HACK IT OUT GOLF

This episode is unbelievably exciting. Please read that in your very best Lou monotone. (But it is really good!) In today's Saturday Stat, Lou highlights the skills of the best players on the planet. How often, hitting approaches from the fairway at 120 and 180 yards, are they making birdie and bogey? Greg and Mark offer their guesses, and the answers raise yet another question.... 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code MARK15 for 15% off! Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brooks isn't the only one coming back to the PGA Tour: this past week, Vijay Singh played on the PGA Tour for the first time in years. In today's episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about the status that allowed Singh to play on Tour again, its consequence for other Tour members, and whether these kinds of exceptions should exist on a competitive Tour. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brooks returns! In today's episode, Mark and Greg discuss the big news in professional golf: Brooks Koepka leaving LIV and being reinstated to the PGA Tour. They talk about the terms of his return and what it might mean for others on LIV and what it might mean for the PGA Tour under its new leadership. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Saturday Stat without the Master of Stats?! In this Lou-less episode, Mark and Greg take a dive, not into the Arccos database, but into swing numbers. All three have had their swings measured on gears, and Mark brings the numbers (and Greg guesses) shoulder turns and tilts. Seeing how and why golfers of differing abilities move like they do can help all of us make a more effective swing at the ball. 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code MARK15 for 15% off! Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Northern hemisphere are in the depths of winter. What is a golfer to do? Maybe it's a good time to go through your golf bag and discard the unneeded items. In this episode, Mark and Lou give a tour of items in your golf bag that need to go or be replaced. From clubs you never use to barely intact gloves, the changing out grips and on-course snacks, we can make the most of the off-season. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the start of a new PGA Tour season, it's a good time to catch up with rule changes for this year's play. In this episode, Lou and Mark talk about changes to preferred lies and embedded ball rules, unintentional ball movement, obstructions and internal OB, and distance measuring devices. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Greg out sunning himself again, Mark and Lou run the two-man Saturday Stat: Mark vs Lou's newsletter audience. In this episode: a Tour Pro is in the rough, a mere 15 yards from the hole. How often will his chip finish more than 10 feet from the hole? The announcer would suggest it should never happen, but it does—and probably more often than you'd expect. 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code DATALOU15 for 15% off! Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're listening to this, you probably want to be better at golf. But you're unlikely to play better on the course continuing exactly the same practice routine you've had off the course. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg are talking practice: both the how and why for better practice that will improve your scores for the next season. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With modern launch monitors, it's pretty easy to tell who swings fastest—you just measure it. But what about relative speed? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk speed potential and efficiency. Which of the three of them swings the fastest relative to their potential? Which swings fastest on the course relative to their current top end? And what do these differences mean for typical golfers trying to play our best game, especially off the tee? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You already know it: hitting more greens in regulation is the key to better scores. But how much difference does it make? In this episode, Lou asks Greg and Mark to compare the scores a scratch golfer will make when he hits vs misses the green from 125 in the fairway. And this one is a performance for the history books for one of the two competitors. 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code MARK15 for 15% off! Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The limited routes to be able to play on LIV have been much-discussed, but is the PGA Tour headed in a similar direction? In this episode, Greg, Mark, and Lou discuss changes to the PGA Tour qualifying. How should qualification through the Korn Ferry Tour, the DP World Tour, and Q-School be weighted? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The year of Scottie? Or of Rory? Or of the Greggie? In today's episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg look back at the big golf stories of 2025, from Rory's history-clinching win at Augusta to Scottie's sustained dominance. They also look ahead: will Tiger be willing to face Greg on the Champions Tour, battling to decide who is golf's true Needle? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode belongs in the Expectations Hall of Fame. How long would a par 3, a par 4, and a par 5 need to be for a 10-index player to average par on each? Lou puts this question to Mark and Greg. The answer gives these golfers a good reference point for expected scoring, and a mental game that is set up to score best on these "short" holes. 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code MARK15 for 15% off! Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Greg's stat internship has ended and he is now in the quizmaster's seat! Rather than a deep dive into the Arccos database, Greg pulls from a recent charity golf event to ask Lou and Mark about how often these charitable golfers came up short on a par 3 hole with some wind. Can Lou win at his own game? And how can we get better by just being more aware of what the hole is asking of us? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're playing with Greg and make the turn playing far better than normal. What's your mindset? In this episode, Greg tells a recent story just like this, and Mark and Lou talk about how recreational golfers handle the pressure of playing well—especially given the statistical odds that it might all come crashing down. Here are tips to strengthen your mental game to keep your next good round rolling. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where is the good variability in scoring? In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg about the ridiculously good rounds—where you go out and shoot 5 strokes (or better) than your season scoring average. How likely are you to do that if you're a low versus and high handicap player? 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code DATALOU15 for 15% off! Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

X is abuzz with suggestions of players going to—and possibly leaving—LIV Golf. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg offer their opinions on these rumors, but more significantly, discuss the state of LIV and whether its current method of positioning itself has a future in professional golf. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg remains an absolute world-class golfer. In today's episode, he joins Mark and Lou to recap his T14 finish at the Australian Open. At an event he's won twice before, Greg showed up in force. He takes us through the week of golf, the course, the crowds. And maybe Mark is better than Rory? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. This week, the crew welcomes Greg back after his impressive Australian Open performance, and Lou comes with a grab bag of Tour Pro questions for Greg and Mark. Will Greg recover from his unusually poor performance last week, when Mark answered for him? 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code MARK15 for 15% off! Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're regularly shooting in the 80s: that's no small accomplishment in this game. Your next goal: a handicap index solidly in the single figures. In this episode, Lou and Mark give you the best tips and advice for where to focus your practice and play to get to the next level of golf performance. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded before Greg's strong showing at the Australian Open, in this episode Greg chats with Mark and Greg about his recently-completed second season on the Champions Tour. They cover the highlights and challenges of season, what changes Greg anticipates for his next season, and his goals for the year ahead. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. This week, Greg's off training to regain Australia's Open championship. So Lou pits Mark against his newsletter audience. What will a 5 index golfer average on a short, 275-yard par 4? Why has Mark always loved holes like this? And what's the secret to an Australian accent? 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code DATALOU15 for 15% off! Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These are tough days for what was once the European Tour. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about the conclusion of the DP World Tour season, and especially the fact that the top ten players on that tour are issued playing privileges on the PGA Tour. Is this sustainable? Does the DP World Tour have any better options than to be a development tour for the American tour? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you more knowledgeable about the game of golf because of the broadcasts of the professional tours? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg compare some of the ways that advanced analytics are presented in other major sports to golf, and consider ways in which the popular knowledge of the game could be improved with better information presented well for the fans of the game. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. What will a 5-index golfer score on a "standard" hole? In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg the scoring average for a good golfer on a 150 yard par 3, a 375 yard par 4, and a 500 yard par 5. Social media golfers might consider these "gettable." Are they? 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code MARK15 for 15% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a classic discussion: who is the greatest golfer of all time? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg take their cracks at this topic, and not only the greatest ever, but also the criteria to just the great golfers a bit further down the list. How can we compare eras? How much different is golf as a sport on this side of Tiger? And where would Greg rank himself? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark's ball speed is rising on his launch monitor as he refines techniques and strengthens his body, but how does that translate to the course? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about some really practical obstacles to brining the speed gains you're making in your practice to the course, from warming the body to some often overlooked equipment that might be holding you back. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. We know it's a bad to be short-sided. But there's one pin location that makes us blind to the danger. In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg how often low single-figure indexes miss the green from 120–130 yards when the pin is in the back of the green versus the front of the green. The difference is not trivial, and should be something you keep in mind next time you head to the course. 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code DATALOU15 for 15% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Greggie going back to Augusta? In today's episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg discuss some adjustments that The Masters has made to the qualifying criteria. Out are the winners of some alternative field events; in are winners of some international events. Can Greg punch his ticket by winning the Australian Open (again)? Should the field be expanded? Will Lou ever get Greg's bag? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now entering its fourth year of play, LIV has announced that this season's events will be contested over 72 holes. In today's episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg discuss this change. Why is living abandoning its signature identity? Does it matter? Does it add credibility to its events? And how do things look for the future of this rival to the PGA Tour? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. In a blatant attempt to rig the game for Greg, Lou asks Mark and Greg about Tour Pro putting stats from 30 feet. This episode is full of great data that will help you have the right mindset over these mid- to long-range putts, and for seeing whether attempting to rig the game works out. 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code MARK15 for 15% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Lou, Mark, and Greg revisit and expand some of their recent discussion on professionals regaining their amateur status, pulling on a lot of threads of what is a challenging conversation with (pardon the pun) a lot of pros and cons. Then they discuss the announced changes being made to the Old Course at St Andrews. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is inspired by another listener question: should bunkers present more of a hazard—especially for professional golfers? Mark, Lou, and Greg engage in a really insightful conversation that reaches to the foundations of what golf is "supposed" to be. Most amateurs struggle mightily from bunkers, but especially on the biggest tours, the sand often seems more predictable than the surrounding rough. Can—or should—anything be done about that? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. From 150–159 in the fairway, how often would you expect to close out the hole in 4 shots or less? In this episode, Lou brings that question to Mark and Greg for scratch, 10, and 20 index golfers. This is another good episodes for setting meaningful expectations for yourself on the course—and giving you goals for your next handicap improvement. 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code DATALOU15 for 15% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Schwab Cup Playoffs are underway! In this episode, recorded after the first playoff event (the Dominion Energy Charity Classic) and before the second (the Simmons Bank Championship), Greg joins Mark and Lou to recap the first event, talk about the marvel that is Bernhard Langer, explain what went slightly sideways in his closing round, and what he's aiming for as the Playoffs conclude and the offseason begins. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Previously, Lou previewed with Mark and Lou his upcoming trip, with the Princeton Golf Teams, to St Andrews. In this episode, he takes us through the trip: the practice rounds at Jubilee, the tournament format, the food, the weather, and his thoughts on the Old Course. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. Today's episode: good golfers, simple shot. How often will a 5-index player get up and down from 75 yards in the fairway? At the other extreme, how often will it take him 4 or more shots to hole out? Lou puts this question to Mark and Greg, and the answer may well shock you as well. Learning to avoid the big numbers continues to be the theme of effective scoring. 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code MARK15 for 15% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you play golf at more than one place, you'll find that the playing surface for our game varies considerably. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg take a listener question about playing from different types of grasses. You'll learn some of the basic characteristics of turfs and techniques to deal with grabby grasses—along with some inside info on Greg's home course. Mark's tip on using the Divot Board to practice chipping at the end of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcFmNCZimM4 Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You probably don't have the golf skill of a Tour pro, or else you'd likely be a Tour pro. But there are other facets of the professional's game that any golfer can learn from. In this episode, Mark, Greg, and Lou pull insight from Greg's 30 years on tour to give advice for preparation and strategy that can help you score, no matter your level. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. For many golfers, a scratch handicap is an aspiration, and scratch players are the best players they know. In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg questions only about scratch golfers—and some of the numbers might surprise you. A really good standard of golf still includes missed shots. 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code DATALOUT15 for 15% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"And there's that slice/hook/chunk again!" We've all been there: working at the range to make a swing change, and then we see the old pattern emerge. Why is it so hard to make a change stick? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg bring three very different perspectives (a coach, an avid am, and a professional) to this question. There may not be shortcuts, but there are ways to engage with a change that can accelerate your progress. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all said it: "It would have been an amazing round except for those few holes!" Buy why does that keep happening? In this episode, Lou brings data from fellow Arccos data maestro Michael Hutch, and he and Mark talk about what causes double bogeys at each skill level. You'll learn where you're dropping shots, and where you can focus your practice to drop your handicap. The charts and data from this episode are in this newsletter from Lou: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/p/where-your-double-come-from Follow Michael Hutch: https://x.com/hutch_golf Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. Ah, the dread half-wedge. In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg about the distance at which a scratch, 10, and 20 index golfer breaks even for Strokes Gained from 50 yards in the fairway. What is the baseline for a good shot for those skills? And how can we all improve those touch shots? 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code MARK15 for 15% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's that time: Mark needs to work on his body. In this episode, Mark talks with Greg and Lou about his early steps in evaluating his strength and fitness and what he's working on to improve his strength and make better gains with an already-optimized swing. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Among the hats worn by our resident Stat Guy is Assistant Coach of the Princeton Tigers golf team. In today's episode, he and Mark discuss an event (beginning today!) that the Princeton golfers will be playing at St. Andrews. Lou and Mark talk about what Lou hopes to see and do in St. Andrews, Mark's thoughts on the Old Course, and how the weather might (or might not) be a factor in the tournament. The event is being broadcast on the Golf Channel and Sky Sports, so tune in to see if Lou makes an appearance—maybe as a caddie! Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. How far do golfers really hit their drives? Yes, increasing distance might help, but knowing the typical driver distance for your target index is really helpful. In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg how far a 5, 15, and 25 handicap golfer hits their drivers, and then they discuss the value of realism in your distances. 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code DATALOU15 for 15% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is a grab bag of topics. Mark first asks Lou and Greg about how the rest of the world perceives the USA/European Ryder Cup. Then they each offer their favorite highlight from the 2025 major season. They conclude by previewing what each of them are working toward this off-season. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that the dust has settled a bit, Mark, Lou, and Greg gather to talk through their thoughts following the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. In this episode, they offer their takes on the course setup, the pairings, the crowd, the captains, the envelope rule, and the furious but unfinished comeback attempt in the singles matches on Sunday. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. You're a single-figure index—a good golfer. And you're 250 out, in the fairway, on a par 5. How often will you birdie this hole? And how often will you make bogey or worse? Lou, Mark, and Greg discuss this and give instruction to help you find your best scores on the long holes. 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 database.  Check them out at: https://www.arccosgolf.com/  Use code MARK15 for 15% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A multiple major winner recently offered another suggestion to solve golf's "distance problem." In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg discuss what would happen if tees were banned and wedge loft was limited. Mark gets a little hot here, both about the responsibilities of golf media and about the actual proposal itself. Would Tour pros be able to figure out new ways to optimize their performance under these restrictions? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A good listener question for today's episode: how do you handle the streaks of a golf round? It often feels like you get hit for several holes, and then suddenly, you are on a run of birdies. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk through mental game and on-course strategies to get off the bogey train while stringing together more of those solid holes. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan - go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nordvpn.com/hackitout⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. There's no risk with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee! Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonline Lou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribe Lou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagner Greg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA The Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices