This week on Sticks Together, we dive into Stacey's big golf upgrade—her first club fitting after nearly three decades of playing and 14 years with the same set of clubs. We start off sharing a recent family round that included their 20-year-old son, a wet course, and Mother's Day vibes. Then we move into how much more enjoyable golf can be with gear that actually fits. Stacey walks us through her initial reluctance to get fitted, rooted in a common mindset among many women golfers: "I'm not good enough to deserve it." But the process turned out to be empowering and eye-opening, not intimidating.

Slade, who’s had a dozen fittings himself, was surprised and thrilled to see how transformative the experience was for Stacey. They reflect on the difference proper length and lie angle make, and how much Stacey had unknowingly been adjusting her swing to accommodate clubs that weren’t built for her. We also hear a convo Stacey and Slade had with their club pro Tim- underscoring just how personalized fittings are. Not everyone wears the same size shirt, so why swing the same golf club?

We also explore the learning curve that comes with switching to a fitted set. Stacey admits her distances were so off at first that she overshot greens by 20 yards. The fun twist? She’s now more excited and invested in improving her game than ever before. We also hear about her new league, her increased interest in distances, and yes—her growing collection of head covers. Go Syracuse!

Slade and Stacey also examine a Golf Monthly article written by Coach Katie Dawkins: “I’m a Female Golf Pro, and These Are 7 Things Men Can Learn From Women.” From ditching ego and embracing hybrids to picking the right tee boxes and remembering to enjoy the game, we break it down. Stacey points out how women often lean into the social aspects of golf—like group lessons—more than men, who may avoid them due to ego or competitiveness.

Finally, Stacey poses the idea of golfing in matching outfits.  You can listen to Slade's reaction.

This week on Sticks Together, we mix things up with a group trip to Topgolf and dive into a discussion about whether men and women learn golf differently. We also reflect on Stacey’s experience playing in a scramble with complete strangers.

For our Topgolf trip. the setup was interesting—men on one side, women on the other—but the biggest debate happened before we even arrived: should we bring our own clubs? Most of the guys did, while Stacey opted to use the provided ones. Turns out, it didn’t matter—she won. We talk about the Topgolf experience itself, with Slade arguing it’s a mix between a driving range and a simulator, while Stacey isn’t so convinced. Also, is Topgolf a legitimate practice tool or just a fun social activity.

From there, we dive into a Golf Monthly article that claims men and women learn golf differently. The author suggests that women prefer talking through their faults and using visual aids, while men want to hit more balls and focus on technical details. Stacey finds this generalization frustrating, pointing out that everyone learns differently. Slade acknowledges that while some gender-based tendencies might exist, reducing it to a simple men-do-this, women-do-that narrative is a disservice to both groups. Ultimately, we agree that the best way to learn is by understanding what works for each individual.

Finally, Stacey recounts her recent experience playing in a scramble with three men she had never met before. While she was initially apprehensive, the group turned out to be welcoming and fun. She hit some of her best drives and never felt like an outsider. The biggest takeaway? They didn’t try to coach her, which she sees as a sign of respect. 

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In this episode of Sticks Together, Stacey and Slade dive into some unique and fun tournament formats, discuss a memorable golfing trip to Colorado, and explore the dynamics of playing golf as a couple. Stacey opens up about playing in a women’s “Bubba” or “one-woman scramble” tournament, a format that allows for a second shot on each stroke, making it a lively experience. This twist on the traditional scramble has proved popular among the women at her club, sparking ideas for more of these in the future, despite Slade’s clear preference for more conventional formats.

The conversation moves to discussing other unique tournament types, like the "three-club" challenge, where players can only use three clubs for the entire round. Slade shares his mixed feelings about these formats but explains his preferred club choices for such an event, while Stacey ponders her own strategy.

They then recount a recent work trip to Colorado that allowed for a couple of rounds at some unique courses. The first course, Colorado National, provided expansive views and forgiving fairways but left Stacey and Slade slightly underwhelmed due to its sparse service and somewhat dry conditions. Their next round at Arrowhead Golf Course, however, delivered spectacular views with dramatic red rock formations surrounding the holes. While picturesque, Arrowhead’s compact layout made for a slower pace, and the course’s quirks left the couple both in awe of the landscape but ready to move on after one experience.

Shifting topics, Slade brings up an LPGA Women’s Network article on whether couples should play golf together, sparking a lighthearted discussion about the advantages and challenges of golf as a shared activity. They agree that while it’s enjoyable and builds camaraderie, it can also reveal sides of one another that might not appear elsewhere—especially when the competitive spirit comes out. They encourage couples to try different formats or shorter rounds to keep things light and fun.

Finally, Stacey hints at a big change on the horizon—she’s finally ready to upgrade her clubs after 14 years. This announcement leaves Slade thrilled at the prospect of her finally embracing newer technology and even getting fitted for the first time. Stay tunes for updates on this developing story in future episodes!

• LPGA Women's Network: https://www.lpgawomensnetwork.com
• Colorado National Golf Club: https://www.coloradonationalgolfclub.com
• Arrowhead Golf Club: https://www.arrowheadcolorado.com

In this episode of Sticks Together, we share the highs and lows of our summer golf experiences and introduce a concept that resonated with us: “NFL Rules” in golf. NFL Rules.  You'll have to listen to find out what this means.

Reflecting on summer highlights, Stacey talks about her commitment to improving her game, including practice and lessons, which led to a noticeable drop in her handicap and personal victories like breaking 90 on her home course. She recalls memorable moments, such as birdieing a difficult hole and making an eagle, milestones that kept her motivated. Slade shares his own season highlight—three impressive rounds with friends on familiar courses from his youth, showing how good friends and familiar greens make for a rewarding experience.

Of course, no golf season is complete without a few frustrating rounds. Slade and Stacey swap stories of less-than-stellar days and the emotional challenges they can bring, especially when playing as a couple. Slade’s toughest day included losing multiple balls off the tee, while Stacey recalled a high-stakes tournament day when nothing seemed to go right. We agree that there’s a unique struggle in couples' golf—when one is in a bad mood or struggling, it’s hard for the other to remain unaffected. Slade and Stacey reflect on how they've learned to manage this dynamic by giving each other space, respecting each other’s mood, and sometimes just embracing the bad day.  

Bad moods manifest in each of our hosts differently! Slade tends to go quiet when he’s struggling, which can be tough for Stacey, who finds talking it out helpful. The conversation shifts to a philosophy from a friend: unlike the gym, where you may dread going but always feel accomplished after, golf often draws you in with excitement but sometimes leaves you walking away frustrated. Yet despite the challenges, the joy and triumphs of golf keep us coming back.

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.