Hack It Out Golf
Hack It Out Golf is a podcast dedicated to helping golfers improve their swing and lower their scores. Hosted by renowned golf coach Mark Crossfield, stats expert Lou Stagner, and PGA Tour player Greg Chalmers, the show combines expert insights with entertaining banter. Each episode dives deep into golf techniques, statistics, and anecdotes to benefit players of all skill levels. The podcast aims to be both informative and enjoyable for golf enthusiasts.
Episodes
SMS - PGA Tour Birdie Rate, 75 Yards and 205 Yards
Everybody gets a bunny! In today's episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg about the world's best players: how often are they making birdie from 75 and from 205 yards? Turns out that the best players and really good, and that Mark and Greg are pretty good as well. After the dust settles, they discuss how to dial in those distance control wedges.Check out Lou's new practice app, Window Golf: https
Does Your Index Travel?
Unless you're one of those social media guys who plays all the courses—or a tour pro—you likely play a lot of your golf at one course. In this episode, a listener brings a question for Lou, Mark, and Greg about whether that home-course-heavy index will travel to other courses. Lou brings the numbers and Mark and Greg bring even more travel into the discussion, so that we can have both rea
Are Golf's Rules Sane?
Whenever the rules of golf are a point of discussion, you're almost guaranteed to find something absurd. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg highlight two rules events from the end of this season: one regarding the faintest contact with the bunker sand, and the other with the moving of a divot fragment. The latter rule is very obscure; it is likely news to you. Should the rules of golf b
SMS - Distance to Average 2.75 From Rough, Scratch, 10, and 20
You're not getting up and down most of the time, but you're also not multiplying strokes: how far away are you when this happens? In today's episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg how far golfers of different skill levels will be from the hole, in the rough, to average 2.75 shots. The distances themselves are interesting, but the differences between skill levels highlight where handicap golfers
What's the Right Stat Benchmark for Me?
A good listener question for today's episode. Many of us use Arccos or another platform to track performance on the course. What standard should we use for stat comparisons? In this episode, Mark and Lou tackle this question, and it's not as obvious as you might think. Stats don't always move in exactly the same way, so there can be value in comparing yourself to your next milestone, rath
The New Tour Championship Format
Next year's Tour Championship will be much different. In today's episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg continue to discuss the roll out of the format changes for the upcoming Tour season. We've already seen the Championship vs Challenger series, but the new Tour Champion will need to win a significant, two-venue match play gauntlet. Is this an improvement? Will it make us care about the Championsh
SMS - Distance to Average 2 Putts, Scratch, 10, and 20
You can learn from other people's mistakes, especially Greg and Mark's. In this episode, Lou asks about one of the very best "manage your expectations" stats to have in your mind: at what distance will golfers of differing abilities average 2 putts? While the pros mangle the numbers, you can get the correct answers in mind—and know on the course where you're gaining (or losing) strokes on
A Greggie Top 3!
Greggie! Greg returns (almost) triumphantly to the podcast to recap his T3 finish at the 2026 Ally Challenge. Greg and Mark and Lou talk about Greg's visit to some golf stores to tweak his driver setup, the value of equipment changes, the ability to bounce back from a bad hole, and an obvious bad number.If you have a question you want covered on the pod, please submit here: https://www.ha
That Good Good Ad
You've seen it by now: a young woman reaches for a driver in a golf bag, only to be checked to the ground and told (in a menacing way) not to touch the driver. In this episode, Mark and Lou talk about Good Good/Callaway's abandoned driver ad. How does an ad this ill-conceived get made? Was this inevitable? Is there a future for Good Good? Before there was YouTube golf, Mark was doing golf
SMS - Scratch, 125 in FW, Four or More Shots
How often does disaster strike? In this episode, it's another (Gregless) Mark win in the Stat, but Lou's question is worth the attention. From 125 in the fairway, a scratch golfer is thinking birdie. How often will this (very talented) golfer take four or more shots to finish the hole? We get a window into Mark's thought processes, a quick rubric for expectation management, and help for s
Take Swing Lessons or Work on Skills?
In recent years, a number of golf coaches have made the case that golf improvement doesn't always mean an intent to change your swing. In this episode, Mark and Lou tackle a listener question about balance: when should I focus on a swing change vs taking my current swing and focusing on skill development? Here, the perspectives of a veteran coach and an avid amateur combine to give advice
Mark's and Greg's Favorite Courses
Over their careers, Greg and Mark have seen and played a lot of golf courses. In this episode, they recall some of their favorites. Which Open rota courses would Greg want to play for a tournament—and which for fun? And where have these guys not yet played that they still hope to get a round in?If you have a question you want covered on the pod, please submit here: https://www.hackitoutgo
SMS - 5 Index, Par 5, 2nd Shot 250 in FW, Bogey or Worse
The green is reachable. In this episode, missing Greg, Mark takes on Lou's newsletter audience. On a par 5, a solid 5-index golfer is sitting 250 yards out in the fairway. How often will he make bogey or worse from there. With no Greg, we get deep insight into the mind of Mark—and also insight as to why these prime scoring opportunities often go awry.Check out Lou's new practice app, Wind
Lou at the US Amateur
The US Amateur is one of the iconic events of golf calendar. In this episode, Lou and Mark talk through Lou's recent opportunity to caddie at the US Am. They discuss Merion, the setup (and whether a classic course like this can hold up to young bombers, the format of the tournament, and an unfortunate dress code email.If you have a question you want covered on the pod, please submit here:
Greg's 2026 Season So Far
The Champions Tour season is entering its final stretch, and Greg needs to make a push to make the final 36. In this episode, Greg and Mark talk through Greg's 2026 season to this point. With a handful of events to go, Greg talks about what's worked—and what hasn't—this year. He knows where he needs to improve (off the tee), and walks through of the equipment and swing tweaks that will ho
SMS - 15 Yard Chips Finishing > 18 Feet, Scratch, 10, and 20
In today's episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg about greenside short game. How often will a chip from the rough finish outside 6 paces for scratch, 10, and 20 index golfers? After Greg incinerates the 20s again, the guys talk about how to get those chips into a more manageable range.Check out Lou's new practice app, Window Golf: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/window-golf/id6778014214Each of th
Is It Harder to Go from 3 to Scratch than from 15 to 5?
A couple of golf improvement listener questions for Mark, Lou, and Greg in today's podcast. The first: is it easier to get from a 15-index down to 5 than to get from 3 down to scratch? The guys bring their own experiences and Mark's coaching to consider the different ways that people improve. Then they turn to some ways to get in short game practice in shorter blocks of time.If you have a
Charley's Joke and Rory's Schedule
Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about some of the recent—ahem—"news" in the world of golf. Are we running out of actual golf stories when we focus on a joke between a player and her caddie? And is Rory getting special treatment—and if so, is that even a problem? Also, Lou makes a joke.If you have a question you want covered on the pod, please submit here: https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/contact/Li
SMS - 10 Index, Good Rounds vs Bad Rounds, FW Hit
What is a fairway worth? In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg to compare the good and bad rounds of a 10-index golfer. We'd expect that when an amateur of this level scores well, he's probably hitting more fairways than he does in his bad rounds. But how many more? The answer the is revealed, and the guys offer strategies for maximizing your scoring potential off the tee.Each of these
Feel and Measured Data
For the avid amateur golfer, there is more measured data for swing movements, club delivery, and ball flight than ever before. Is it too much? In this episode, Mark and Lou break down how to use swing data. There are devices that can measure body part motions: how can these help—without changing everything to make an app happy? A disciplined use of these tools can be enormously beneficial
Will My Swing Changes Even Help?
Lou's been working on his swing for a while now. Is it actually better? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg consider the goals of a swing change. Is a swing better when it looks better? What if the "better" move produces worse results? This is one of the enduring questions of every serious golfer, and the guys give advice to how to make changes—with feedback—to play your best golf.If you
SMS - 10 Index, Scoring with No Penalties, But Recovery Shots
You didn't lose a ball—and that's a great feeling. But what about the sideways chip-outs? In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg how a 10-index scores when he has no penalty shots, but does have recovery shots. What happens to scores in rounds when you're punching out from under a tree a few times? And since we're all going to end up there: how do we get better at making those shots usef
Handicap Skill Tiers by the Numbers
There's nothing like numbers to show the enormous differences between the elite golfers and, you know, most of us. In this episode, Mark and Lou open up the stats database to show just how good the best golfers are, and how much the average amateur is playing almost a different game altogether. The point is this: learning to play boring golf is, for most of us, a significant step forward
When Your Setup Is Perfect
You step into the shot and start to settle in. How do you know when you've nailed your setup and are ready to go? In today's episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg reply to a listener question about setup. The quest for "perfect" is itself a challenge: you can make a bad swing out of a good setup and a good swing from a bad setup. But there are ways to learn your own tendencies, what works for you,
SMS - Scratch and 15, Holes Per Double or Worse
How many holes can you go without a double (or worse)? In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg to compare to very different skills levels (scratch and 15-index) at double-bogey avoidance. After Greg gives what might be the least accurate answer in the history of the Saturday Stat, the guys get it back on the rails and discuss ways to avoid the card-wreckers.Each of these will be a mini-ep
2026 Open Championship Recap
Ryan Fox wins the Open! In this episode, Mark and Lou recap an eventful edition of the Open Championship. They discuss the (several) rules incidents, the brilliant play of Ryan Fox (and others), and Mark offers some comments on Fox's unusual, but obviously very effective, swing.If you have a question you want covered on the pod, please submit here: https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/contact/Li
Is the Open Rota Too Dependent on Weather?
The 2026 Open ended yesterday, but Mark has questions about its future. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg start with an obvious premise: the way that the Open Rota links courses play tends to be more determined by weather than is the case for the majors based in America. As weather patterns change, has the Open gotten too baked out? Should links golf subject its competitors to more col
SMS - 3 Putt Percentage from 25, Tour, 5, and 15
Three-putts ruin rounds—especially when you're not that far away from the hole. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg compare the 3-putt percentages from 25 feet of Tour players to 5-index and 15-index golfers. It turns out, Tour players and good and 15-index golfers are less good. But it might surprise you by how much—and light a fire to practice the things that will actually help you avo
Revisiting Amateur Status
Former professional Stuart Grehan earned a spot in this year's Open Championship by winning an Amateur Championship. In this episode, Mark and Lou revisit the controversy surrounding former tour pros returning to the amateur ranks to secure major championship exemptions. Has Lou changed his mind after the last conversation? Is there are fair line that can be drawn?If you have a question y
Spectator Code of Conduct
Can golf crowds be rolled back? In this episode, Mark and Lou take up the points of the new spectator Code of Conduct for the 2026 Open Championship. Will a stated code help with fan behavior? Is it unnecessary—or perhaps worse, hypocritical? The full text can be found here: https://www.theopen.com/tickets-and-hospitality/spectator-code-of-conductIf you have a question you want covered on
SMS: Best Of!
We've been doing Saturday Stats for 3 years now: it's time for a best of! In today's episode, we pull up two classics. The Saturday Stat episodes have become a standard because they might have the best banter and bits, but also because our regular listeners have built up a storehouse of reasonable expectations. Let's see if you can recall these answers from episodes on putting and driving
Games to Improve Your Chipping
Mark has been aiming to play at a serious level—and his chipping is holding him back. In this episode, Mark makes a plea for help: do Greg and Lou have any practice tips to improve his game within 30 yards? Mark isn't alone here: many amateur golfers cost themselves strokes in this range. Lou and Greg offer practice games and (even contrasting) ways to think about these delicate shots to
Code of Conduct Penalties?
Golf is a maddening game—sometimes even at the highest levels. In the recent US Open, penalties were issued to a player who melted down on a hole, and they were costly. In this episode, Greg and Mark talk about the new code of conduct penalties. Is it odd that there was no video of the incident? Are strokes or fines a better way to handle these situations? And what are Greg and Mark's wor
SMS - 400 Yard Hole, Drive Length for 0SG, Scratch and 10
How far is far enough? In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg about a standard drive on a typical hole. How far do you need to hit it—in the fairway—to break even on a strokes gained against your handicap peers? The answer might surprise you. But the takeaway for your own game might also surprise you.Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes long) about an interesting golf stat
The Delay of the Rollback
Recently, the governing bodies scuttled the plan for the incremental rollout of the rollback. Why? And what's next? In the episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg continue discussing the ongoing saga. Key the whole debate: what actually is the problem?If you have a question you want covered on the pod, please submit here: https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/contact/Listeners can also leave us a voicemail!
Is the New PGA Tour Even New?
The PGA Tour has recently released its new Championship Series/Challenger Series two track tournament format, and Rory(!) seems unimpressed. In this episode, Mark, Greg, and Lou take Rory's comments as a jumping off point to discuss how the new format might play out—and how it could have been more creative. Is it just the same thing the Tour had before LIV showed up? Are the Challenger Se
SMS - 10 Index, Birdies, Bogeys, Doubles Per Round
We often talk about managing expectations for particular shots. What are reasonable expectations for a full round? In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg about a 10-index golfer: in a typical 18-hole round, how many birdies, bogeys, and doubles will he make? When the dust settles, the guys give advice for reducing the number of big numbers—the key for most golfers to make the biggest imp
2026 US Open Recap
With the third major of the year completed, Greg and Mark offer their takeaways from Wyndham Clark's impressive victory at Shinnecock Hills. They discuss the quality of his play, the reputation that has followed him since the last US Open, the crowd behavior as he closed in on his victory, and the way he handled the pressure and the crowd as he claimed his second US Open title.If you have
Can You Love a Fade?
Most beginning golfers slice, and the draw becomes an early aspiration. But should more amateurs just love their fade? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk shot shapes. Is there an advantage hitting one shape over the other—or shaping it both ways? Should most golfers try to change their shape, or instead play smart, strategic golf with the shape they have? And what do you do when ei
SMS - 100 Yards in FW, Double or Worse, Scratch, 10, and 20
Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes long) about an interesting golf stat. We will discuss what you can learn, and most importantly, how you can apply this on the golf course to lower your scores and lower your handicap. Listen on your drive to the golf course or over your Saturday morning coffee!Data is sourced from Arccos Golf. They have over 1 BILLION shots in their data
Can Golf Learn from the World Cup?
We're in a major week—there's only one more in 2026, and it seems like the season just started? Are the majors too compressed in the schedule? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk golf from the fan's perspective. Should the majors be spaced out a little more during the season? And with the World Cup happening right now, the biggest spectacle in sports, what could professional golf le
The 2027 PGA Tour Schedule
The first editions of next year's PGA Tour schedule are releasing, and changes are afoot. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg break down the latest attempt to create tiers of events, a lower one for elite golfers and a higher one for elite-r golfers. Does this have any more promise than previous iterations? Will the Tour ever do better than Monday Q Info at promoting ascending golfers? A
SMS - Breaking Par on Easy vs Hard Courses
Not every par 72 is the same. In this episode, Lou sends out the good golfers—scratch and 5 index—to "hard" and "easy" courses (distinguished by their course rating). Are these difficulty ratings accurate? How often will these good players break part on courses of different difficulty? And has Mark turned in Lou's DM guy, who doubts the numbers because it isn't what he sees?Each of these
Roll It Back, Jack!
During the week of the Memorial, Jack Nicklaus made a new set of comments at a press conference in support of a rolled back golf ball. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg consider his opinion. Does winning 18 majors convey expertise on this topic? Are opponents of the rollback just parroting the talking points of their OEM sponsors?If you have a question you want covered on the pod, plea
Do You Make More Putts on Comebackers?
A listener question sends Lou on a deep, deep dive into the Arccos database. We know that "never up, never in" is poor advice, especially on longer putts. But if a putt rolls past the hole, how much more likely is a golfer to make the comebacker than a similar-length putt where he hasn't seen the break? Lou, Greg, and Mark talk about the way that gathering information from balls rolling o
SMS: 5 Strokes or More Worse Than Scoring Average
Among the most prominent themes of this podcast is the need to manage expectations. That's not just a "each shot" idea; it's a "whole round" idea. How often will golfers of differing handicaps have one of those rounds, scoring at least 5 shots higher than his typical scoring average? Lou puts this question to Mark and Greg, and after the scoring is settled, they give advice for keeping in
Rai, Rahm, and a Bit of US Open
The 2026 PGA Championship was won by an incredible performance by Aaron Rai. So shouldn't that—and maybe not how he chooses to cover his hands and his irons—be the lead story? In this episode, Tour Slayer, Lou, and Greg talk about the way Rai's victory was covered, and how it tended to overshadow just how spectacular his play was. They also discuss the future of LIV players and take a few
Should I Shorten My Driver Shaft
A great, broadly applicable listener question today. In the past couple of decades, drivers have not only experienced increases in head size, but also in shaft length. In today's episode, Mark and Lou ask whether many amateurs might not be better off the tee with a shorter driver shaft. What are the trade-offs in shaft lengths? Is it possible that a shorter shaft might produce tighter dis
SMS - Tour Pros, Short Chips from Rough, Different Greens
By this point, we know that we want to avoid short-siding ourselves. But should we think about uphill vs downhill chips? In this episode, Lou offers Mark and Greg a handful of scenarios with Tour players around the green. They have different amounts of green to work with, but some chips are uphill and others are downhill. What effect does that have on scoring? And stay turned for Lou's bo
Is Pro Golf Just Driver/Wedge Now?
It's just bomb and gouge, right? In this episode, Mark and Lou look at the numbers to see if reality matches the common perception that Tour players almost never have long approach shots anymore. Are there still any 3-shot holes on the PGA Tour? How often does a Tour pro have a short iron left on a par 5? If there is a discussion to be had about distance, it starts with knowing what is *a
Steven Alker on Playing Well for Years
In this episode of Hack It Out Golf, Mark, Greg, and Lou welcome Champions Tour star Steven Alker. They explore his journey from New Zealand amateur golf through the Canada, European, Korn Ferry, and PGA Tours, to his remarkable Champions Tour career: 11 wins, a perfect 104/104 cuts made, and 76 top-10s in just 104 events. Steven shares the key shifts in his game: smarter (not harder) pre
SMS - 100 Yards in FW on Par 4, Double or Worse, Scratch, 10, and 20
Is it a trick question? In this episode, Lou asks about the green light scenario: 100 yards in the fairway on a par 4. How often will a scratch, a 10, and a 20-index golfer make double bogey or worse in that scenario? You'd think it wouldn't be that often—but you might be overlooking something. And if you can fix that thing, your scoring might get better here too.Each of these will be a m
The One Stupid Hole
If you have a course you play regularly, you almost certainly have one hole that gives you fits. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg give advice for troublesome holes. If a hole makes you choose between tee shot lengths, do you know which one creates a better average score for you? Do you have a 'get it in play' shot that you can rely on when there's trouble everywhere? And how do you ge
Internal vs External Swing Thoughts
If you're listening to this podcast, there's a good chance you have a swing thought—and there's a pretty high chance that you're thinking about how some part of your body should be moving (or not) during the swing. In this episode, Mark and Greg talk about one of the most important ideas in golf improvement: you can think about something other than your body position during the swing. The
SMS - Scratch Golfer Skills
Scratch is a aspiration for most amateur golfers, and it's a very good standard of play. How good? In this episode, Lou brings three different stats about scratch golfers, and Mark and Greg attempt to guess how a scratch player would perform in each. The answers might be surprising—and will absolutely contribute to all of us managing our expectations.Each of these will be a mini-episode (
How to Fix a Swing Path
It's hard to play effective golf with an extreme swing path. The problem: most golfers are very consistent with swing path—even when they don't want to be. In this episode, Mark and Greg talk about strategies to dislodge a less-than-optimal path and move it to a place of greater functionality. They explain that path sometimes is the result instead of the cause of the problem and the impor
Ryder Cup Ticket Prices
What's it worth? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about the recently-released price for next year's Ryder Cup at Adare Manor. Is the significant price increase warranted? Is the Ryder Cup worth attending at all? The guys give some tips for watching golf in person, discuss some of the early news about captain selections, and attempt to establish international understanding among E
SMS - 175 Yard Par 3, Average Score, Scratch, 10, and 20
From a reasonably long par 3, what scores are typical for golfers of different levels? In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg about scoring averages on a 175-yard par 3. Tiny spoiler: there's a bonus question in this episode, and the answer there provides real insight into course strategy when fairway bunkers are in play.Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes long) about an
LIV, the Fitzpatricks, and Koepka
One episode, a few professional golf topics. In this edition, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about the unfolding confirmation of the end of PIF funding for LIV and what that might mean for the future of that league—and its players. Then they shift gears to the PGA Tour, where Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick recently teamed up to win a Tour event, securing a card for Alex. (Could Scottie carry Lou to
What Even Is Shallowing?
When the best player in the world is "struggling," everyone has a solution. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about the language of the golf swing. It seems everyone talks about shallowing, but few define it. What is shallowing? Why does it matter? And shouldn't we have some idea what we're talking about before we talk?If you have a question you want covered on the pod, please sub
SMS - 120 from Fairway, Scoring Average, Tour Pro, 10, and 20
Once again, we have a green light: 120 from the hole in the fairway. How different are amateurs and pros? In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg how 10 and 20 index golfers compare on this shot to a Tour pro. And perhaps a lot of 10s and 20s have their expectations set by the Tour numbers, rather than reality closer to home.Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes long) about
2026 Senior PGA Championship Recap
It's Champions Tour major season, which means it's time for Greg—and the Gregulators—to mount up! In this episode, Greg joins Mark and Lou to recap the first major of the season, the PGA Championship at The Concession Golf Club. Greg was right in the mix but cooled off late. He talks about some of the really impressive play from Cink, Alker, and the ageless Langer, his impressive hole-out
Would You Rather a Pro Hit Your Drives or Your Approach Shots?
If you could sub in a professional golfer for one shot each hole, what would it be? In this episode, Mark talks Lou and Greg through a recent video of his that tests this question. On some holes, he hit a tee shot for his friend; on others, the approach shot. Which helped more? And which might make the biggest difference in your game? Knowing this might give you an insight as to the best
SMS - 8 Foot Putts, Make Rate, Tour Pros Top 10
If you listen to this podcast, you probably know that Tour pros average about 50% on their putts from 8 feet. But how does that number change for players when they finish in the top 10? Or, on the other hand, in weeks in which they miss the cut? Lou puts this question to Greg and Mark, and the answer might give some insight into how much putting contributes to the hot and cold rounds that
How to Play a Narrow Hole
Trouble down both sides—what's your best option? In this episode, Mark, Greg, and Lou give advice for approaching a hole when neither side offers a bailout. What are the strategic considerations to take into account when neither miss is great? And what are some drills to get you ready to face the pressure to hit the demanding shot the moment it's needed?If you have a question you want cov
Chipping With a Hybrid
Do you play golf to shoot your lowest scores—or to bubble wrap your ego? In this episode, Mark and Lou take up a listener question on chipping. Most golfers get around the green and grab a wedge (often their most lofted wedge) for almost all their shots. But there are other options: from irons to hybrids to fairway woods to putter to—yes, even chippers. Is your short game a part of golf i
SMS - PW from Fairway, Scratch and 15, Greens Hit
From the same yardage, better golfers are, well, better. Duh. But better golfers most often are hitting less club from the same distance. If a scratch golfer and 15-index both have a pitching wedge from the fairway, won't they hit the green at a similar rate? That's the question the Lou puts to Mark and Greg. Once they settle the winner for the weekend, they talk about the advantages of a
2026 Masters Recap
Rory retains his Green Jacket! In today's episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about the recently completed 2026 edition of the Masters. Tempers flared, the course setup offered some surprises, and multiple great players ascended the leaderboard—almost. What does Rory's win mean for his position in the history of golf? And could Mark help Rory's game?If you have a question you want covered o
Match Play Strategy
What's different in your approach to match play? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg take up a listener question about match play. In addition to any general changes in strategy, they discuss how to handle a match in which you're giving a lot of strokes to your opponent, as well as some of the pros and cons of gamesmanship in a match format.If you have a question you want covered on the
SMS - 50 Yards Fairway, SG of 0, Scratch, 10, and 20
For many of our listeners, it's the beginning of the golf season, and those partial wedge shots are often some of the trickiest to re-find on the course. What's a good shot? In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg about a 50-yard shot from the fairway. At what distances are a scratch, 10 and 20 index golfers breaking even on strokes gained? The answer is essential for having reasonable ex
Why Not Just Hit It Straight?
Do you need to have a preferred shape on the course? Why can't straight be a shape? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg take on a listener question about that affects swing and course strategy. With so many talking about "taking one side of the course out of play," is an intentional straight ball really a bad idea? Mark weighs in from a coaching perspective, Greg as a pro, and Lou as som
2026 Masters Preview
It's Masters Week! In today's episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about the otherworldly magic that exist at Augusta National, where the normal rules of reality seem not to apply. Has Scottie peaked? What does Rory do for an encore? And who are they picking to win this year's edition of the tournament?If you have a question you want covered on the pod, please submit here: https://www.hackit
SMS - Short Par 5, Scratch and 10, Birdie or Better
Ah, the short par 5: might as well call them gimme birdies, right? Ahem. In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg how often solid amateur golfers of two different standards will break par on a short par 5. After the answers are sorted, they offer advice for dealing with expectations for scoring on each of the standard par holes—advice that might make you appreciate your birdies even more.E
What's Next for Tiger?
Again. Sadly, again. In this episode of the podcast, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about the arrest of Tiger Woods for driving under the influence. They discuss the media coverage and the place of Tiger in the modern golf marketplace.If you have a question you want covered on the pod, please submit here: https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/contact/Listeners can also leave us a voicemail! https://www
The Anchoring Ban
There are just a handful of notable professional golfers still using the long putters, and whenever they have success, they are often publicly suspected of cheating the no-anchoring rule. In this episode, Mark and Lou discuss this pattern. Should anchoring have been banned in the first place? Is there a performance advantage from anchoring? And there's a putting technique that Lou hasn't
SMS - Tiger's Make Rate From 7-8 Feet, Back Nine, Final Rounds
With Greg missing, Lou brings a Tiger question to today's Saturday Stat. We all have the memories of Tiger's clutch moments, many of which were must-make putts that he seemed to always make. But did he? Today's question: how does Tiger's make rate for putts in the final round of tournaments compare with his normal make rate? Mark competes against Lou's newsletter audience as we seek to se
Improving Strike at Full Speed
The whole golf world knows: one way to lower your scores is to increase your swing speed. But all the swing speed in the world won't help your scores if you can't convert it into ball speed—and that means you still need to find the center of the clubface when you're swinging fast. In this episode, Mark and Lou answer a listener question about exactly this topic, and offer pointers to help
Q&A: Match Play and Captain Luke
In today's episode, Mark and Lou take on a grab bag of questions. Should the Tour Championship be a match play event? Is match play a decent way to find the best golfer—and is it a good format for watching golf? And the European Ryder Cup team recently announced that Luke Donald is coming back as captain for the third time—should Team USA just concede the 2028 Ryder Cup now?If you have a
SMS - 5 Index, 40/100/180 Yards, Break Even SG Proximity
A 5-index golfer is a good player. How close does he need to hit his approach from 40, 100, and 180 yards in the fairway to gain strokes? This is today's question from Lou's dive into the Arccos database, and Mark and Greg's answers lead to some significant surprises. As always with the Saturday Stat: these are numbers that can help you set and maintain expectations on the course, and eve
Tiger on the Champions Tour?
Right now, the question is whether Tiger will play the Masters. But if he wants tournament reps, should he also play the Champions Tour? In this episode, Mark and Greg talk about that possibility. What would make it worthwhile for Tiger to play on the Champions Tour? Would he dominate the field there? Is he just scared of the Greggie?If you have a question you want covered on the pod, ple
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