This episode of Sticks Together dives into the variety of golf formats we enjoy playing, with a special focus on match play and Ryder Cup-style formats. We start by catching up on our week in golf, where Slade recounts his participation in two Ryder Cup-style events, and Stacey shares her match play experience in the President’s Cup. Although Stacey’s team didn’t win the second round, she enjoyed the challenge of fighting back from a deficit in a thrilling match.

We then explore the key differences between match play and stroke play. Match play, where each hole is its own game, allows players to recover from bad holes and stay competitive throughout. We both agree that match play is fun because it keeps players engaged, even when they struggle on certain holes. In contrast, Slade prefers stroke play in competitions like club championships because it tests players over a series of rounds, which he believes better reflects the best golfer.

Ryder Cup formats introduce more complexity with various games like alternate shot and Pinehurst. Stacey thinks alternate shot could be a fun couples format, though we both admit some couples might struggle to handle the pressure without affecting their relationship! We also touch on our recent experience playing "sixes," a format where partners rotate every six holes, which kept the day interesting and competitive.

We talk about the upcoming “Bubba Tournament,” a one-person scramble. Slade isn’t a fan, feeling it’s more like practice than competition, but Stacey is excited to try the women’s version, seeing it as a chance for fun and personal improvement.

Next, we reflect on how we play together as a couple, noting that golf with your partner can either enhance or detract from your performance depending on mindset. We invite listeners to share their own experiences and thoughts on playing golf with their significant others, asking if it improves their game or adds pressure.

Finally, Stacey bought new golf clothes - Slade asks her about her thought process there.

This week, we dive into the challenges of playing golf in the cold and the ongoing debate about slow play. Even in North Carolina, winter golf requires preparation, and we break down what we wear to stay warm. Stacey swears by running tights, layers, and her new favorite purchase—skeggings (a skirt with leggings attached). Slade sticks to a more minimalist approach, layering up but refusing to go beyond three. Heated vests, propane heaters, and even cart covers are all part of the winter golf conversation, but at what point do we admit it’s just too cold to play?

Winter conditions also change our equipment choices. Stacey’s group experiments with colored golf balls to improve visibility, but not all colors work—especially not a silver “disco ball” that vanished in the sunlight. Slade admits that yellow balls are easier to see on dormant grass but sticks with his standard Pro V1. The shift to winter golf also affects club selection, with more players favoring hybrids over long irons on muddy or frozen turf.

Then, we shift gears to talk about slow play. There’s been a lot of buzz about this issue, from weekend groups to the PGA Tour, where rounds stretch beyond five hours. We debate what slows things down—cart path-only restrictions, too much socializing, or lengthy pre-shot routines. Slade suggests walking might actually be faster than riding in some cases. Stacey shares a personal story from a member-guest tournament where she thought she was one of the last groups to finish, only to find out she was the first one in after a five-and-a-half-hour round.

As for solutions, we talk about how the PGA Tour might implement a shot clock or enforce penalties that truly impact scoring. There’s also the question of whether slow play is ever strategic—do some players intentionally throw off their opponents? In the amateur game, it often comes down to awareness. Women tend to worry more about slow play, while men often don’t notice. Course rangers and club pros can help, but ultimately, we all have to be mindful of keeping pace.

With spring approaching, we’re looking forward to warmer rounds, faster play, and maybe finally ditching the winter layers.

In this first episode of 2025, Stacey and Slade share their golf-related resolutions and plans for the year ahead. Stacey kicks things off by revealing her goal to overhaul her putting, admitting that despite years of playing golf, she lacks a consistent approach. She plans to take lessons and build a solid routine, emphasizing the impact putting has on her scores, even with some grief from Slade.

Slade shares his own resolution, which involves tracking detailed golf statistics to identify areas where he can improve. He plans to use a spreadsheet to log key metrics such as greens hit, fairways, and three-putts, with the hope of finding the easiest area to enhance. While unconventional for someone who usually plays by feel, Slade is excited to take a data-driven approach to his game.

The couple also discusses their 2025 plans, which include significant changes due to their home course closing for greens renovation. Stacey suggests local golf adventures, and they aim to play 25 different courses in the Charlotte, NC, area. Slade lobs the idea of renting an RV for future golf road trips, but Stacey explains why that would be more expensive that he thinks.

Other highlights include Stacey’s upcoming custom golf club fitting—her first—and reflections on playing golf with her 82-year-old father. She cherishes the experience, especially since she beat him by one stroke, and reflects on the joy of family golf. Slade adds his admiration for her father’s continued skill and passion for the game - and maybe a little jealousy too.

USGA "Dangerous Animal Condition" Rule: https://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-clarifications/rules-and-clarifications.html#!ruletype=fr§ion=rule&rulenum=16&subrulenum=2

In this episode of "Sticks Together," we delve into the experiences of encountering wild animals while playing golf, recounting personal stories involving wildlife on the course, from fire ants to alligators. Frist, Stacey shares her recent golf adventures, highlighting a victory in the ladies' President Cup match after a particularly rough practice round, while Slade discusses his trip to New York and an inter-club match.

Stacey vividly recounts an encounter with fire ants in a sand trap, emphasizing the importance of immediate treatment and the rule that allows for relief in such situations. Slade recalls Hideki Matsuyama's experience with fire ants during the Valero Texas Open, further illustrating the application of this rule. We also discuss encounters with alligators on the course, stressing the need for caution and the rule allowing relief from dangerous animal conditions.

We also touch on playing golf in areas with different types of hazards, such as rattlesnakes and prickly vegetation in desert courses. Stacey mentions her habit of making noise to scare away snakes near water hazards. Slade shares his experience of hitting a jumping cholla cactus in Tucson, emphasizing the variety of regional hazards golfers might face.

The discussion shifts to the complexities of USGA rules and the challenges of understanding them in real-time. Stacey expresses her frustration with the rules' clarity and shares tips on how she and her friends manage rule disputes by consulting their pro or documenting issues for later clarification. Slade highlights the importance of knowing whether you're playing match play or stroke play to understand how to resolve rule disputes.

We conclude with a discussion about how weather conditions affect golf play, particularly ball travel distance and green speed. Slade explains that hot weather can make the ball travel farther, while Stacey admits to sometimes rolling her eyes at these details, feeling they might not significantly impact the average player. However, Slade points out that green speed can matter depending on putting style, with more aggressive putters being less affected by these changes.

Study on tee distance Stacey referenced: https://www.usga.org/content/dam/usga/pdf/CourseCare/Forward-Tees_Annotated-Bibliography__Shapcott.pdf

In this episode of "Sticks Together," we delve into the topic of tee selection in golf and discuss our recent visit to the new PGA of America headquarters in Frisco, Texas.

We start by reflecting on our week of golf, emphasizing the challenges posed by the intense July heat here in North Carolina. Slade recounts his mixed rounds, highlighting the importance of hydration, while I, Stacey, share my experience playing with new friends and my progress in breaking 100 despite not playing my best.

Next, we move to selecting the appropriate tee box. Playing from the correct tee box can enhance the game’s enjoyment and pace. According to a USGA study (above), the forward tee yardage at many courses is too long for many players. A more suitable distance may be closer to 4000 yards.

Tee selection should be based on one's ability to reach the green in regulation. Slade shares his experience of moving up to play from 6500 yards instead of 6800 yards due to changes in his driving distance over the years. This adjustment has made the game more enjoyable for him.

We hit on the social and psychological aspects of tee selection, particularly how ego often influences men to play from tees that are too challenging for their skill level. We note that both men and women can benefit from playing forward tees, which can speed up play and make the game more enjoyable.

We also share highlights from our visit to the new PGA of America headquarters in Frisco, Texas. The facility, known as Fields Ranch, features two courses: East, designed by Gil Hanse, and West, designed by Beau Welling. The expansive property includes multiple tee boxes per hole, allowing for a wide range of play lengths, from 4700 to 7300 yards. The courses are designed to accommodate major championships and offer various amenities, including a massive two-acre putting green and a lighted par-three course.

Despite the Texas wind, we enjoyed the course's layout, which allows for strategic play and provides ample space to hit. The facility’s unique features, including "a change in elevation," add to its charm.

Finally, we wrap up with some light-hearted banter about my new habit of marking golf balls to avoid past mistakes and the humorous idea of custom club covers resembling pets. We encourage our listeners to choose the right tee and not to let ego dictate their game.

This week on "Sticks Together," we focus on  the courtesies and soft rules that aren't officially written but are crucial for smooth gameplay. These include where to park the golf cart relative to the green and how to move efficiently on the course. Unwritten rules can cause confusion for new players, but it's important to  learn and understand them to avoid awkward situations on the course.

We transition to a lighter topic—our preferences for golf shoes. Stacey shares her newfound fondness for FootJoy shoes and a recent addition of Skechers to her collection. Slade, a self-proclaimed shoe enthusiast, discusses his preference for brands like Ekko, Adidas, and Puma, highlighting the importance of comfort and structure, especially for someone with a larger foot.

Finally, we dive into our warm-up routines. Slade details his meticulous process of stretching, putting, and hitting a few balls to get into the rhythm of the game. Stacey shares her simpler routine, which focuses on a few key clubs and a brief short game session. We both agree that having a routine, even if it's brief, helps set the tone for a better game.

In conclusion, we encourage golfers, especially newcomers, to ask questions and seek guidance on the courtesies of golf to enhance their experience. We also highlight the importance of finding a warm-up routine that suits individual needs and sticking to it for consistency on the course.

This week on "Sticks Together," we discuss essential items to carry in your golf bag, beyond just clubs. We kick off with personal updates on their recent rounds of golf, where Slade shares his success in interclub matches and tweaks to his bag, while Stacey talks about her productive sand lesson and a mixed but enjoyable nine-hole game.

The main focus shifts to the often-overlooked items in a golfer's bag. Inspired by a Golf Digest list, they go through essentials like golf balls, jackets, umbrellas, and more niche items such as bug bite care and nail clippers. While Slade considers himself a minimalist, Stacey finds humor and practicality in her more extensive collection of gear, which includes a special cart blanket and personal mementos.

They then dive into their recent trip to French Lick, Indiana, to explore two historic golf courses: the Pete Dye Course and the Donald Ross Course. Slade highlights the unique features and challenges of the Pete Dye Course, such as its deceptive design and spectacular views, emphasizing the role of our forecaddie in navigating the tricky layout. Stacey appreciates the guidance from the caddie, which significantly improved her game.

However, we found the Donald Ross course picturesque but challenging to play due to its old-school design and less accommodating service. Despite these frustrations, we enjoyed the overall experience.

What about couples golf? Our caddie, Dave, complimented our positive and supportive interaction, a rarity among couples he has worked with. 

Finally, we share recommendations for preparing for a golf trip, including packing the right essentials and understanding each other's playing styles to enhance the experience.

More:

Donald Ross Course: https://www.frenchlick.com/golf/donaldross

Pete Dye Course: https://www.frenchlick.com/golf/petedye

This week on "Sticks Together," we look back our first experiences playing golf together and delve into how we mix social and competitive golf. Slade recalls the early days at the Golf Club of Newport, a beautiful Jeffrey Cornish-designed course in the Adirondacks. It's the place where our journey in couples golf began, marked by early morning rounds and weekend outings with friends and family. Stacey fondly remembers learning golf etiquette and the inclusive environment fostered by the club, where women golfers were respected and encouraged.

Transitioning to more recent times, we explore Stacey's putting struggles and the advice Slade offered to improve her game. Stacey detailed how Slade's observations about her stance and eye alignment helped correct her putt trajectory, leading to a significant improvement. We emphasize the importance of asking for help and the dynamics of giving and receiving advice within a couple. Slade shares his insight on maintaining a balance between offering helpful tips and allowing Stacey to enjoy the game without feeling like she's taking a lesson.

Our conversation then shifted to the social aspects of golf, particularly themed events that combine fun and competition. We excitedly anticipate an upcoming Mario Kart-themed golf tournament, Events like these are crucial for bringing new players into the game and fostering a sense of community.

We also touch on the broader impact of couples golf; it often serves as an entry point for women into the sport. The shared experience of playing golf together strengthens relationships and enhances enjoyment of the game. Slade reflected on his diverse group of golfing friends and the enriching experience of playing with people of different ages and skill levels.

Stacey wraps up with her progress in hitting more greens and overcoming putting challenges, while Slade discusses his practice routine and upcoming matches. 

This week on "Sticks Together," we explore the dynamic of having fun versus being competitive in golf. Is playing golf with your spouse is more about enjoyment or "earning points" in the relationship?

Slade recounts our rare Saturday morning golf outing together, from an exchange with the cart guy, who mentions Slade earning "brownie points" for playing with Stacey. What's up with that?

Stacey and Slade delve into their respective golf learning experiences. Stacey emphasizes the importance of having a single instructor to avoid conflicting advice, a tip she still finds valuable. Slade reminisces about his mentor, Teddy, who taught him the mental resilience necessary for golf, emphasizing that physicality, not intellect, often dictates performance.

The conversation shifts to the broader theme of fun versus competition in sports. Stacey argues that many women say they're playing "just for fun" as a defense mechanism against societal pressures and ingrained gender norms. This phrase often serves as a buffer against judgment or unsolicited advice. Slade counters, noting that all sports inherently contain a competitive element, and everyone seeks improvement, even if only against their past performance.

On the topic of equipment, Slade is particular about using a Titleist Pro V1 ball, valuing its soft feel for his short game. Stacey shares her more relaxed approach, choosing balls based on what’s available and affordable. She recalls buying senior balls on sale and finding minimal differences compared to women's balls, suggesting that packaging often drives perceptions more than actual performance differences. Slade encourages consistency in using a specific ball type to build confidence.

Stacey reflects on the balance between skill development and equipment investment, believing in improving her game before investing heavily in specialized equipment. Slade disagrees, arguing that better equipment could significantly aid improvement, especially for higher handicappers. Despite their differing views, both agree that confidence and comfort with one's gear are crucial for an enjoyable game.

Ultimately, they conclude that the essence of golf, and perhaps all sports, lies in finding a personal balance between competition and enjoyment. While equipment and technical skills play their parts, the mental game and personal satisfaction remain most important.

This week on Sticks Together, we share advice for those new to the sport, especially women paired with men for the first time. We discuss the increasing popularity of women's and couples golf, driven by healthier aging and a greater appreciation for outdoor activities.

Societal attitudes towards women in golf have evolved. Historically, women entered professional golf earlier than many other sports. More men now recognize that women can play, spend money, and even earn a living through golf without disrupting the game. Our goal with this podcast is to encourage more couples to play golf and enjoy it at their comfort level.

One of the best aspects of golf, we agree, is its inclusivity—you can play with anyone, regardless of gender. However, Stacey recounts her experiences where initial skepticism from male players quickly turned into respect as she demonstrated her skills. She emphasizes that making others comfortable on the course is often necessary, even if it means enduring patronizing attitudes from some men.

Slade notes that often, casual conversation during a game helps break the ice, but it's clear that for many women, especially those new to the sport, joining a group of unfamiliar men can be intimidating. We discuss the importance of setting the right expectations and fostering a welcoming environment for all players.

Our conversation shifts to personal anecdotes about how we both got into golf, influenced by our fathers. For Slade, golf became a bonding activity with his dad, leading him to join his high school team and develop a lifelong passion for the game.

Stacey's introduction to golf came later, influenced by her family's love for the sport. Initially indifferent, she took to the driving range out of boredom and gradually developed a liking for the game. Her early experiences were shaped by playing with family and boyfriends, eventually leading her to take lessons and improve her skills.

Everyone's journey into golf is unique. Despite the challenges and occasional discomforts, the joy of playing and improving keeps us coming back. Our shared stories highlight the importance of support and encouragement in fostering a love for the game, especially for women who might face initial reluctance or intimidation.

Our podcast aims to shed light on the opportunities couples golf offers, promoting inclusivity and enjoyment for everyone. Whether you're stepping onto the tee for the first time or have been playing for years, we hope to inspire more couples to join us in this rewarding sport.