GOLF DON'T LIE

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Liam Mucklow shares his expertise in the world of club-fitting and golf instruction.  Liam gives us an in inside look at his 26,000 square ft. facility, The Golf Lab, in Toronto, Canada.

Liam is one of the premiere golf instructors in the world with an expertise in club-fitting, Trackman, Aimpoint Golf and the TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) model of assessing and training the body as well as the swing.

You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below:

 

Liam Mucklow’s Background

* 2014 PGA of Ontario and PGA of Canada’s Teacher of the Year

* Founder of The Golf Lab in Toronto, Canada

* Teaches for TPI, Aimpoint Golf, and Trackman University

* International Speaker for several golf organizations

* Spent several years on the World Long Drive Tour

Highlights from this Episode

* Liam answers several questions on the topic of club fitting.

* Who should be fit for clubs? high handicappers, low handicappers, all of the above?

* What are the most important factors to look at when going in for a club fitting?

* Liam defines some of the terms that you should know as a golfer, especially if you are looking to get fit for clubs.

* Liam walks us through The Golf Lab’s process of evaluation and what the facility has to offer (see the video above to get a glimpse inside this amazing facility)

* Liam dives into ball fitting and what the real difference is between the top end golf balls.

* We discuss the topic of “quantifiable improvement” and why it is so important that you implement this into any training program, whether it be skilled related or fitness related.

CaddyShack or Happy Gillmore?

CaddyShack

What are you excited about in your near future?

The new “green grass” location of the Golf Lab  at Diamondback Golf Club.

Where to Find Liam:

The Golf Lab:

* Website: The Golf Lab 

* Twitter: @The_Golf_Lab

* Facebook: The Golf Lab

Mucklow Golf:

* Website: Mucklow Golf:

* Twitter: @MucklowGolf

* Facebook: Mucklow Golf

Other Links Mentioned

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Ben Shear shares his expertise in the world of Strength & Conditioning, Biomechanics, and Nutrition for golfers.  Ben gives us an in inside look at some of the concerns he has with the most recent “need for speed” mentality of the average golfer and why this is most likely not the most important piece you should be working on.

Ben Shear is one of the biggest names in the world of Golf Fitness.  He works with many tour players including Luke Donald, Webb Simpson, Russell Henley, and Jason Day.  He also runs 3 elite training facilities, hosts the Golfer’s Edge Radio show on PGA Tour Radio, and is a consistent contributor to Golf Digest Magazine.

You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below:

Ben Shear’s Background

* Originally owned Athletic Edge in Scotch Plains, NJ, working with Athletes of all types

* Began working with golfers and started traveling on tour

* Ben now works with many of the top golfers in the world

* Host of “The Golfer’s Edge Radio Show” on PGA Tour Radio

* Opened Golf & Body NYC, an elite indoor Golf Club in Manhattan

* You can find a full bio on Ben here at BenShearGolf.com

Highlights from this Episode

* Ben describes his experience at the PGA show 2015, where he noticed a massive trend toward speed training in the presentations of many of the teaching pros.

* Ben explains why gaining more speed in your swing, while sexy, may be detrimental to your game if your not ready for it.

* We discuss some of the common physical issues that golfers have which may be exacerbated by trying to swing faster.

* Ben also explains the effect of “triangulation.” Basically, the farther you hit it, the farther your misses go.  So, if you’re in the rough hitting a ball 250; if you all of a sudden hit that ball 300, you’re in the trees.

* We talk about flexibility/mobility and stability training.  How effective is stretching, really?

* Ben stresses the importance if finding your own swing and making the improvements that fit you and your body.

What is Ben Excited about in his career?

* Ben is making some big changes to his business model at the Athletic Edge.  It sounds like a fitness trainers dream, where the clients are “required” to participate in the whole program, from nutrition to soft tissue to training.  Listen to the episode for his full plan.

Where to Find Ben Shear:

BenShearGolf.com

Golfer’s Edge Radio Show

Twitter: @Ben_Shear

Facebook: Ben Shear Golf Facebook

Other Links Mentioned

Golf & Body NYC

The Athletic Edge

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Dr. Brett Winchester shares his expertise in the world of chiropractic work and human performance in the world of golf.

In this episode Brett gives us an in depth look at the mechanics of the foot and why it is such an important piece in the golf swing.

You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below:

Dr. Brett Winchester’s Background

* Founder of Winchester Spine and Sport Chiropractic

* Grew up in St. Louis

* Travels to speak and teach internationally for DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) and The Motion Palpation Institute

* Teaches at Logan University of Chiropractic in St. Louis

* Consultant for throwing Athletes

* Former Soccer Player

Highlights from this Episode

* Brett explains the basic anatomy of the foot.

* We discuss alignment of the feet and the common faults that are seen as the golfer starts his/her swing

* Brett identifies 2 main foot dysfunctions and why he believes

Our feet are neurologically dying

* The Foot Tripod and why it is so important

* We discuss how to correct some of the more common issues of the feet like limited ankle motion, plantar fasciitis, etc

* Brett gives some great resources for exercises (see the links below)

* Orhtotics: Are they good, bad, or both?

* We discuss the topic of golf shoes and which ones might be right for you

What Are You Most Excited About?

The DNS Golf (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) Seminar coming to St. Louis in September 2015.

Where to Find Brett Winchester

Facebook: Winchester Spine and Sport

WinSpineandSport.com

Other Links Mentioned

We will have some better videos of the following up soon (these will give you the basic Idea for now, until we have a chance to film some better videos with Dr. Winchester):

Gary Gray Triplanar Calf Stretch

Short foot Exercises

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Andrew Fischer (“Fish”) shares his expertise in the world of golf fitness,  and gives us an in inside look at his time working with Bubba Watson, and what he does with his golfers.

Fish has a unique approach working with his clients, wearing many hats of expertise including nutrition, fitness, massage, and swing instruction.  Fish also uses technology to his advantage, being able to work with students all over the world through the web and video capture apps.

You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below:

Andrew Fischer’s Background

* Went from Living in his car to working with Bubba Watson

* Worked with Bubba for 5 years

* Owner of FishFit

* Living and working out of Scottsdale, Arizona

* Personal trainer, massage therapist, nutritionist, golf coach

Highlights from this Episode

* Fish tells his story about how he went from living in his car traveling to tour events to working with 2 time Masters Champion Bubba Watson

* How guys like Bubba and Rickie can hit a drive as far as they do and be as skinny as they are.

* Fish discusses what he and Bubba concentrated on in his workouts and fitness regimen

* We discuss the trend of golf instructors learning more about the body and fitness instructors learning more about the swing

* Fish’s favorite Bubba Watson story

What are you most excited about?

* Fish is excited about his new venture into working with more golfers and getting away from the rigors of traveling with the tour.

* He is especially intrigued with technology and his ability to work with students all over the world via platforms like Ubersense

Where to Find “Fish”

Twitter: @FishFitGolf

Facebook: FishFit

Website: FishFit.com

Other Links Mentioned

Fish’s Story (video)

Articles featuring Fish:

The Golf Dash Blog

The SandTrap.com

 

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Matt Ginella shares his expertise in the world of Golf, Fitness, and Travel. Matt gives us an in inside look at his duties on the Golf Channel and what its like trying to stay fit for golf on the road.

Matt seemingly has the Greatest Job on Earth from a golfers perspective.  He gets to travel the world, playing the best courses and going to the local hangouts and restaurants, then reports back to the Golf Channel with his notes.  Matt gives us a behind the scenes look at what his job is REALLY like and how he is able to stay in great golf shape despite the crazy travel and work schedule.

You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below:

Matt Ginella’s Background

* His uncle got him a job at his local golf club when he was a kid

* Ended up working on the superintendent crew at the course

* Played golf in college

* Worked at Sports Illustrated on an internship and eventually became the golf photo editor

* Went ot Columbia’s Journalism School

* Went from SI to Golf Digest as the photo editor

* Became the golf travel writer for Golf Digest

* Was then invited down to talk with the Golf Channel to talk more about the lifestyle portion of the game

 

Highlights from this Episode

* Matt details his schedule when he travels and when he is in studio

* Usually filming from sunrise to sunset when on location

* Usually on the road for 3 days interviewing, playing, filming, etc

* When in town, Matt has a pretty standard routine which plays a bit part in his physical and mental health

* Very little if any down time on the road to get in the gym

* When on the road, he cuts down on his eating and eats a lot cleaner (more fish, more water, more veggies, etc)

* Matt discusses how important the accountability of his personal trainer is in keeping him on track

* Matt gives his top 3 destinations and reasons why:

* Bandon Dunes

* Pinehurst

* The 3rd is a toss up (Sea Island, The Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach, Northern Michigan)

* Matt’s worst airline story

* Matt defines “18STRONG”

What has you excited for 2015?

* He has a piece coming out soon on CHambers Bay and the story behind getting the US Open

* He has been invited to play in  the Irish Pro Am

* His annual guys trip to Bandon Dunes

Last Piece of Advice

* Don’t eat at the airport or on the airplanes

 

Where to Find Matt Ginella

Twitter: @MattGinellaGC

GolfChannel.com

Other links mentioned

Bandon Dunes

Pinehurst

Sea Island

The Grand Strand

 

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Dr. Ryan Caserta shares his expertise in the world of Sports Psychology and Visual Perception and gives us an in inside look at how it effects your golf game.

Dr. Caserta is an expert in the field of cognition and visual training.  He has worked with professional golfers from every major tour.  His approach to deliberate training of the visual system reduces common errors that our frequently eyes make on the course.

You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below:

Dr. Ryan Caserta’s Background

* An internationally recognized expert i the field of cognition and visual perception

* Over a decade of experience working with professional golfers on nearly every tour including recent PGA Tour winner Matt Every

* Former professional athlete

* Did his research in visual perception and cognition, which was published in several well respected peer reviewed journals

* Resides in Orlando, Florida

* Is a member of the team at Grand Cypress Academy of Golf

Highlights from this Episode

* Dr. Caserta describes the 5 Domains of Expertise:

* Physical Skills

* Technical Skills

* Tactical Skills

* Emotional Control

* Perception

* Vision is the only one of our 5 senses that can touch every part of the brain, not just one area

* The myth of Superior Vision in the super athlete

* He discusses some of the effects that your eyes can have on your game, especially the short game (see videos below)

* There are 3 “non-trainable” physical traits that are simply genetic, the rest you can effect in some way with training

* Height

* Visual Acuity (how well you can see)

* Muscle Fiber Types

* Dr. Caserta gives us some drills to help our chipping and putting, especially regarding distance control

* He explains 3 things that Experts do that separate them from Novices

* 3 ball putting drill:

* find a flat surface, hit all 3 balls at a “normal swing” and see what the average distance is, roughly.

* take the 3 balls

* 1st putt with a “normal swing”

* 2nd try to hit a spot 2-4 feet past the 1st

* 3rd try to get the ball to stop right in the middle of the other two.

* Repeat this a couple of times

* He gives the 5 keys to making your practice more deliberate:

* You have to make an Effort

* Target a specific ability

* Use a feedback loop (like a coach, video, etc)

* Make a point to learn from your experience

* The “X” Factor: Be motivated to learn (ie. “Grit”)

CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore

CaddyShack

What are you excited about in 2015?

Seeing his players continue to grow and have success.

He has some new technology coming out soon that will allow the golfer to experience what he teaches without having to go see him in person.

Where to Find Dr. Caserta:

Twitter: @SportExpertise

RyanCaserta.com

Grand Cypress Academy of Golf

Today Damon Goddard from AMPD Golf Fitness joins me on the podcast for the second time to discuss his experience at the 2015 as a part of Jordan Spieth’s team.

Damon Goddard has worked with Jordan from the age of 15 and got to experience an incredible week at Augusta National, where his client not only won handily, but broke many records along the way.

 

You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below:

You can hear Damon’s first interview on the 18STRONG Podcast by clicking HERE or on the image below

Highlights from this Episode

*  Damon discusses the differences in being at the Masters the 2nd time and how the team approached the week.

* He explains how and why Jordan was so calm over the course of the week and the fact that the team EXPECTS these kind of results, and doesn’t see it as a “hot streak.”

Training

* Damon goes into significant detail on Jordan’s training in the week prior to and during the Masters leading up to his big win.

* Jordan’s workouts included a lot of volume and strength training the week before in Houston, then tapered down for the week of the Masters

* They especially worked on movement patterns, nutrition, hydration and recovery.

* Jordan is very technical and knowledgeable when it comes to his body and his training.

* Damon breaks down the high volume workouts and recovery that they used during these weeks.

* Jordan’s routine regarding workouts, hitting the range, practicing, etc.

Post Round

* What Jordan and his family did after the rounds of golf to stay relaxed and focused for each round.

* Damon describes being in the house with Jordan, his family, and college buddies.

The Overall Experience

* He relives his experience not just as a trainer but as a spectator walking the grounds with his wife and taking it all in

* Watching Jordan walk up the 18th Fairway

* Stories of Jordan’s family and his grandpa’s reaction to the win

* The importance of this win for Jordan, his family, his friends, and the game of golf overall.

What’s Next?

* The next goal is to be #1 in the world.

* We talk about Jordan’s outlook on being a role model and embracing the fact that the young golfers are looking up to him.

* AMPD Golf Fitness continues to grow both with the junior programs and with the tour level players

* The big win has definitely sparked a fire in the other players in the family.

* The Masters has led to many more speaking engagements and opportunities to work with more tour players.

Where to Find Damon Goddard:

Website:  ampdgolffitness.com

Twitter:  @ampdgolffitness

Twitter: @DamonGoddard

Other Links Mentioned

Superflex Bands

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Dr. Craig Davies shares his expertise as a Chiropractor working and traveling on the tour.  He gives us an in inside look at what it’s like traveling with the players and keeping them healthy during these long, grueling seasons.

Dr. Craig Davies is on of the elite Chiropractors and Strength and Conditioning Coaches working on the PGA Tour.  In this interview he breaks down some of the challenges that the players have given their crazy travel schedules.  He also gives us a look at some of the things he has been working on with his players that are relevant to any golfer.

You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below:

Dr. Craig Davies’ Background

* Chiropractor

* Strength and Conditioning Coach on the PGA Tour

* Worked on the last several Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup Teams

* International Speaker in the golf fitness world

* Member of the International Tour Council

* Author of the book Golf Anatomy

* Met Sean Foley in the early 2000’s and has worked side by side with him from the junior circuit all the way up to the PGA

* Players that Craig works: Matt Every, Graham Delaet, Kevin Chappell, Hunter Mahan, Cameron Tringale, Nick Taylor, Justin Rose, Tiger, Anthony Kim

Highlights from this Episode

* The International Tour Council: a collaboration of some of the best fitness, golf and medical minds putting together the research and knowledge they have gathered over the years

* It’s platform for the professionals to share info with the average golfer.

* It’s also a way to create awareness and resources for charities looking to improve health and wellness in many different areas, especially for the youth.

* Craig Talks about the impact that TPI has had on Golf Fitness.

* Craig walks us through a week on the tour, both from the players’ perspective and the fitness professional (not just workouts, but what life is like, lodging, eating, etc).

* Trainers schedule: 12-14 hours a day depending on the players they have on location and how they play.

* Craig describes what the fitness trailers look like.

* We discuss the crazy schedule and number of events that these guys play and how hard it is to keep them healthy.

* Matt Every’s story.  Winning Back to Back Arnold Palmer Invitational’s and the work that he and Craig put in over the last year.

* What do you do when someone has trouble grooving the same motion and sequence from one swing to another? (Craig specifically tells us what they worked on with Matt).

* How breathing and the diaphragm play a part in performance.

* Breaking down rotational patterns and the fact that most people, even the pros, don’t rotate very well.

* Craig Gives his definition of “18STRONG” and how Graham Delaet fits this description.

* We discuss the never ending topic of specialization in the young athletes.

Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?

Caddy Shack

What’s Coming?

A lot of his players are “trending” very well these days, so he is looking forward to seeing how well they all do.

Last Piece of Advice

Don’t always believe the first person you listen to and don’t think any one person knows everything.  You should always be looking to learn more and get better.

Craig believes that training the visual system is going to be the next big thing in golf.

As a golfer you have to be willing to put in the time and effort to get bet...

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Jim Holtgrieve shares stories from his days of playing in the Masters and his experiences playing in and being the Captain of the Walker Cup.  Jim gives us an inside look into what it’s like to be a part of such historic Golf Events.

Jim Holtgrieve has had quite a career as a golfer.  Not only has he played in tournaments like the Masters and Walker Cup several times, but maybe even more memorable to him is the time that he spent as the Walker Cup Captain in 2011 and 2013, leading some of todays biggest names in golf to experiences of the game that they will never forget.

In this episode, Jim shares some incredible stories from the Masters, the Walker Cup, and some of the time he has shared with Mr. Arnold Palmer himself.

You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below:

Jim Holtgrieve’s Background

*  1981 USGA Mid-Amateur Champion

* 1983 British Amateur Runner Up

* Played in 5 Masters

* Played in 3 Walker Cups

* Captain of the Walker Cup in 2011 & 2012

* Turned professional in 1998 to play in the Champions’ Tour

* Grew Up in St. Louis, MO

Highlights from this Episode

*  Jim gives us the history of his playing career and how he was able to make it into 5 Masters, 3 Walker Cups and Captain the Walker Cup teams in 2011 and 2013.

The Masters:

* He played in his first Masters at age 31.

* Jim had the chance to play his opening round (in his second Masters) with Arnold Palmer

* Jim tells a great story about the 1st time he had the chance to play with Arnie (he has since played a total of 97 holes with “Mr. Palmer”)

* Jim tells the story of the greatest day of putting he has ever had, which just happens to be at Augusta during the Masters when playing with Frank Nobilo

The Walker Cup:

* 2011 Walker Cup included: Jordan Spieth, Harris English, Russell Henley, Blayne Barber, Nathan Smith, Chris Williams, Patrick Cantlay, Peter Uihlein, Patrick Rodgers, Kelly Kraft

* 2013 Walker Cup included: Cory Whitset, Justin Thomas, Max Homa, Michael Kim, Patrick Rodgers, Jordan Niebrugge, Nathan Smith, Michael Weaver, Todd White, Bobby Wyatt

* Jim talks about the experience of taking the 2013 team to the 9/11 Memorial in New York

* The 2013 team got to spend time with George W. Bush, which really instilled the pride of playing for their country.

* Jim discusses some of the differences that may have contributed to the 2013 Teams victory, despite not being quite as “stacked” as the 2011 team

* Jim explains the selection process for the Walker Cup team.

Most Disappointing/Frustrating Golf Memory:

The decision to turn professional late in his career.  Jim explains that his reasons for turning pro were not necessarily for the love of the game but the financial possibilities.

Most Memorable Golf Moment:

1981 Walker Cup on the 16th hole at Cypress Point. He hit a 2 iron off the tee (240+ yards) to 2 feet.  He birdied the hole for the winning point of the Walker Cup

Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?

Caddy Shack

 

 

 

What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Brad Skupaka shares his expertise in as a Long Drive Competitor and Golf Instructor.  Brad gives us an in inside look at the world of Long Drive and what it takes to make it to the World Finals.

Brad Skupaka is not your typical golf instructor.  As his colleagues would say, he is a “beast” that can hit a ball a mile!  His unique combination of being both a golf instructor and a long drive competitor gives him the tools to not only destroy a ball, but also use that experience in his teaching to make his students better players all around.

You Can Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes by clicking the button below:

Brad Skupaka’s Background

* Director of Instruction at GolfTec in Philadelphia

* Graduated from Coastal Carolina

* Over 8000 lessons taught.

* TPI Level 3 Golf Instructor

* Stack and Tilt Network Instructor

* Started in 2008 with the Long Drive Competitions

* Has qualified for World Long Drive Championship 3 times

Highlights from this Episode

* Brad lays out the format of the World Long Drive Competition from local Qualifiers to the Live televised Finals

* He talks about his experiences making it to the Finals (128 Man Double Elimination)

* What are the differences mentally and physically when standing on the tee box for the long drive compared to a regular round of golf?

* Brad discusses the slight differences in his technique, stance, and swing when in competition vs his regular tee ball.

* We discuss the current addiction to speed in the world of golf and whether it is a good or bad thing for the average golfer.

* Brad goes through the specs of his equipment for his long drive competitions, which all have to conform to USGA Standards.

*  Swing speeds typically in the mid 130’s

* Longest drive in competition: 432 yards

* Brad discusses his fitness program working with Michael Manavian and Ali Gilbert

*

“You have to get Stronger to get Faster” Brad Skupaka

* Brads current routine includes big lifts, some anti rotation exercises, a circuit training day, and some overspeed training with the Super Speed Golf clubs.

* We discuss the age old myth of “Getting too Big for Golf” and why we like the “Meathead Lifts“

Most Frustrating Moment on the Course

A bittersweet memory of hitting his longest drive in competition (432 yards) and still losing the round to his opponent who squeaked out a 434 yard drive.

Most Gratifying Moment in Competition

Making it through the “Last Chance” qualifier where he had to compete with 30-40 guys for 1 or 2 spots

Caddyshack or Happy Gilmore?

Happy Gilmore

What’s Has you Excited for 2015?

Ready to get after it in the gym with Ali and Michael

Where to Find Brad:

Facebook: Brad Skupaka

GolfTec website 

Last Piece of Advice:

Go out and get fit for your driver.  Typically the driver off the shelf is not going to be the right size for you.

Other Links Mentioned