Golf Science Lab

Get ready for a deep dive into the science of golf with Dr. Sasho MacKenzie. In this episode, we cover it all, from the surprising impact of iron size on shot shaping to advanced concepts in swing mechanics. Here’s what you’ll learn as we recap the World Scientific Congress of Golf:

- Why smaller irons might not always be better for shaping shots

- The surprising truths about club kinetics and how they influence your swing

- The science behind face-to-path variability and what it means for your game

- How ground interaction affects your wedge play more than you think

- A fascinating analogy involving car doors and swing speed (yes, really!)

- Tips for testing different swing thoughts and stance setups for maximum speed

- The unexpected ways putter weighting can affect your stroke consistency

- What Dr. MacKenzie is researching next, including groundbreaking studies on ground reaction forces

In this episode, Dr. Paul Wood, Vice President of Engineering at Ping and President of the Golf Science Organization, discuss insights from the recent World Scientific Congress of Golf.

They delve into various research topics, including the physics of putting on sloping surfaces, technological advancements in measuring putting dynamics and the latest buzz in the research community.

Ben Carr joins Tony Ruggiero to talk about his past year; the mistakes and lessons that led to finishing as runner-up at the U.S. Amateur Championship. They share what they did to get him back on track, such as blocking out external pressures, getting back to fundamentals, understanding his swing, and what are the next steps in leveling up his game.

Tony Ruggiero and Jackson Koert talk with Peter Knade and Emilio Gonzalez about getting through Q School, and their korn ferry card this year after missing it last year. They discuss the differences and process that lead to their growth and success from the year before.

Josh Gregory shares his journey from playing in college and on Tour to coaching some of the best players today. The most important factor for him is having a personal connection and relationship. He shares past mistakes and how he’s developed his simple and effective approach. You’ll hear how he helps his players get out of learned tendencies, bringing technical feels onto the course, and how he focuses 99% of short game training on and why. This episode is full of advice on how to get your players to find their own identity and with a plan to playing better.

Tony Ruggiero, Jackson Koert & Morgan Hale hold a Q&A with players before heading into a training program. You’ll hear their team philosophy and plan for the training program. Each of them weigh in on how to coach recreational players, advanced players returning to the game, their advice for players transitioning from high school to college. They explain the foundations of golf, how not to overcomplicate practice and why they often find themselves coaching players on how to unlearn behaviors.

Tony Ruggiero is joined by Paul Schempp, Steve Moore, Robert Campbell and Jackson Koert to discuss the differences between good and great coaches and define what novice coaches do compared to confident coaches. Discussion is full of great advice to get your players to owning the information you teach them. Each of them share significant coaching moments that will help every player and coach.

After Tony Ruggiero and Smylie Kaufman reflect on their years working together – Smylie was one of the best students Tony ever had. Smylie shares the secret to his success it was his understanding of his swing and keeping his focus simple, by having three to four things he’d monitor. They dive into specific techniques and approaches, as well as the best advice he’s ever received, what the best players can do and how his greatest strengths as a player have helped him in broadcasting.

Zack Sucher, Eric Brunner and Tony Ruggiero talk about getting Zack ready for Q School - mentally, physically and technically. They dive into the biggest factors that have improved his short game, full swing and how to get back to the habits that work best. For Zack, refocusing his priorities was crucial. For some time he was chasing speed, but he had to go back to focusing on hitting the ball solid all the time first, before working on distance and speed. They also discuss the lessons learned during the season and much more.

Hal Sutton joins Tony to talk about what he learned from his success of playing on Tour and how he transitioned into instruction. Hal shares how instruction has taking away his feel for the game, and what he would tell his younger self about goals, who to work with and how to navigate success. He gives his best advice to college players wanting to pro, how to gain experience, the necessity of being honest, disciplined and playing with freedom. This is episode is full of great insight, stories and what it takes to become a great player.