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Golf Improvement Theory – Part 1: Strategy, Decision Trees & Shot Dispersion

If you want to lower your scores, you need more than swing tips — you need better golf strategy and smarter course management.

In Part 1 of our Golf Improvement Theory series, we break down the foundational principles of decision making in golf, including how to use a decision tree, understand your shot dispersion pattern, and make smarter adjustments for lie, slope, and weather.

This episode is about playing golf strategically — not emotionally.

What Is Golf Strategy?

Decision Trees & Shot Dispersion

Most golfers aim at flags. Better players aim based on probability.

In this episode, we explain:

• What a decision tree in golf actually means
• How to use your shot dispersion (your “finger dispersion”) to choose smarter targets
• How elite players think in percentages, not perfect shots
• The connection between strategy, scoring averages, and long-term improvement

Your shot pattern determines your target. Period.

If you’re not building your targets around dispersion, you’re guessing — not strategizing.

How to Adjust for Lie, Slope & Weather

Great course management requires contextual awareness.

We break down how to adjust for:

• Lie conditions (tight, rough, uphill, downhill, sidehill)
• Slope influence on start line and curvature
• Wind adjustments 
• Temperature, firmness, and elevation changes
• How environmental variables should modify your decision tree

Golf is not played in a vacuum — and your strategy shouldn’t be either.

Key Golf Improvement Takeaways

• Strategy is applied probability.
• Shot dispersion determines smart targets.
• Decision trees improve consistency and scoring.
• Lie, slope, and weather always influence execution.
• Better decisions lead to lower scores — even without swing changes.

This is Part 1 of the Golf Improvement Theory series on The Golf Intervention. In upcoming episodes, we’ll layer in skill development and swing execution to complete the performance model.

If you care about golf strategy, course management, and lowering your handicap, this episode sets the foundation.

For bonus content or support the show, subscribe to our Substack at https://thegolfintervention.substack.com/

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Episode Summary

In this launch of Golf Intervention 2.0, we answer the biggest questions golfers ask about getting better. We define the only 3 areas for improvement—strategy, skill, and swing. 

This episode sets the framework for smarter improvement built on data, process, and clarity.

In This Episode

1. Strategy, Skill, and Swing
We break down what truly drives performance:

• Strategy 
• Skill 
• Swing 

If you want to lower scores faster, you need the right order.

2. The Golf Intervention 2.0 Format
The show is evolving:

• More structured series
• Clear improvement frameworks
• Lots of questions and answers

3. Is Equipment a Skill Issue?
 

4. What Should You Be Working On?

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As the new golf year begins, we’re revisiting one of our most important episodes on goal setting—because most golfers still approach goals in a way that actually holds them back. In this episode of The Golf Intervention, we break down how to set goals that align with scoring, skills, and process, not vague outcomes or unrealistic expectations.

We also kick things off with a brief update on why we’ve been quiet the past couple of months—and more importantly, why we’re officially back on schedule with recording and releasing new episodes.

If you’re setting golf goals for the new year, this is the framework you need before you hit the range or the course.

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On this episode of The Golf Intervention Podcast, we dig into three critical areas that can help golfers of all levels play smarter and score better.

Topics we cover include:

• Playing from the Rough:
  • How to assess your lie and choose the right shot.
  • When to take a risk versus when to play safe.
  • How rough affects spin, launch, and distance—and what that means for club selection.
• The Iron Fitting Revolution with Loft Adjustments:
  • Why iron fitting has changed dramatically thanks to loft optimization.
  • How adjusting lofts can fine-tune launch height, spin rates, and carry distance.
  • Why proper gapping throughout your set is essential for consistent scoring.
  • What every golfer should know before buying or tweaking their irons.
• Lessons from the Lesson Tee:
  • The importance of separating two key skills:
    • Impact location on the clubface (centeredness of strike).
    • Clubface orientation (open vs. closed at impact).
  • Why confusing these two often leads to frustration and misdiagnosis of swing flaws.
  • Practical drills to improve both skills and build more reliable ball flight.

This episode combines on-course strategy, cutting-edge equipment fitting insights, and real teaching takeaways to give you insights you can apply immediately to your game.

For bonus content, subscribe to The Golf Intervention Substack at https://thegolfintervention.substack.com/

Tiger Woods crazy shot from the rough from 184 yards with a pitching wedge   https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zhdXHMtxbbw

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Episode Description:
In this episode of The Golf Intervention, we dive deep into one of the most overlooked parts of your game—the golf ball. From price and performance to the all-important “feel,” we break down how to match the right ball to your skill level—whether you’re a Level 1 beginner, a Level 2 developing player, or a Level 3 advanced golfer. You’ll leave knowing exactly what’s worth your money, what actually improves your scoring potential, and how to avoid getting swayed by marketing hype.

Then, stick around for a story you won’t forget—the wildest golf lesson I’ve ever given.  There is a huge take away which will help your performance!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why your golf ball matters more than you think
• Should you play the same ball all the time?
• Price: How to balance budget with benefits
• Performance: How spin, distance, and control vary between balls
• Feel: Why matching the ball’s feel to your skill level (1, 2, or 3) can improve your game
• How technology and data can guide you to the perfect match
• The most outrageous (and educational) lesson I’ve ever taught

Helpful Resources & Tools Mentioned in This Episode:

• Subscribe to The Golf Intervention Substack for bonus content, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and to support the show: 
  https://thegolfintervention.substack.com/
• 
  
• PING Co-Pilot – The digital fitting toolbox by PING, designed to elevate your fitting experience: https://pingcopilot.com/
  
  
• Titleist Golf Ball Selector Tool – A free, interactive tool from Titleist that recommends the best ball for your game: https://www.titleist.com/golf-ball-fitting-tool?

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📝 Show Notes:

In this episode of The Golf Intervention, we sit down with Dr. Andy Royalty from The Royal Treatment Physical Therapy in Midlothian, Virginia to explore a topic every golfer needs to understand: pain and its impact on performance.

We break down why ignoring pain or “toughing it out” on the course is not only unwise—but often the very thing that holds players back from real improvement.

Dr. Royalty shares clinical insights and practical advice on:

• Why you can’t ignore pain and pretend it won’t affect your swing or results
• The two primary types of pain (acute vs. chronic) and how they’re best treated
• The leading causes of back and elbow pain in golfers—and how to prevent them
• What treatment paths can actually get you out of pain and back to better performance
• Whether or not you should continue playing through injury or after a planned surgery

If you’re a golfer trying to balance the love of the game with the limits of your body, this conversation will give you clarity, direction, and hope.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Dr. Andy Royalty and The Royal Treatment PT: https://www.theroyaltreatmentpt.com
• Subscribe to our newsletter: https://thegolfintervention.substack.com
• Follow us on Instagram: @golfinterventionpod

🎧 Listen now and take your first step toward a pain-free, high-performing golf game.

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In this episode of The Golf Intervention, we take a sledgehammer to some of the most persistent myths in golf improvement. From obsessing over perfect swing positions to blindly hitting thousands of range balls, we break down what actually works—and what’s just noise. If you've ever been told you need to "get worse before you get better," this episode is your wake-up call.

We also expose other common misconceptions like:
 ❌ Watching the club hit the ball—why this cue may be destroying your contact
 💸 Spending outrageous money on aftermarket shafts and gear with little to no performance gain
 🔁 The dangerous myth of needing to go backwards before progress happens
 📈 Why real improvement is often simpler and smarter than you think

We discuss how to separate feel-good advice from fact-based strategies, and what to focus on if you want to actually lower your scores without overhauling your swing or emptying your wallet.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why you don’t need a perfect swing to shoot lower scores
• Smarter alternatives to endless range sessions
• How to improve your game without expensive equipment upgrades
• The truth about “watching the ball” and why it might be sabotaging your consistency
• How to identify and avoid common golf improvement traps

🔗 Links & Resources:

• https://thegolfintervention.substack.com/

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In this episode of The Golf Intervention, we dive deep into how to know where you currently stand in your golf journey—and how that knowledge shapes your path to improvement. Whether you're a high handicapper or a competitive player, understanding your current skill level helps you filter out the noise and focus only on what truly matters for your game.

Next, we reveal a game-changing finger technique to visualize and aim your shot dispersion pattern. This simple but powerful method can help you build a more confident, consistent strategy for every shot—and eliminate costly errors on the course.

Finally, we share real stories and insights from our own lessons, offering relatable experiences and breakthroughs you can apply to your own golf practice and play.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How to assess your current stage in the game and what to work on next
 ✅ A revolutionary finger-based method for targeting your shot pattern
 ✅ Real lesson takeaways from players just like you
 ✅ Why understanding your miss pattern leads to lower scores
 ✅ What most players focus on too soon—and how to avoid that trap

📬 For more insights, bonus content, and golf improvement strategies:
Subscribe to our newsletter on Substack – The Golf Intervention

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your golf buddies. Every swing starts with the right info.

#GolfImprovement #ShotDispersion #GolfPodcast #GolfLessons #GolfTips #GolfStrategy #GolfSubstack #TheGolfIntervention

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Episode Summary:
Scottie Scheffler is dominating professional golf right now — but why? In this episode of The Golf Intervention, we break down the key elements that make Scheffler’s game so effective, from his elite ball-striking and consistent process to his often-overlooked mental game. More importantly, we connect the dots between what he does at the top of the sport and what you can do as an amateur golfer to get better. Whether it’s how he handles pressure, his putting turnaround, or how he builds a repeatable swing that holds up under fire, there are valuable lessons here for golfers at every level.

Tune in if you want to understand what greatness looks like — and how to bring a piece of it to your weekend round.

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Episode Description:

In this episode of The Golf Intervention, Eric and Rob dive into one of the hottest topics in gear right now: the new wave of minidrivers. What are they? Who are they for? And do you actually need one in your bag? We answer listener-submitted questions and break down the performance, design, and strategy behind minidrivers from Titleist, TaylorMade, and Callaway.  

Whether you're a competitive player, a weekend warrior, or just a gear junkie, this episode will help you understand if a minidriver can actually make a difference in your game—or if it's just hype.

In This Episode:

• 🛠 What exactly is a minidriver?
• 📏 How it compares to your 3-wood and driver
• 🎯 Who benefits most from using one
• 🧠 How it fits into modern scoring strategy
• 🧪 The data and testing we’ve seen so far