GOLF DON'T LIE

Michael Manavian is not your typical Teaching Pro.  He is also a nutrition consultant and former world class bodybuilder.  He has found a way to utilize his experience in all of these arenas in one of the most state of the art golf facilities in the US.

As a partner at Greenwich Diagnostics Sports Lab, Michael works with world class golfers not only on their swing, but on nutrition down to the cellular level, literally.

In this episode we discuss the role of hormones on your health and golf game, as well as a few quick dietary fixes to get you on the right track.  We also go into Michael’s history as a bodybuilder and how that has helped shape the way he approaches not only the physical aspect of his golfers, but the mental side, too.

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

 

Michael’s Background

* From Watertown Massachusetts

* Graduated from Methodist University

*  Started teaching golf lessons

* Then took a year off to play professional golf

* At 128lbs. he decided he needed to start working on the body and got into Body building and started working with Steve Michalik (Mr. USA/Mr. Universe)

* Did over 20 bodybuilding shows, then got into training and supplement development

* Got back into teaching golf a few years ago

* Met Ali Gilbert and Dr. Steven Murphy, who are now his partners in Greenwich Diagnostics Sports Lab

* Opened up 2 more locations at the Clay Institute and Rebar Fitness

What Does Greenwich Diagnostics Sports Lab do?

* Hormone Testing

* Nutrition consultations

* Fitness testing and training

* Primarily work with Golfers

Highlights from this Episode

* Worked with Rob Labritz in 2010 who went on to be the low pro at the PGA Championship

* Michael REQUIRES all client to submit a 3 day food log

* Most people aren’t

* eating enough protein (1gram per 1lb. of body weight)

* are eating too many carbs (1gram per .75lbs of body weight)

* not enough good fats (1 gram per .5lbs of body weight)

* Michael views weight training as mental toughness training

I don’t think you can OVERTRAIN, I think you can UNDER-RECUPERATE

* Your training and recovery need to be proportionate with each other.

* You can’t train 5 days a week, get little sleep, have bad nutrition habits and expect to get results

* Recovery has a lot to do with food, and even hormones

* Michael explains several different hormones and their role in our body’s function

* Discusses the Steroid Cascade or Cholesterol Cascade

* Stop eating Soy, stop eating things that come in bags and plastic bottles, and stop eating CRAP!

* High fructose corn syrup is one of the worst products known to man.

* Michael wrote a book with his bodybuilding coach/mentor Steve Michalik: Atomic Golf

* Michael’s bodybuilding consisted of a training program known as Intensity-Insanity developed by Steve Michalik

* He discusses his training method and how that relates to his golfers and golf instruction

What is Michael Excited about these days?

* Invited by the golf Channel for a casting call for a new golf fitness show

* The GEARS Golf 3D system that they are using at the Lab.

Parting Piece of Advice

Mitch Sadowsky is an expert on explosive power and how to transfer that power to the golf swing.  From his background of both playing and coaching very high level volleyball and working with some of the best golfers on the planet, Mitch knows a thing or two about training effectively at all levels.

In this episode, Mitch shares with us some of the tried and true fundamentals of his fitness programs and how you can take some of the things he is doing with his clients and implement them into your training and practice.

Mitch’s Background

* Director of Golf Fitness at Lake Nona Country Club

* Lead Camp Coach for Gold Medal Squared Volleyball

* Played golf growing up

* Played Volleyball at Ball State Universtiy

* Played professional volleyball for several years

* Coached college volleyball

* Started working with Ian Poulter then eventually got the position at Lake Nona

* Started Working with Graeme McDowell in 2013

* Working with Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk (Long Drive Champion)

Highlights from this Episode

* Mitch describes some of the differences in working with a long drive champion (Lisa “Longball”) and working with the tour players like GMac and Poulter

* There is a lot of team work between all of the professionals working with the tour pro; physio, fitness pro, swing coach

* How utilizing sprints can be very effective when working with the touring professional

* Mitch spent some time with the guys at The Athlete Factory in Calgary working on speed and power training for athletes (not just golfers)

* We discuss Olympic lifting for kids, the average golfer and the pros

* Basic lifts can be very effective for golfers, this doesn’t have to mean heavy weights

* Using these types of exercises help the body coordinate movement, power, and speed, all of which carry over to the golf swing

* Your muscle firing pattern need to be coordinated properly in order to maintain consistency in your ball striking

* Mitch gives his definition of “18STRONG”

* What are the best strength coaches in the world doing

What’s Mitch Excited about these Days

* Working on some power and stability projects with experts in other sports and athletes and how they tie into golf.

Last Piece of Advice

* Make sure to take an off-season, put the clubs away

* Get assessed

* “Make a plan and work your plan”

Where to find Mitch

Twitter: @MitchSadowsky

Instagram: @MitchSadowsky

Facebook: Mitch Sadowsky

Links from this Episode

The Athlete Factory

Mitch Sadowsky is an expert on explosive power and how to transfer that power to the golf swing.  From his background of both playing and coaching very high level volleyball and working with some of the best golfers on the planet, Mitch knows a thing or two about training effectively at all levels.

In this episode, Mitch shares with us some of the tried and true fundamentals of his fitness programs and how you can take some of the things he is doing with his clients and implement them into your training and practice.

Mitch’s Background

* Director of Golf Fitness at Lake Nona Country Club

* Lead Camp Coach for Gold Medal Squared Volleyball

* Played golf growing up

* Played Volleyball at Ball State Universtiy

* Played professional volleyball for several years

* Coached college volleyball

* Started working with Ian Poulter then eventually got the position at Lake Nona

* Started Working with Graeme McDowell in 2013

* Working with Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk (Long Drive Champion)

Highlights from this Episode

* Mitch describes some of the differences in working with a long drive champion (Lisa “Longball”) and working with the tour players like GMac and Poulter

* There is a lot of team work between all of the professionals working with the tour pro; physio, fitness pro, swing coach

* How utilizing sprints can be very effective when working with the touring professional

* Mitch spent some time with the guys at The Athlete Factory in Calgary working on speed and power training for athletes (not just golfers)

* We discuss Olympic lifting for kids, the average golfer and the pros

* Basic lifts can be very effective for golfers, this doesn’t have to mean heavy weights

* Using these types of exercises help the body coordinate movement, power, and speed, all of which carry over to the golf swing

* Your muscle firing pattern need to be coordinated properly in order to maintain consistency in your ball striking

* Mitch gives his definition of “18STRONG”

* What are the best strength coaches in the world doing

What’s Mitch Excited about these Days

* Working on some power and stability projects with experts in other sports and athletes and how they tie into golf.

Last Piece of Advice

* Make sure to take an off-season, put the clubs away

* Get assessed

* “Make a plan and work your plan”

Where to find Mitch

Twitter: @MitchSadowsky

Instagram: @MitchSadowsky

Facebook: Mitch Sadowsky

Links from this Episode

The Athlete Factory

Have you ever thought about just quitting your job and trying to be a pro golfer? Dan McLaughlin did just that at age 30.

Crazy, right?

Well, even more crazy is that, Dan had never even swung a club. And so began “TheDanPlan.”

In this episode, Dan McLaughlin from “TheDanPlan” takes you through his journey towards 10,000 hours of deliberate practice, the theory made popular in Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Outliers.” His ultimate goal by the end of this journey is to get a start on the PGA Tour and make the cut.

Dan McLaughlin’s Background

*  Was a commercial photographer who quit his job to test the 10,000 hours of practice theory.

* The Dan Plan began in 2010.

* Never played golf before, had never even fully swung a club!

Highlights from this Episode

* Dan began his quest with only a putter.

* His “plan” was to

* Didn’t swing a driver until 18months into the process

* Played his first full round in January 2012

* Dan explains his passion and reasons for taking on this challenge.

* Dan lays out his routines and practice schedule.

* Dan’s handicap index has been as low as a 2.7, currently is a 3.1

* He has 5700 hours of practice completed, 4300 to go.

* Dan is funding this whole project on his own dime.

* Dan tells the story of his highest and lowest points on the course since beginning his journey.

* Dan’s ultimate goal is to play in a PGA Tour event and make the cut.

* Dan has the opportunity to head to California in March to work with Tiger’s coach from when he was a kid, Rudy Doran.

Dan’s Team

* Worked with a swing coach, but currently not working with anyone

* Has a fitness professional that he works with on a regular basis, but does most workouts independently.

* His “most important” coaches right now are his mental game coaches, the ladies at Vision54.

Dan’s Advice

Be your practice self when you’re in the middle of a competition.

Believe in yourself and love what you do.

Where You Can Find Dan:

The Dan Plan Website: thedanplan.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheDanPlanGolf

Twitter: @thedanplan

Donate to The Dan Plan: http://thedanplan.com/donations-2/

*Please remember that Dan is funding this whole project himself.  If you have some extra jack to keep him from draining his bank account while pursuing his dream, by all means, please donate to the cause.  How cool would it be to see him in an event and know that you you had a part in it!*

Other Links from this Episode

The book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell 

Vision54

Hashtags: #18STRONG #thedanplan

 

Have you ever thought about just quitting your job and trying to be a pro golfer? Dan McLaughlin did just that at age 30.

Crazy, right?

Well, even more crazy is that, Dan had never even swung a club. And so began “TheDanPlan.”

In this episode, Dan McLaughlin from “TheDanPlan” takes you through his journey towards 10,000 hours of deliberate practice, the theory made popular in Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Outliers.” His ultimate goal by the end of this journey is to get a start on the PGA Tour and make the cut.

Dan McLaughlin’s Background

*  Was a commercial photographer who quit his job to test the 10,000 hours of practice theory.

* The Dan Plan began in 2010.

* Never played golf before, had never even fully swung a club!

Highlights from this Episode

* Dan began his quest with only a putter.

* His “plan” was to

* Didn’t swing a driver until 18months into the process

* Played his first full round in January 2012

* Dan explains his passion and reasons for taking on this challenge.

* Dan lays out his routines and practice schedule.

* Dan’s handicap index has been as low as a 2.7, currently is a 3.1

* He has 5700 hours of practice completed, 4300 to go.

* Dan is funding this whole project on his own dime.

* Dan tells the story of his highest and lowest points on the course since beginning his journey.

* Dan’s ultimate goal is to play in a PGA Tour event and make the cut.

* Dan has the opportunity to head to California in March to work with Tiger’s coach from when he was a kid, Rudy Doran.

Dan’s Team

* Worked with a swing coach, but currently not working with anyone

* Has a fitness professional that he works with on a regular basis, but does most workouts independently.

* His “most important” coaches right now are his mental game coaches, the ladies at Vision54.

Dan’s Advice

Be your practice self when you’re in the middle of a competition.

Believe in yourself and love what you do.

Where You Can Find Dan:

The Dan Plan Website: thedanplan.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheDanPlanGolf

Twitter: @thedanplan

Donate to The Dan Plan: http://thedanplan.com/donations-2/

*Please remember that Dan is funding this whole project himself.  If you have some extra jack to keep him from draining his bank account while pursuing his dream, by all means, please donate to the cause.  How cool would it be to see him in an event and know that you you had a part in it!*

Other Links from this Episode

The book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell 

Vision54

Hashtags: #18STRONG #thedanplan

 

You may recognize the name Philip Lapuz from his appearance on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank with his company Kronos Golf. In this episode of the 18STRONG Podcast I have a chance to talk with Phillip about the story behind these amazing putters.

The mantra of Kronos Golf is pretty simple, here is a piece directly from their website:

The golf industry has been blinded with lies, disgraceful manufacturing, and false idols.

KRONOS was founded as a rebirth of golf.

KRONOS will never promise that our clubs will make you a better golfer. Only you can make yourself a better golfer. Only you can improve through practice.

We promise to build our products with integrity and elevated precision. It’s a promise to craft something you can trust.

I love it. And that’s why when I saw his episode on “The Shark Tank,” I knew I wanted to meet him and get him on the show.  Not only did I get to meet him, but I had the opportunity to roll some putts with a couple of his pieces of art.  Better known as putters.

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

 

Phillip’s and Kronos Golf’s Background

*  Started Kronos while in Grad school in Japan

* His best friends’ dad used to design and manufacture clubs, which is where he originally learned and fell in love with golf design

* When playing on the golf team in Japan, he decided to make his own putter, then produced around 100 of them, which sold out quickly when he took them back to Japan

Highlights from This Episode

* Their CNC milling process is the most precise out there in regards to designing putters

* Most important things to know about a putter

* That the face is truly flat

* That the sight line and sweet spot line up properly (this isn’t as standard as you would think!)

* “Draft” on the bottom of the putter

* What to know when getting fit for a putter:

* Length of the club

* Lie angle of the club (the angle at which the shaft enters the head of the club)

* Kronos prides itself on the challenge and journey of the game of golf rather than the idea that technology should be adapted to make the game easier for the golfer.

* Phillip explains the details of his experience on “the Shark Tank” (see the video below)

* Sales in Japan have been their biggest source of revenue, primarily because they have a different mentality around quality and the ideals of practice in regards to the journey of mastery

Last Piece of Advice:

* Just go out there and have fun!

Where to find Phillip and Kronos Golf:

website: kronosgolf.com

Facebook: Kronos Golf

Twitter:  @KronosGolf

Other Links from this Episode:

Link Soul Golf: Linksoul.com

Book Recommendation: Ben Hogan’s 5 Lessons 

Kronos on Shark Tank:

Insane Putt Made with a Kronos Touch Putter:

You may recognize the name Philip Lapuz from his appearance on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank with his company Kronos Golf. In this episode of the 18STRONG Podcast I have a chance to talk with Phillip about the story behind these amazing putters.

The mantra of Kronos Golf is pretty simple, here is a piece directly from their website:

The golf industry has been blinded with lies, disgraceful manufacturing, and false idols.

KRONOS was founded as a rebirth of golf.

KRONOS will never promise that our clubs will make you a better golfer. Only you can make yourself a better golfer. Only you can improve through practice.

We promise to build our products with integrity and elevated precision. It’s a promise to craft something you can trust.

I love it. And that’s why when I saw his episode on “The Shark Tank,” I knew I wanted to meet him and get him on the show.  Not only did I get to meet him, but I had the opportunity to roll some putts with a couple of his pieces of art.  Better known as putters.

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

 

Phillip’s and Kronos Golf’s Background

*  Started Kronos while in Grad school in Japan

* His best friends’ dad used to design and manufacture clubs, which is where he originally learned and fell in love with golf design

* When playing on the golf team in Japan, he decided to make his own putter, then produced around 100 of them, which sold out quickly when he took them back to Japan

Highlights from This Episode

* Their CNC milling process is the most precise out there in regards to designing putters

* Most important things to know about a putter

* That the face is truly flat

* That the sight line and sweet spot line up properly (this isn’t as standard as you would think!)

* “Draft” on the bottom of the putter

* What to know when getting fit for a putter:

* Length of the club

* Lie angle of the club (the angle at which the shaft enters the head of the club)

* Kronos prides itself on the challenge and journey of the game of golf rather than the idea that technology should be adapted to make the game easier for the golfer.

* Phillip explains the details of his experience on “the Shark Tank” (see the video below)

* Sales in Japan have been their biggest source of revenue, primarily because they have a different mentality around quality and the ideals of practice in regards to the journey of mastery

Last Piece of Advice:

* Just go out there and have fun!

Where to find Phillip and Kronos Golf:

website: kronosgolf.com

Facebook: Kronos Golf

Twitter:  @KronosGolf

Other Links from this Episode:

Link Soul Golf: Linksoul.com

Book Recommendation: Ben Hogan’s 5 Lessons 

Kronos on Shark Tank:

Insane Putt Made with a Kronos Touch Putter:

Dr. Ellen Reed is a Mental Training Consultant that works with athletes and executives of all types.

In this episode of The 18STRONG Podcast, she defines the Mental Toughness Fundamentals for us and takes us through the process of developing our personal “Performance Statement.”

This is one of the most actionable interviews we’ve had on the podcast to this date.  Enjoy.

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

Dr. Ellen Reed’s Background

* Mental Training Consultant with Enhanced Performance

* Working with Dr. Jason Selk for over 10 years

* PhD in Psychology

* Works with individuals and groups looking to develop their Mental Toughness:

The minds ability to stay focused on solutions, especially when times are tough

* Dances with The Big Muddy Dance Company

* Works with athletes of all kinds, golfers, baseball, etc.

 Highlights of this Episode

* The Mental Toughness Fundamentals apply to everyone in every situation (athletes, CEO’s, stay at home mom’s etc.)

* The biggest mistake golfers are making is not being able to recover from that bad shot

* Golfers also tend to have “self-doubting” shots even when they are playing well, which can destroy a round

* Dr. Ellen discusses how we need to replace our bad thoughts with something rather than try to prevent them

* The Pink Elephant and Blue Hot Air Balloon example

* The mentally Tough have learned how to get rid of those damaging thoughts faster

Developing your own “Performance Statement”

Dr. Reed walked us through creating our own “Performance Statement” for the next time we are on the course.  Here is a quick breakdown of the steps:

* Picture yourself in your next high pressure situation on the course and come up with the One Thing that you can focus on that will allow you to be successful.  (Once you have one, come up with one or two more). Eg. “Head down, roll it in”

* Begin reciting this to yourself for every shot.  You have to ritualize this to make it comfortable and natural.

Visualization

Visualization is the number one to tool for sports performance.

3 guidelines for visualization:

* Visualize in the 1st person, as if you’re looking through your own eyes

* Pack as much detail in that visualization as you can.  Especially focus on FEELING CONFIDENT in that moment.

* Visualize in real time.

1 minute of visualization is equivalent to 7 minutes of physical practice.

Breathing

* Most of us don’t breathe properly.

* It doesn’t take much pressure to increase our blood pressure, which can affect performance.

* The “Centering Breath” can help relieve some of that pressure

Centering Breath Exercise (6-2-7)

* Breathe in for 6 seconds

* Hold for 2 seconds

* Breathe out for 7 seconds

The Mental Workout

* The Centering Breath

* Performance Statement

* Performance Highlight Reel

* Remember 3-5 clips of you being successful from your past

* Imagine Success in your next practice

* Imagine success in your next competition

* The Identity Statement (Self Talk)

* Remind yourself of what you have that will allow you to experience your greatness. (Eg.

Dr. Ellen Reed is a Mental Training Consultant that works with athletes and executives of all types.

In this episode of The 18STRONG Podcast, she defines the Mental Toughness Fundamentals for us and takes us through the process of developing our personal “Performance Statement.”

This is one of the most actionable interviews we’ve had on the podcast to this date.  Enjoy.

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

Dr. Ellen Reed’s Background

* Mental Training Consultant with Enhanced Performance

* Working with Dr. Jason Selk for over 10 years

* PhD in Psychology

* Works with individuals and groups looking to develop their Mental Toughness:

The minds ability to stay focused on solutions, especially when times are tough

* Dances with The Big Muddy Dance Company

* Works with athletes of all kinds, golfers, baseball, etc.

 Highlights of this Episode

* The Mental Toughness Fundamentals apply to everyone in every situation (athletes, CEO’s, stay at home mom’s etc.)

* The biggest mistake golfers are making is not being able to recover from that bad shot

* Golfers also tend to have “self-doubting” shots even when they are playing well, which can destroy a round

* Dr. Ellen discusses how we need to replace our bad thoughts with something rather than try to prevent them

* The Pink Elephant and Blue Hot Air Balloon example

* The mentally Tough have learned how to get rid of those damaging thoughts faster

Developing your own “Performance Statement”

Dr. Reed walked us through creating our own “Performance Statement” for the next time we are on the course.  Here is a quick breakdown of the steps:

* Picture yourself in your next high pressure situation on the course and come up with the One Thing that you can focus on that will allow you to be successful.  (Once you have one, come up with one or two more). Eg. “Head down, roll it in”

* Begin reciting this to yourself for every shot.  You have to ritualize this to make it comfortable and natural.

Visualization

Visualization is the number one to tool for sports performance.

3 guidelines for visualization:

* Visualize in the 1st person, as if you’re looking through your own eyes

* Pack as much detail in that visualization as you can.  Especially focus on FEELING CONFIDENT in that moment.

* Visualize in real time.

1 minute of visualization is equivalent to 7 minutes of physical practice.

Breathing

* Most of us don’t breathe properly.

* It doesn’t take much pressure to increase our blood pressure, which can affect performance.

* The “Centering Breath” can help relieve some of that pressure

Centering Breath Exercise (6-2-7)

* Breathe in for 6 seconds

* Hold for 2 seconds

* Breathe out for 7 seconds

The Mental Workout

* The Centering Breath

* Performance Statement

* Performance Highlight Reel

* Remember 3-5 clips of you being successful from your past

* Imagine Success in your next practice

* Imagine success in your next competition

* The Identity Statement (Self Talk)

* Remind yourself of what you have that will allow you to experience your greatness. (Eg.

In this episode, Justin Bryan and Van Pierce share the highs and lows (more lows than highs!) of the mini tour life and how their new website (ProUKnow.com) just might be a game changer in how these golfers can afford to play in these costly events in hopes of achieving their ultimate goal of getting to the big show.

Justin and Van are two friends and former golf teammates from St. Louis that decided that the mini tour golfers need a better way to support their future and provide some financial security to be able to showcase their talent.  From this mission they have created ProUKnow.com, which is a Crowd-funding website dedicated to mini tour and Web.com golfers.

Much like the very popular  website Kickstarter.com which has propelled hundreds and thousands of entrepreneurs ideas into successful products and brands, these guys are looking to do the same for the aspiring tour pro.

And they know this business first hand as Justin is currently playing on the mini tour circuit and Van played on the tours for a short period of time after graduating from college.

In this episode, they share the highs and lows (more lows than highs) of the mini tour life and how their new website just might be a game changer in how these golfers can afford to play in these costly events in hopes of achieving their ultimate goal of getting to the big show.

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

 

The Guys’ Backgrounds

Justin Bryant:

* Currently playing mini tour golf

* Played at Wake Forest for coach Jerry Haas

* Living in St. Louis, traveling to Jupiter in winter months

Van Pierce:

* Currently in Law school at St. Louis University

* Played football at Drake University

* Played college golf at Chapman University

* Played some mini tour golf

 

Intro video to ProUKnow

Highlights

* Life on the mini tour

* Justin describes the difference between the mini tour, Web.com, and PGA

* The mini tour life is not the glitz and glamour lifestyle that most would imagine.

* Guys living in motel rooms, tents, cars while traveling from tournament to tournament

* Different mini tour events:

* Adam’s Golf Tour

* eGolf Tour

* SwingThought.com (formerly Hooters and NGA)

* PGA Canada

* PGA Latin America

* Typical purse these days in a min tour event is $12-16,000

* The competition is super steep with winning scores sometime in the range of 20 under par (that’s some serious golf)

* If you’re not in the top 10 money earner on a mini tour, you are likely NOT making money!

What does the Average Tour player spend per year (not PGA)?

* $50,000-$60,000 for a full time mini tour player

* Upwards of $75,000 for the Web.com player

* Getting more expensive every year

* Expenses include (from Justin’s profile page):

* Weekly Tournament Costs

* Entry Fee: $900

Travel: $400

Hotel: $420

Food: $180

Total:$1,90020 Tournaments= $38,000

* Q Schools

* PGA Canada: $2,500 entry + $1,200 expenses= $3,700

* Web.com: $5,200 entry + $6,000 expenses= $11,200

* Other Expenses

* Lessons with Instructor

* Practice Facilities

* = $7,100

 What is ProUKnow.com?