠⁠@flagbaggolf⁠⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠⁠

Resources:

"WAGR Files: The Curious Case of Trevor Gutschewski's 3570 WAGR" on DRVN.GOLF

Engage with hosts and followers on the ⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠ on Facebook. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel for more content: ⁠⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠⁠.

Check out ⁠⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠⁠ and subscribe!

In this episode of the Driven Golf Podcast, host Jim Colton interviews Justin Bardgett, the Director of Player Relations for PGA Tour Pathways. Bardgett, who has deep Midwest roots and a background in college golf, shares insights into his journey from St. Louis to Champaign and now to Ponte Vedra, Florida. He discusses the significance of PGA Tour U, the evolving landscape of professional golf, and the critical role of mentors and coaches in shaping young golfers' careers.

Listeners will gain an understanding of the strategic pathways available for aspiring professional golfers, including the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Americas, and PGA Tour University. Bardgett’s personal anecdotes and professional experiences provide a comprehensive view of the dedication, hard work, and focus required to succeed in the competitive golf landscape.

In Angle of Attack with Andrew Lewis (1:11:55), Andrew & Jim and discuss strategies and mindset for match play success, designed to help those competing at the U.S. Junior and other match play events in the future.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code 'DRIVEN' to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention 'Driven Golf' when ordering a Flag Bag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order of one of their golf bags.

⁠@flagbaggolf⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠

Resources:

Engage with hosts and followers on the Driven Golf Podcast Group on Facebook. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel for more content: ⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠.

Check out ⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠ and subscribe!

PGA Tour University (⁠⁠@pgatouru⁠)

In this episode of the Driven Golf Podcast, first Jim, Andrew and Joseph reflect and follow-up on the topics covered in Volume 2 of Angle of Attack. Then Andrew interviews Matthias Tayala, a former NCAA-champion track star who has shifted his focus on golf content and golf improvement. Matthias started @GolfProWannabes which has grown to over 135,000 followers and recently launched the Golf Challenge Book to gamify golf improvement.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code 'DRIVEN' to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention 'Driven Golf' when ordering a Flag Bag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order of one of their golf bags.

Resources:

Engage with hosts and followers on the Driven Golf Podcast Group on Facebook. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel for more content: ⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠.

Check out ⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠ and subscribe!

This episode is a compilation of all the Angle of Attack segments from DGP Episodes 12 to 19. Golf coach Andrew Lewis and Jim discuss the lowest hanging fruit items for whittling down your scoring average (from 80 to 78, 78 to 76 and 76 to 74) over time. Even if you aren’t a junior golfer or parent of one, I truly believe there is something there for everyone to help in your golf journey.

08:40 From 80 to 78: Decision Making / Avoiding Big Numbers

29:55 From 80 to 78: Short Game Keys

51:05 From 78 to 76: Putting Inside 10 Feet/Aimpoint

1:07:40 From 78 to 76: Driving Distance / Swing Speed

1:27:40 From 78 to 76: Worst Ball Scramble

1:33:26 From 76 to 74: Qualifier Mindset

1:47:05 From 76 to 74: Breaking Par / Going Low

1:58:41 From 76 to 74: Bogey Avoidance

2:11:15 DG Beat Lab

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books.

@flagbaggolf on Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Mention 'Driven Golf' to receive a free custom headcover with any order of a golf bag.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://strackaline.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Enter code 'DRIVEN' to receive 20% off your StrackaLine Yardage Books & Greens Guides.

Subscribe to the Andrew Lewis Golf YouTube channel for more content:⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@alewisgolf

Resources:

Andrew Lewis Golf:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@andrewlewisgolf⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠@drivengolfanalytics⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram;⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@golfdriven⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter

Host: Jim Colton (⁠⁠⁠⁠@jcolton31⁠⁠⁠⁠)

Producer: Joseph Kay (⁠⁠⁠⁠@joseph_kay⁠⁠⁠⁠)

In this episode of the Driven Golf Podcast, Jim and Joseph are joined by Hall of Fame caddie, Thomas Trinchitella (@ThomasAtNo2), known for his deep insights and long tenure at Pinehurst. Trinchitella shares stories from his career, including his experiences caddying for golf greats like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

Trinchitella discusses the unique aspects of Pinehurst, its history, and its preparation for the upcoming U.S. Open. He provides a detailed analysis of the course's conditions and the strategic challenges players are likely to encounter later this month. The conversation also covers the recent renovations at Pinehurst and how they will influence play during the U.S. Open.

In the "Angle of Attack" segment, Jim and Andrew dive into strategies for lowering scores for those in the 76 range trying to get to 74. They discuss the technical shortfalls in par 3 scoring, chipping and lag putting that are the three largest contributors to making bogeys in this scoring range.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code 'DRIVEN' to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention 'Driven Golf' when ordering a Flag Bag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order of one of their golf bags.

Resources:

Engage with hosts and followers on the Driven Golf Podcast Group on Facebook. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel for more content: ⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠.

Check out ⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠ and subscribe!

Also mentioned in this episode:

- Support the Hike at East Potomac, June 10th: ⁠https://www.nationallinkstrust.org/the-hike⁠

- Check out the Dye Junior Invitational: ⁠https://www.dyejuniorinvitational.com/⁠