HACK IT OUT GOLF

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 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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 useful?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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 in our enjoyment of the game.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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, and how to keep those good setup positions in place for future rounds.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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-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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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/Listeners can also leave us a voicemail! https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 cold and rain? And how much luck is too much?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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 avoid wasting shots on the greens.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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 you want covered on the pod, please submit here: https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/contact/Listeners can also leave us a voicemail! https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 the pod, please submit here: https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/contact/Listeners can also leave us a voicemail! https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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, while enjoying some of the best moments in Stat history!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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 get the ball closer to the hole more frequently.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 worst tournament scores?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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. 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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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! https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Series events nothing but glorified Korn Ferry tournaments?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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 improvement in their scores.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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 either shape could show up on any swing?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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 learn to bring more attention to our game?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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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? And should Mark get a sponsor's invite?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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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, please submit here: https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/contact/Listeners can also leave us a voicemail! https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 on the green can help you putt fewer times and shoot lower scores.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 the round when things aren't going your way.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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 stabs at predictions for the upcoming US Open at Shinnecock.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 dispersion and greater distance? And how should a typical golfer go about testing this?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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 bonus question: it adds an unexpected wrinkle to the data.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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 *actually* happening on the course, and not just opinions.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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) preparation, mental freshness, energy conservation, a simple technical blueprint with strong face stability, and giving himself freedom to enjoy golf with less self-pressure in his 50s. A great listen on career longevity and unlocking peak performance later in life.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 get past the mental scars on holes like this?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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. They discuss the meaning of internal and external focus, when each might be useful, and how an external focus can free you up on the course to hit your best possible shots.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 (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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 importance of both measured data and a trained eye to make the quickest progress to good golf.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 English-speaking countries.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 a Tour card?). And finally, they check in with Brooks Koepka, who is piecing together his first season back on the PGA Tour following his return from LIV.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 submit here: https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/contact/Listeners can also leave us a voicemail! https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 eagle (no biggie!), and what he's working on for the rest of the season.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 place to invest your practice time.Video link: https://youtu.be/S8-xjEwELR0?si=JjZjKy6l1jItbKPqIf 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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 we all have.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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 covered on the pod, please submit here: https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/contact/Listeners can also leave us a voicemail! https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 in which you lose shots for ego reasons?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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 better player, and how we all can hit more greens in our next rounds.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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 on the pod, please submit here: https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/contact/Listeners can also leave us a voicemail! https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 pod, please submit here: https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/contact/Listeners can also leave us a voicemail! https://www.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 expectations on the course all year long.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!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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 someone who, like many of us, isn't always sure what shape shot is coming next.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.hackitoutgolf.com/voicemail/Where to find us:Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribeMark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonlineMark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfonlineLou Stagner's weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com/subscribeLou Stagner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouStagnerGreg Chalmers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGAThe Hack It Out Golf Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HackItOutGolfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.