Golf Beneath The Surface
Dr. Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper 58 episodes Nov 10, 2026
Performance Consultant Dr. Raymond Prior and Golf Instructor Chase Cooper discuss golf, focusing on the mental game and performance mindset. Dr. Raymond has worked with top players worldwide, while Chase has taught elite golfers and coaches using advanced technology. Together, they aim to help listeners improve their golf game by exploring the psychological and technical aspects of the sport.
Episodes
Why Aren’t Golfers Getting Better?
Why haven’t golfers gotten much better?Equipment is better. Instruction is better. Technology is better. But the average handicap hasn’t changed nearly as much as you might expect.In this episode, we look at some of the reasons why.We talk about who actually keeps a handicap, how much time and money golfers are willing to invest in improving, why age and life responsibilities matter, and why getti
Steven Sweeney: The Mind, Mechanics, and Feel of Putting
What really separates great putters from everyone else?In this episode of Golf Beneath the Surface, Chase and Raymond sit down with world-renowned putting coach Stephen Sweeney to talk about what goes into becoming a great putter beyond just having good mechanics.Stephen shares his journey from growing up in Ireland to working with some of the best players in the world, and how his approach to coa
Lou Stagner: Playing Smart vs. Playing Scared
When does playing smart golf turn into playing scared?In Part 2 of our conversation with Lou Stagner, Chase and Raymond get into the balance between course strategy, managing risk, and still being able to play freely. Lou shares how he uses stats with his players at Princeton, why avoiding big numbers can make such a difference, and how the statistically correct decision isn't always the best
Lou Stagner: What the Numbers Really Tell Us
How well do you really know your own golf game?In Part 1, Chase and Raymond sit down with Lou Stagner to talk about how stats have changed golf and what the numbers can actually tell us about our games. From strokes gained and the importance of distance to figuring out where we're really losing shots, we get into how stats can help players and coaches make better decisions.We also talk about
Q & A 13.0: Practice, Pressure & Performance Part 2
How do you know if your practice is actually making you better?In Part 2 of our Q&A, Chase and Raymond dig into practice, pressure, and performance. They discuss how we should measure improvement, why success in practice doesn’t always transfer to the golf course, and how different types of practice can help players build skills that actually hold up when it matters.They also dive into when a
Q and A 13.0: Playing With Freedom Part 1
In part one of our Q&A, we dig into what it actually means to play freely when things aren’t going exactly how you want.We talk about how much a player should adjust during a round, the difference between calibrating and tinkering, and why better players need to be able to make small adjustments without turning everything into a mechanical change.We also get into acceptance—what it actually me
Ryan Hager: Skill vs. Mechanics
Ryan Hager is back for part two of our conversation where we dig into the relationship between technology, coaching, and what actually helps golfers improve.We talk about how social media has changed golf instruction, the benefits and dangers of learning from online tips, and why understanding your own swing matters more than chasing the next fix.We also get into skill versus mechanics, why good t
Ryan Hager: Why Golfers Don’t Get Better
Ryan Hager joins us for part one of a two-part conversation about coaching, practice, and what actually helps golfers improve.We talk about Ryan’s path as a coach, the mentors who shaped the way he teaches, and what he’s learned from working with golfers of every level.A big part of the conversation turns to a simple question: why do so many golfers work on their games without actually getting bet
Codebreakers 2.0 - Skill vs Swing vs Strategy
What actually makes practice work?We’re joined by Rob Failes and Garrett Chaussard from Codebreakers to talk about how coaching, practice, skill development and adaptability all fit together.We get into block practice, why looking good on the range doesn’t always mean you’re learning, the difference between swing and skill, how great players calibrate on the fly, and why adaptability might matter
What If You’re Not Good Enough?
What if you give something everything you have and find out you still aren’t good enough?In this episode, we discuss why avoiding that question creates more anxiety, hesitation and regret. We break down the role of radical acceptance, radical honesty and radical ownership in pursuing difficult goals and performing freely without any guarantee it will work out.We also talk about risk, luck, failure
Dealing With the Elements
In this episode, Chase and Raymond discuss one of golf’s greatest challenges: dealing with the elements. Using The Open Championship as a backdrop, they explore why difficult conditions expose both your psychology and your skill set. From handling uncertainty and staying composed to controlling trajectory, shaping shots, and managing the wind, they share practical strategies to help you perform yo
On Time 2.0
What does it actually mean to be “on time?”In this episode, Raymond and Chase revisit one of the foundational concepts behind stable confidence and performance: being present.They explore why being on time is much more than “one shot at a time,” and why the brain’s natural tendency to worry about the future and replay the past makes it so difficult to perform freely when it matters most.Topics inc
Q & A 12.0
In this episode, Raymond and Chase answer listener questions on sleep, learning, memory, intrusive thoughts, the yips, target focus, lowering handicaps, and why tying your identity to outcomes makes golf feel so threatening.They discuss why sleep before and after practice helps learning stick, why “don’t three-putt” usually makes three-putting more likely, and why stepping off a shot is sometimes
Audio Golf: Can Sound Improve Your Golf Swing?
In this episode, Chase and Raymond are joined by Chia Chou, concert pianist, university professor, and founder of Audio Golf.Chia shares how his background in elite music training led him to explore movement, rhythm, tempo, and sound as tools for better performance. The conversation dives into movement sonification, auditory-motor entrainment, putting tempo, wedge distance control, driver sequenci
Dr. Pete Kadushin: The Stories That Shape Your Game
In this episode of Golf Beneath the Surface, Chase and Raymond are joined by Dr. Pete Kadushin to explore how the stories we tell ourselves shape the way we perform.They unpack how beliefs, narratives, and past experiences can quietly create the “rules” golfers play by—rules about score, failure, swing mechanics, pressure, and what is or isn’t possible. Pete explains why sport often acts as an amp
Thoughts That Create Pressure Part 2: The Hidden Layers
In this follow-up episode of Golf Beneath the Surface, Chase and Raymond continue the conversation on thoughts, pressure, and performance.After introducing A-shaped and V-shaped thinking in the previous episode, they go deeper into why simply trying to “not think” is impossible, why judging thoughts often makes them louder, and how pressure builds when golfers treat thoughts as facts, predictions,
The Thoughts That Create Pressure
In this episode of Golf Beneath the Surface, Chase and Raymond unpack how the way we think about our thoughts can either create freedom or create pressure. They explore why self-talk is more than just “positive vs. negative,” how players unknowingly shrink their margin for error, and why that leads to anxiety, rigidity, and unstable confidence.Raymond breaks down the difference between A-shaped an
Q & A 11.0
In this episode, Chase and Raymond delve into the evolution of golf equipment, the impact of technology, and the psychological aspects of performance. They explore how changes in equipment affect the game, industry, and player psychology, offering insights for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Developing Junior Golfers with James Hong
In this insightful interview, golf instructor James Hong shares his coaching philosophy, the importance of long-term development in young athletes, and how parents can support their children's growth in golf and life. Discover practical tips for nurturing enjoyment, resilience, and independence in young players.
Ground Forces and Speed in the Golf Swing with Dr. Scott Lynn
In this episode of the Golf Beneath the Surface podcast, Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper sit down with Dr. Scott Lynn, a biomechanist known for his work in golf and baseball movement research.The conversation explores how biomechanics can help players and coaches better understand movement efficiency, power production, and how the body actually creates speed in the golf swing. Dr. Lynn explains why
Playing for a Miss
**Updated Audio** Chase and Raymond sit down to chat about one of the most common — and most misunderstood — ideas in golf: playing for a miss. They dig into why golf isn’t a game of misses so much as a game of variability, and how aiming to avoid trouble often creates more anxiety, more multitasking, and ultimately worse outcomes.The boys break down predictable misses, one-way miss myths, and the
John Scott Rattan: Coaching On Tour
Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper kick off 2026 with a wide-ranging conversation with John Scott Rattan, coach at Congressional Country Club and a full-time presence in the world of elite competitive golf.John Scott breaks down what coaching Tour players actually looks like—travel, remote support, building a weekly “blueprint,” and why the goal is to eliminate anything new once the tournament starts.
Year-End Q&A: Confidence, Ego, and Trust in Golf
In this episode of the Golf Beneath the Surface podcast, Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper reflect on the past year and the topics that resonated most with listeners.They break down confidence in golf, why it’s often tied to outcomes, how trying too hard creates anxiety, and the common mistakes players at every level make with practice, ego, and trust. The conversation touches on unmeasurable skills,
Gabby Herzig: Inside the Stories That Shape Professional Golf
**Apologies for previous technical difficulties should be good now… Blame Chase!! 😂**In this episode, we’re joined by Gabby Herzig of The Athletic for a deeper look at the part of professional golf most people never think about — how the stories of the game actually get made. We talk through what real golf journalism looks like today, the difference between reporting and content, and how players
John Dunigan
In this episode, Raymond and Chase sit down with longtime friend and renowned coach John Dunigan to talk about what real skill development looks like—and why most golfers spend their time on the wrong things. John breaks down the difference between improving a motion and improving a skill, why perfection and “consistency” often hold players back, and how tools like external focus, exaggeration, an
The Science of Practice — with Dr. Will Wu
In this episode, Raymond and Chase sit down with Dr. Will Wu, professor at Long Beach State and one of the leading experts in motor control and learning, to talk about how to design practice that actually transfers to performance.They dig into the difference between motor learning and motor control, why block practice feels great but rarely holds up in tournaments, and how contextual interference
Transferring Your Skills
Why can you stripe it on the range but not when it matters? In this episode, we unpack the gap between practice and performance—and what it really takes to transfer skills from a controlled setting to the course. From Scott Fawcett’s DECADE framework to blackjack analogies, we dig into decision-making, judgment, and why context always matters.We explore how conservative swings under pressure can b
Q & A 9.0
We’re back.......In episode 44 of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast we started off by answering questions on the difference between freedom and perfection. We unpack Scottie Scheffler’s “decoupling” of identity from golf, the arrival fallacy, and how intrinsic motivation fuels consistency. We cover journaling that actually changes behavior, the four core needs kids have in sports, and why chasi
Q & A 8.0
You asked and we answered. In this Q and A, the boys explore topics such as: letting go vs. trying too hard, what it takes to reset after anger, and why out-of-position swings demand more athleticism—not less.We also dig into what college coaches should look for when recruiting players, how parents can create more resilient kids, and why multitasking only works in non-judgmental spaces.A wide-rang
Pre Tournament Gameplan
In this episode, Raymond and Chase dive into what it actually means to be mentally prepared to compete. They cover how outcome-based thinking shows up, what it looks like to truly pursue shots vs. avoid mistakes, and why most players don’t even realize they’re multitasking until it’s too late. Whether you're teeing it up in a major, your club championship, or just a round that matters to you—
Mega Q and A (part 2)
In Part 2 of our post-Masters MEGA Q&A, we cover how often you should really take lessons, coaching juniors at different levels, and helping kids play with more freedom and less fear.We dig into why kids glance at parents after bad shots, what that says about confidence, and why parents often need to do less.We also tackle emotions on the course — why players like Tyrrell Hatton sometimes play
Mega Q & A (part 1)
In episode 40 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, we kick off Part 1 of our two-part post-Masters MEGA Q&A. We start with some fun: where players actually use the bathroom at Augusta, and the ongoing (and slightly heated) debate about the famous pimento cheese sandwich.From there, we dig into the heart of the episode — the mental game. We answer listener questions on why bad shots stick i
Parenting 101
In this episode, we take a deep dive into how parenting styles can shape a young athlete’s development — and how kids respond to their parents during lessons. We unpack the power dynamic between parents and kids, the importance of autonomy, and the three core parenting styles: permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative. We also explore how to support kids who have big goals in golf (or any pursu
Speed, Strength & Smart Training with Mike Carroll (Fit For Golf)
In episode 38, we sit down with Mike Carroll from Fit For Golf to break down the key components of golf swing speed — mobility, strength, and power — and the best ways to train them. We explore gender differences, force production (wrist, ground, and rotation), and how tension contributes to generating speed. Mike also unpacks common myths around “stability” in golf fitness and shares insights on
Consistently Inconsistent
Episode 37 of the Golf Beneath the Surface podcast is a bit of a 2 parter. Part 1, the boys chat about the best ways to ‘gear up‘ for the upcoming golf season. Is it technique work? All skill and performance work? Blend of both? In part 2, Doc and Chase chatted about the most used word that every player seems to be searching for more of… consistency. Does consistency exist in golf? Are tour player
Quiet Eye
Season 3 of the Golf Beneath the Surface is here and the topic is on Quiet Eye. Quiet Eye research has been around for a few years, made a bit more famously in Golf in the early 2000's. Dr. Raymond and Chase go through the ins and outs of what the research shows us about Quiet Eye, how it's applicable to golf and other sports, and if it's something we can use to help us improve our
Q & A 7.0
In the final pod of 2024, the boys sat down to answer more of your questions. The topics of this pod included: mindful breathing and how/when to reset, neuro plasticity, raising discomfort during practice sessions, handling insecurities, benefits of nicotine, and handling trauma. Thanks for listening in and making 2024 an awesome year for our Pod. Please like and review if we've helped your g
Composure
In this episode of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, the boys talk about Chase's trip to caddie for one of his players at LPGA Q School. The conversation weaves through the difficulties of Q School, handling different weather conditions, dealing with the future uncertainty that comes from an event like Q School, and how to refocus or reset when dealing with the highest levels of stress, n
The CodeBreakers
A little change of pace for episode 33 of the podcast as Chase and Raymond sit down with a group of 4 instructors named The Codebreakers. This group of highly esteemed coaches is made up of Garrett Chaussard, Rob Failes, Mark Grace, and Sean Kennedy. All top instructors in the country, they have been helping players of all skill levels for years. They are hosting a golf retreat in South Carolina i
Making Swing Changes
It’s the offseason, so we couldn’t think of a better time to talk about swing changes. In this episode of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Doc and Chase go into all the nuances of making a swing change, both from a mechanical standpoint and psychology standpoint. Enjoy!
Derek Deminsky
In this week's episode of the Golf Beneath The Surface Podcast, Chase and Raymond sat down with Derek Deminsky. With his expertise in short game and backspin, Derek is known across professional golf as a short game expert and has helped players of all skill levels get better around the greens. Derek, who famously goes by @golfbettertucson on Instagram, has created quite the following with ove
Q & A 6.0
In Episode 30 of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, the boys answer more of your questions. Topics included but weren't limited to: Mirror Neurons vs Motor Neurons, Victims mindset, how to handle Q-School, and much more!
Ian Fraser
On this week's episode of the Golf Beneath The Surface Podcast, the boys sit down with one of the best club fitters in the world, Ian Fraser. The conversation takes a deep dive into the art and science of club fitting, the future of club fitting, how to find a great club fitter, indoor vs outdoor fittings, and much much more!About Ian Fraser:Ian has been working in the golf industry for 18 ye
Focus and Breathing
After a busy summer the boys are back for episode 28 of the Golf Beneath The Surface Podcast to talk about Focus and Breathing. What is focus? Why do we lose focus? How can we stay more focused during high intensity situations? Also how does breathing play a role in the ability to focus? Can it help? Are there different breathing techniques? Enjoy!
Q & A 5.0
Episode 27 brings the boys back together with another Q & A episode. In this episode Chase and Doc answer the following questions:Practicing to maximize performance. Handling bad weather / back luck with tee times (bad draws). How relaxation techniques don’t usually work. Rory at the US Open and acceptance… And much more. Enjoy!
Dr. Luke Benoit
In Episode 26 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast the boys sit down with Dr. Luke Benoit. Dr. Luke is the Director of Instruction at Interlachen Country Club in Edina MN. He has a PHD in motor learning, is an expert in Biomechanics, and is the founder of Ryp Golf; one of the biggest swing speed companies on the planet. The conversation starts with Dr. Luke's background and then takes a de
Q & A 4.0
Our 25th episode of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast is another Q & A episode where Dr. Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper cover the following topics/questions...1. How did Scottie play so well after getting arrested?2. How did Xander finally get it done after being so close for so long? 3. Nelly Korda's recent run of great play. How does she manage the expectations and the pressure? 4. W
Scott Cowx
In this week's episode of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, the boys are joined by the 2019 Canadian PGA Teacher of the Year, Scott Cowx. Scott is recognized worldwide as one of the top coaches in golf. His expertise in swing geometry, biomechanics, physiology, and motor skills has drawn the attention of top players and coaches. He has developed 'Scott Cowx Certified' a certifi
Habits 301
In the final episode of our 3 part Habits series, Dr. Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper discuss the final stage of habit mapping: Upgrading from the old "bad" habit to the new "good" habit. Episode 1 focused on the anatomy of a habit (trigger, behavior, reward). Episode 2 focused on the rewards, what we get from these rewards and what they feel like . In this episode, it's al
Habits 201
In part 2 of our 3 part series on Habits, Dr. Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper take a closer look at the rewards we are getting from our habits. In last week's episode (habits 101), we identified what a habit actually is and discussed the differences between behaviors and habits. In this episode, we start to break down the first step in changing our habits, and that is identifying how these hab
Habits 101
In episode 21 of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Dr. Raymond and Chase kick off a three-part series focusing on habits. In part 1, they discuss the differences between behaviors and habits, the anatomy of a habit (trigger, behavior, reward) and how they’re formed. Enjoy!
Pre-Shot Routine, Acceptance, and Identity
It's been a minute but the boys are back for another episode of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast. In this episode Raymond and Chase talk through all things pre-shot routine. From the information gathering stage before the shot, executing over the golf ball, to assessing the results, no stone is left unturned in discussing what makes up a great pre-shot routine. They also discussed the eve
Mechanics vs Mental
In Season 2, episode 3 of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Chase and Raymond take a deep dive into how to decide if it's your physical or mental skills that are limiting your performance. Are you swinging freely with stable confidence but still aren't getting the results you want? Do you hit it great on the range or at your home course by yourself but don't seem to perform as w
Q & A 3.0
You keep asking so we'll do our best to keep answering. In Season 2, episode 2 of the Golf Beneath The Surface Podcast, the boys are back for another Q and A session. In this episode Raymond and Chase talk about Personality Profile Tests, how to practice when time is limited, club fitting, sunglasses and their effect on performance, and much more. Enjoy!
Coach Melissa Luellen
Season 2 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast kicks off with Auburn Women’s Coach Melissa Luellen. Melissa is currently in her ninth season at the University of Auburn and her 24th season of coaching at the Division 1 level (Arizona State and Tulsa). She’s had incredible success in the game of golf at both the playing and coaching levels. Melissa grew up in a golfing family, having played for h
Karl Morris
In episode 16 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Chase and Raymond sit down with good friend Karl Morris. Widely regarded as Europe’s leading golf performance coach, Karl takes us on his journey from unsuccessfully trying to build the perfect golf swing to helping his players win at the highest levels. The conversation also goes deep into Karl’s 3 mental keys for every shot: attention, inten
Marcus Potter
In episode 15, Raymond and Chase sit down with Marcus Potter (@pottersputting) to talk about all things putting. Marcus has quickly become one of best putting coaches in the country. He shares his story of how he fell in love with putting, his simple approach to helping his players putt better, and why he believes anyone can be a great putter. To learn more about Marcus or contact him for remote l
Q & A 2.0
In episode 14 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Raymond and Chase sat down for the second time to answer your questions. They covered things from should we get fitted for clubs in the winter, to how long does it take to change or break a habit? Some of the other topics discussed included the 10,000 hour rule, neurofeedback devices, and how to improve sleep or 'jet lag' when travel
Ryan Crawley
The boys are back for another episode of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast where they sit down with Ryan Crawley. Ryan is the Director of Education for Sportsbox AI and voted one of the Best Young Teachers by Golf Digest for 2023-2024. In this episode, Raymond, Chase, and Ryan talk all about one of the coolest and most talked about new pieces of 'tech' in the golf industry - Sportsbox
The Yips
In Episode 12 of the Golf Beneath The Surface Podcast, Raymond and Chase tackle one of golf's scariest issues... The Yips! What are the yips? Are they a mechanical problem or psychological problem? Are they fixable? Are some types of yips more difficult to fix than other types? If you've ever experienced the yips or wanted to learn more about them, then this episode is for you. Enjoy!
EJ Pfister
This week the boys sat down with E.J. Pfister. E.J. is the Director of Instruction at both the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club and Oak Tree National. He's been voted one of the top 100 instructors in the country by GOLF magazine and the #1 instructor in the state of Oklahoma by Golf Digest. E.J. has also played this game at a very high level, having playing professionally for 12+ years,
Q and A
You asked… We answered. In episode 10 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Chase and Raymond sit down to answer your questions. They covered topics from the yips, mindfulness training, growth mindset and much much more. Enjoy!
Alan Hodde
In Episode 9 of the Golf Beneath The Surface Podcast, Raymond and Chase sit down with their first guest, Alan Hodde. Alan is the Co-owner and Director of Instruction at the Axis Golf Academy and Fitting Center in Cypress, Texas. The conversation spans from how Alan got into golf, his thoughts on club fitting and how shafts are designed, and what to expect when doing speed training. The Axis Golf A
Growth vs Fixed Mindset
Welcome to Episode 8 of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast where the conversation is about Growth vs Fixed mindset. What are the main differences between the two? Are we always striving for a growth mindset and trying to avoid having a fixed mindset? Listen in to find out!
Setting Goals
In Episode 7 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Raymond and Chase take a deep dive into the importance of golf setting. What does the research and science say about setting goals? Upmost importance or could actually be a deterrent? Tune in to find out!
Learning Styles
The boys are back to chat about the different types of learning styles: kinesthetic/feel, visual, and auditory. Which one are you? Are those the only learning styles? They also talk about practice and break down the difference between block and random practice. Enjoy!
The Perfect Golf Lesson
In this weeks episode of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Raymond and Chase break down the do’s and don’ts to get the most out of a golf lesson. This list includes how to find the perfect coach, before and after lesson checklist, and the best ways to help our brain retain as much of the information as possible.
On Time
In Episode 4 of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, the guys talk about one of the main keys for Stable Confidence, being On Time. Doc and Chase dive a bit deeper into what being On Time means and some ways we can train our brains to be On Time more often.
Stable Confidence
The guys are back to talk about Stable Confidence. What is it? What’s the difference between Stable Confidence and the old psychology model of confidence, relaxation, and believing in oneself? Listen in to hear why the old model is outdated and why having Stable Confidence is the best way to perform at the highest levels.
Stress, Nerves, and Anxiety
Welcome to episode 2 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast where Dr. Raymond and Chase take a look at the differences between stress, nerves, and anxiety. Are they good? Are they bad? Doc and Chase take a deep dive into each to get a better understanding of our own psychology and how our brain was designed to respond to internal and external factors.
Introduction
Dr. Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper welcome you to Episode 1 of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast. In this episode you will get to know both hosts, learn more about the podcast, and get a glimpse into future episodes. Enjoy!
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